About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (3/9) is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, first activated in 1917. The battalion saw extensive combat in World War II, notably participating in the battles of Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. During the Vietnam War, 3/9 operated in key engagements such as Operation Dewey Canyon and the Battle of Khe Sanh. The unit has since participated in multiple deployments, including the Gulf War and the Global War on Terror, before being deactivated and reactivated several times in the 21st century.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Formation: The 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (3/9) was first activated on November 20, 1917 at Quantico, Virginia, making it one of the older battalions in the Marine Corps.
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World War II Service: 3/9 participated in the Pacific Theater during World War II, notably fighting in the Bougainville campaign and the Battle of Guam.
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Vietnam War Actions: The battalion saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, including major operations such as Operation Starlite, Operation Buffalo, and the defense of Khe Sanh.
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Nickname: 3/9 is nicknamed “The Walking Dead,” a moniker reportedly given by Radio Hanoi due to the unit’s frequent presence in dangerous combat zones and its reputation for resilience.
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Heroism at Khe Sanh: During the 1968 siege of Khe Sanh, 3/9 Marines defended the combat base under heavy enemy bombardment, earning numerous individual and unit commendations for valor.
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Gulf War Deployment: 3/9 participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990–1991, conducting operations in Kuwait and Iraq as part of the 1st Marine Division.
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Deactivations and Reactivations: The battalion has been deactivated and reactivated several times, most recently in 2008 before its final deactivation in 2014 as part of Marine Corps force restructuring.
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Notable Alumni: Several distinguished Marines served with 3/9, including Medal of Honor recipient PFC Frank Witek, who was posthumously awarded for his actions on Guam in 1944.
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Humanitarian Missions: 3/9 also took part in humanitarian operations, such as Operation Sea Angel in Bangladesh in 1991, providing disaster relief after a devastating cyclone.
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Legacy and Honors: The battalion received numerous unit citations, including Presidential Unit Citations and Navy Unit Commendations, and its legacy is remembered in Marine Corps history and traditions.
