3RD BATALLION, 7TH MARINES

• Formation and Early History: The 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines (3/7) was first activated on January 1, 1941 at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as part of the rapid expansion of the US Marine Corps prior to World War II. • Battle of Guadalcanal: 3/7 participated in the pivotal Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942, fighting in some of the earliest and fiercest engagements against Japanese forces in the Pacific. • Peleliu Campaign: The battalion played a key role in the Battle of Peleliu in September 1944, enduring some of the bloodiest combat in Marine Corps history to secure the island. • Korean War Heroism: During the Korean War, 3/7 was involved in the legendary Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where Marines famously fought their way out of encirclement in freezing conditions. • Vietnam War Actions: Deployed to Vietnam in 1965, 3/7 participated in major operations including Starlite and Hastings, earning a reputation for toughness and resilience. • Nickname "Cutting Edge": The battalion is often referred to by its nickname, “The Cutting Edge,” reflecting its reputation for being at the forefront of combat operations. • Operation Desert Storm: 3/7 was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990 as part of Operation Desert Shield and took part in the ground assault during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. • Battle of Husaybah: In May 2005, 3/7 was heavily involved in Operation Matador (Battle of Husaybah) during the Iraq War, targeting insurgent strongholds along the Syrian border. • Afghanistan Deployments: 3/7 has conducted multiple deployments to Afghanistan, including operations in Helmand Province, where they faced intense combat and helped train Afghan security forces. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Marines from 3/7 have received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism, including Private First Class Frank Witek (World War II) and Lance Corporal Richard E. Kraus (World War II).