3rd Bn. 27tth Marines

• Formation and World War II: The 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines (3/27) was originally activated on January 10, 1944, as part of the 5th Marine Division during World War II. • Iwo Jima Campaign: The battalion played a critical role in the Battle of Iwo Jima, landing on February 19, 1945, and engaging in fierce combat to secure the island. • Presidential Unit Citation: For its extraordinary heroism during the Iwo Jima operation, the 3/27 was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. • Deactivation Post-WWII: After the end of WWII, the battalion was deactivated on February 28, 1946, along with the 5th Marine Division. • Reactivation for Vietnam War: The 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines was reactivated on January 1, 1966, at Camp Pendleton, California, as part of the Marine Corps’ build-up for the Vietnam War. • Tet Offensive Deployment: In 1968, 3/27 was rapidly deployed to Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, engaging in several critical operations in the Quang Nam and Quang Tri provinces. • Operation Allen Brook: The battalion participated in Operation Allen Brook (May–June 1968), a major clearing operation on Go Noi Island, facing intense enemy resistance and suffering heavy casualties. • Heroic Actions: During Vietnam, Marines from 3/27 earned numerous individual honors, including several Navy Crosses for acts of valor. • Brief Existence: The 3/27’s deployment to Vietnam was relatively brief; the unit returned to the United States and was deactivated again on September 13, 1968. • Legacy: Though only activated for major wars, the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, is remembered for its courage and significant contributions during two of the most pivotal conflicts in Marine Corps history.