5:10th Marines

• World War II Origins: 5th Battalion, 10th Marines (5/10) was activated on November 1, 1940, at San Diego, California, as part of the 2nd Marine Division. The unit played a crucial artillery support role throughout World War II. • Battle of Tarawa: 5/10th Marines provided artillery fire support during the fierce Battle of Tarawa in November 1943—one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history. • Saipan and Tinian Campaigns: The battalion was heavily involved in the invasions of Saipan and Tinian in 1944, helping secure these strategic islands for Allied forces in the Pacific. • Okinawa Landings: During the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, 5/10th Marines delivered continuous fire support under challenging and dangerous conditions, contributing to the eventual Allied victory. • Deactivation and Reactivation: After World War II, 5/10th Marines was deactivated in November 1947, but reactivated in January 1951 as Cold War tensions rose. • Cold War Service: Throughout the Cold War, 5/10th Marines participated in numerous training exercises and deployments, maintaining readiness in the face of global uncertainty. • Operation Desert Storm: The battalion deployed to Southwest Asia in 1990-1991 as part of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, providing artillery support during the liberation of Kuwait. • Global War on Terror: 5/10th Marines supported operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, deploying batteries and personnel in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. • Modernization: The battalion has continuously modernized, transitioning from traditional towed artillery to more advanced systems, ensuring its relevance in 21st-century conflicts. • Unit Motto: The 5/10th Marines' motto is "The Best Supporting the Best," reflecting their proud tradition of providing essential artillery support to Marine infantry units.