5:11th Marines

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Gulf War: The battalion was deployed as part of Operation Desert Storm in 1990-91, supporting the liberation of Kuwait with precision artillery barrages. • 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. • Notable Firsts: 5/11 was the first Marine artillery battalion to fire the M777A2 lightweight howitzer in combat during operations in Afghanistan. • 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. • 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.