5:14th Marines

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.