About this Unit
The 5th Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment (5/14th Marines) is a reserve artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Activated during World War II, the battalion participated in the Pacific campaign, notably in the Battle of Okinawa, providing crucial fire support for ground forces. After being deactivated post-war, 5/14th Marines was reactivated as part of the Marine Corps Reserve, with its headquarters located in Seal Beach, California. In recent years, the battalion has supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, exemplifying its ongoing commitment to providing artillery support to Marine Air-Ground Task Forces.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Activation: The 5th Battalion, 14th Marines (5/14th Marines) was originally activated on 1 March 1944 during World War II as part of the Marine Corps Reserve artillery units.
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World War II Service: The battalion served in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the Battle of Okinawa, providing critical artillery support to ground forces.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: After World War II, the battalion was deactivated, but it was later reactivated in the Marine Corps Reserve to bolster US artillery capabilities during the Cold War era.
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Reserve Artillery Role: 5/14th Marines is a reserve artillery battalion and part of the 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, providing field artillery support to Marine forces.
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Guns and Equipment: Over the years, the battalion has operated several types of artillery, including the M198 155mm howitzer, and later upgraded to the modern M777A2 lightweight howitzer.
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Gulf War Service: Elements of 5/14th Marines were mobilized and deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting coalition operations in the liberation of Kuwait.
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Global War on Terror: The battalion has contributed batteries and Marines to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing indirect fire support and augmenting active duty units.
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Notable Deployment - Operation Iraqi Freedom: In 2004, Battery N (November) of 5/14th Marines deployed to Iraq, providing artillery and provisional infantry support around Al Asad Airbase.
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Community Ties: The battalion is headquartered in Seal Beach, California, and has a long-standing relationship with the Southern California community, participating in local events and disaster relief.
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Nickname and Motto: Some batteries of the 5/14th Marines are known as the "Red Leg Battalion," a traditional artillery nickname referring to the red stripes on Civil War-era artillerymen’s uniforms.
