About this Unit
The 5th Battalion, 11th Marines (5/11th Marines) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, activated in January 1941. It first saw combat in World War II, participating in major campaigns such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. The battalion has since served in numerous conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, providing artillery support for Marine infantry units. 5/11th Marines is notable for being the first Marine Corps artillery unit to field the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), enhancing its precision fire capabilities.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Nickname: The 5th Battalion, 11th Marines (5/11) was activated in 1942 during World War II and is nicknamed "The Steel Rain" for its powerful artillery strikes.
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World War II Service: 5/11th Marines participated in several major Pacific campaigns, including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, providing critical artillery support for Marine infantry.
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Korean War Contributions: The battalion was reactivated for service in the Korean War, supporting United Nations forces during key engagements such as the Battle of Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir.
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Vietnam War Deployments: 5/11th Marines deployed to Vietnam in 1966 and provided artillery fire support in operations including Hue City, Khe Sanh, and the Tet Offensive.
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Transition to HIMARS: In 2008, 5/11 became the first active-duty Marine Corps artillery battalion to field and operate the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), enhancing its rapid-deployment capability.
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Gulf War: The battalion was deployed as part of Operation Desert Storm in 1990-91, supporting the liberation of Kuwait with precision artillery barrages.
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Global War on Terror: 5/11th Marines has been deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, providing fire support, security, and even adapting to non-traditional missions such as convoy security.
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Notable Firsts: 5/11 was the first Marine artillery battalion to fire the M777A2 lightweight howitzer in combat during operations in Afghanistan.
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Humanitarian Missions: Members of 5/11 have participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, such as in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
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Current Role: Stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, 5/11th Marines continues to serve as the primary rocket artillery battalion for the 1st Marine Division, maintaining readiness for rapid deployment worldwide.
