About this Unit
The 3rd Marine Division Headquarters (3rd Mar Div HQ) was activated on September 16, 1942, at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California. The division first saw combat during World War II in the Pacific Theater, participating in major operations including the battles of Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Reactivated for the Korean War and later stationed in Okinawa, Japan, the 3rd Mar Div HQ played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War, commanding Marine operations in northern I Corps, including the defense of Khe Sanh and operations along the DMZ. Today, the 3rd Mar Div HQ continues to serve as a forward-deployed command element, ensuring the readiness and rapid response capability of Marine forces throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Historical Facts
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Formation and WWII Origins: The 3rd Marine Division Headquarters (3rd Mar Div HQ) was activated on September 16, 1942, at Camp Elliott, California, as part of the massive wartime expansion of the US Marine Corps.
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Pacific Theater Deployment: The division HQ played a pivotal role in the Pacific during World War II, overseeing operations in the Battle of Bougainville, the liberation of Guam, and the ferocious Battle of Iwo Jima.
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Guam Reoccupation: In July 1944, 3rd Mar Div HQ coordinated the amphibious assault and eventual liberation of Guam, returning the territory to US control after two and a half years of Japanese occupation.
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Rapid Postwar Demobilization: After Japan’s surrender, the division HQ was tasked with occupation duties in Japan before being deactivated briefly in December 1945 as part of the rapid postwar drawdown.
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Reactivation for Cold War: The division HQ was reactivated in January 1952 at Camp Pendleton, California, in response to the rising tensions of the Cold War and the Korean conflict.
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Vietnam War Leadership: The 3rd Mar Div HQ moved to Okinawa in 1956 and later to Da Nang, South Vietnam, in 1965, where it directed major combat operations across northern I Corps, including the critical defense of Khe Sanh.
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Return to Okinawa: After the Vietnam War, the HQ returned to Okinawa, where it remains today, playing a crucial role in the defense posture of the US in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat roles, the division HQ has overseen numerous humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Pacific, including responses to typhoons and earthquakes.
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Distinctive Insignia: The division's insignia features a gold and scarlet triangle with a white “3,” symbolizing its lineage and heritage as the third division of the Marine Corps.
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Notable Commanders: The 3rd Mar Div HQ has been led by several legendary Marine generals, including Lewis “Chesty” Puller, who served as assistant division commander during World War II.
