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3:8th Marines

U.S. Marine Corps•114 members

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About this Unit

3:8th Marines

U.S. Marine Corps

The 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), known as "America's Battalion," was activated in 1940 and has a storied history of service in the United States Marine Corps. The battalion saw extensive combat in World War II, participating in pivotal battles such as Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. During the Global War on Terror, 3/8 deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, including operations in Fallujah and Helmand Province. The unit has also conducted humanitarian and peacekeeping missions around the world, upholding a legacy of readiness and valor before its deactivation in 2021.

About 3:8th Marines

About this Unit

Historical Facts

World War II Origins: The 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines (3/8) was activated on November 1, 1940, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, as part of the buildup for World War II.
Guadalcanal Campaign: 3/8 participated in the Guadalcanal campaign, one of the first major Allied offensives against Japan, contributing to turning the tide in the Pacific.
Battle of Tarawa: The battalion played a crucial role in the fierce Battle of Tarawa in November 1943, facing intense Japanese resistance on the heavily fortified island.
Saipan and Tinian: 3/8 fought in the battles of Saipan and Tinian in 1944, helping secure key islands for the Allied advance towards Japan.
Okinawa Campaign: The battalion took part in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the last major battle of World War II in the Pacific and one of the bloodiest.
Lebanon Deployments: In 1982 and 1983, 3/8 served as part of the Multinational Force in Lebanon, including during the Beirut barracks bombing tragedy.
Operation Desert Storm: 3/8 deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990-1991 in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, participating in the liberation of Kuwait.
Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has been involved in humanitarian and disaster relief operations, including in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.
Global War on Terror: 3/8 deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan during the 2000s and 2010s, engaging in combat operations and stability missions.
Deactivation and Legacy: Due to force restructuring, 3/8 was deactivated in May 2021, but its storied history and traditions continue to inspire Marines and military historians.

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3:8th Marines

U.S. Marine Corps•114 members

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About this Unit

3:8th Marines

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit members

Darrell Bates

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1989 - 1993

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Brad Geier

U.S. Marine Corps · 1975 - 1977

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Kevin Carlson

U.S. Marine Corps · 1965 - 1967

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charles williams

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

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Marine Corps photos

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About 3:8th Marines

About this Unit

Historical Facts

World War II Origins: The 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines (3/8) was activated on November 1, 1940, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, as part of the buildup for World War II.
Guadalcanal Campaign: 3/8 participated in the Guadalcanal campaign, one of the first major Allied offensives against Japan, contributing to turning the tide in the Pacific.
Battle of Tarawa: The battalion played a crucial role in the fierce Battle of Tarawa in November 1943, facing intense Japanese resistance on the heavily fortified island.
Saipan and Tinian: 3/8 fought in the battles of Saipan and Tinian in 1944, helping secure key islands for the Allied advance towards Japan.
Okinawa Campaign: The battalion took part in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the last major battle of World War II in the Pacific and one of the bloodiest.
Lebanon Deployments: In 1982 and 1983, 3/8 served as part of the Multinational Force in Lebanon, including during the Beirut barracks bombing tragedy.
Operation Desert Storm: 3/8 deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990-1991 in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, participating in the liberation of Kuwait.
Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has been involved in humanitarian and disaster relief operations, including in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake.
Global War on Terror: 3/8 deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan during the 2000s and 2010s, engaging in combat operations and stability missions.
Deactivation and Legacy: Due to force restructuring, 3/8 was deactivated in May 2021, but its storied history and traditions continue to inspire Marines and military historians.