4:12 Marines

• Unit Designation: The 4th Battalion, 12th Marines (4/12) was an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, part of the 3rd Marine Division. • World War II Origins: The 12th Marine Regiment, to which 4/12 belonged, was first activated in 1942 and played a key role in the Pacific campaigns during World War II. • Vietnam War Service: 4/12 Marines saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, providing artillery support for infantry operations in I Corps, including the defense of Khe Sanh. • Khe Sanh Siege: Elements of 4/12 were instrumental in supporting the Marine base at Khe Sanh during the 77-day siege in 1968, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war. • Nickname: The battalion was sometimes referred to as "The Thunder Battalion," a nod to the devastating firepower of its artillery batteries. • Rotation with 3/12: After Vietnam, 4/12 alternated with 3/12 Marines to serve as the artillery battalion for the 3rd Marine Division, especially in Okinawa, Japan. • Deactivation and Reactivation: Over its history, 4/12 was deactivated and reactivated several times, reflecting changes in the Marine Corps’ force structure and overseas commitments. • Cold War Presence: During the Cold War, 4/12 was an integral part of the U.S. forward-deployed force in the Western Pacific, prepared for rapid response to regional crises. • Variety of Artillery: The unit was equipped with a range of artillery pieces over the years, including the M101 105mm howitzer, M114 155mm howitzer, and later, more modern artillery. • Legacy: Although 4/12 was eventually deactivated, its history and honors are preserved by the 12th Marine Regiment, and its veterans remain active in Marine Corps associations.