4:11th Marines

• Origins: The 4th Battalion, 11th Marines (4/11) was originally activated on March 1, 1942, at New River, North Carolina, as part of the rapid expansion of the US Marine Corps during World War II. • World War II Service: 4/11 participated in major Pacific campaigns, including the battles of Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, providing crucial artillery support for ground operations. • Deactivation and Reactivation: The battalion was deactivated post-WWII but has been reactivated multiple times, reflecting the changing needs of the Marine Corps during the Cold War and beyond. • Vietnam War: 4/11 played a key role in the Vietnam War, supporting Marine infantry units with artillery fire and often operating in challenging terrain and under fire. • Gulf War Deployment: 4/11 deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing artillery support during the liberation of Kuwait. • Adoption of HIMARS: In 2007, 4/11 became one of the first Marine Corps battalions to field the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), greatly increasing their range and accuracy. • Global War on Terror: Units from 4/11 have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting both conventional and counter-insurgency operations with artillery and fire support coordination. • Nickname: 4/11 is nicknamed the "Thunder Battalion," reflecting the power and impact of their artillery fire support. • Unique Configuration: 4/11 has frequently been organized as a “reinforced” battalion, integrating other assets such as target acquisition, counter-battery radar, and even provisional infantry roles when needed. • Current Assignment: Today, 4/11 is a part of the 1st Marine Division, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, and continues to train for expeditionary artillery operations worldwide.