About this Unit
The 3rd Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force (FMF), was activated on September 16, 1942, at Camp Elliott, California, and quickly distinguished itself during World War II in the Pacific Theater, notably at Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Following World War II, the division was reactivated in 1952 and later deployed to Okinawa, Japan, establishing a forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The 3rd Marine Division played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, conducting major combat operations such as at Khe Sanh and along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Today, the division remains headquartered on Okinawa, serving as a key rapid-response force for the United States Marine Corps in the Indo-Pacific.
Historical Facts
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Formation in World War II: The 3rd Marine Division was activated on September 16, 1942, at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California, to serve in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
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Battle of Bougainville: The division’s first major combat was the Bougainville campaign (November 1943), where it played a crucial role in establishing the beachhead and expanding the perimeter against fierce Japanese resistance.
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Iwo Jima Participation: Elements of the 3rd Marine Division took part in the legendary Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, helping to secure the island that was vital for air operations against Japan.
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Korean War Readiness: While not directly deployed to Korea as a division, the 3rd Marine Division was reactivated in 1952 as part of the U.S. response to the Korean War, serving as a strategic reserve and later deploying to Japan.
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Vietnam War Combat: The division was one of the first major U.S. units to arrive in Vietnam (March 1965), and it participated in numerous operations, including Operation Starlite, Operation Prairie, and the defense of Khe Sanh.
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Operation Frequent Wind: 3rd Marine Division Marines helped with the evacuation of Saigon in April 1975, the largest helicopter evacuation in history, marking the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
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Humanitarian Missions: The division has participated in various humanitarian missions, including disaster relief in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Operation Tomodachi following the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami.
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Unit Insignia: The division’s insignia features a gold and red shield with a three-pointed star, symbolizing the division number “3,” set against a blue background representing the Pacific.
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Forward Deployed in Japan: The division is currently headquartered at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, acting as a forward-deployed force to maintain security and respond rapidly to crises in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Famous Alumni: Several notable Marines have served in the division, including Medal of Honor recipients like Sergeant Major Daniel J. Daly and Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, whose heroics have become part of Marine Corps legend.
