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5TH MARINE REGIMENT

U.S. Marine Corps•79 members

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About this Unit

5TH MARINE REGIMENT

U.S. Marine Corps

The 5th Marine Regiment, known as "5th Marines," is one of the most decorated regiments in the United States Marine Corps, officially activated in 1917. The unit distinguished itself during World War I at Belleau Wood, earning the French Fourragère for its valor. Throughout World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror, the 5th Marines participated in key battles, including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Inchon, and Fallujah. The regiment continues to serve as a vital component of the 1st Marine Division, maintaining a legacy of honor, courage, and commitment.

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Historical Facts

Oldest Active Regiment: The 5th Marine Regiment, also known as "5th Marines," was activated on June 8, 1917, making it the oldest continuously serving regiment in the Marine Corps.
Devil Dogs: The regiment earned the nickname "Devil Dogs" ("Teufel Hunden") from German soldiers during World War I for their tenacity at the Battle of Belleau Wood.
Fourragère: The 5th Marines are authorized to wear the French Fourragère, a braided cord, for their heroic actions in France during World War I—an honor shared only with the 6th Marines.
Belleau Wood: The regiment played a pivotal role in the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918, helping turn the tide against the Germans and solidifying the Marine Corps' reputation as elite shock troops.
Guadalcanal Campaign: During World War II, the 5th Marines were among the first units to land during the pivotal Guadalcanal Campaign in 1942.
Korean War - Chosin Reservoir: The regiment fought in the legendary Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where Marines withstood brutal cold and overwhelming Chinese forces.
Vietnam War - Operation Hue City: The 5th Marines spearheaded the grueling house-to-house combat during the Battle of Hue City in 1968, one of the fiercest urban battles of the Vietnam War.
Decorations: The 5th Marines have received numerous Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendations, and campaign streamers for their distinguished service in major conflicts.
Operation Iraqi Freedom: Elements of the 5th Marines were among the first U.S. troops to cross into Iraq in 2003, leading the assault to Baghdad.
Notable Alumni: Legendary Marines such as John Basilone (Medal of Honor recipient) served with the 5th Marines, further enhancing the regiment's storied legacy.

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5TH MARINE REGIMENT

U.S. Marine Corps•79 members

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About this Unit

5TH MARINE REGIMENT

U.S. Marine Corps

Unit members

Glenn Hinrichsen

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1970 - 1971

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Bruce Smith

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1983 - 1986

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Kevin Vanhoozier

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran · 1986 - 1990

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Michael Ritchie

U.S. Marine Corps · 1985 - 1986

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Marine Corps photos

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About 5TH MARINE REGIMENT

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Oldest Active Regiment: The 5th Marine Regiment, also known as "5th Marines," was activated on June 8, 1917, making it the oldest continuously serving regiment in the Marine Corps.
Devil Dogs: The regiment earned the nickname "Devil Dogs" ("Teufel Hunden") from German soldiers during World War I for their tenacity at the Battle of Belleau Wood.
Fourragère: The 5th Marines are authorized to wear the French Fourragère, a braided cord, for their heroic actions in France during World War I—an honor shared only with the 6th Marines.
Belleau Wood: The regiment played a pivotal role in the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918, helping turn the tide against the Germans and solidifying the Marine Corps' reputation as elite shock troops.
Guadalcanal Campaign: During World War II, the 5th Marines were among the first units to land during the pivotal Guadalcanal Campaign in 1942.
Korean War - Chosin Reservoir: The regiment fought in the legendary Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where Marines withstood brutal cold and overwhelming Chinese forces.
Vietnam War - Operation Hue City: The 5th Marines spearheaded the grueling house-to-house combat during the Battle of Hue City in 1968, one of the fiercest urban battles of the Vietnam War.
Decorations: The 5th Marines have received numerous Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendations, and campaign streamers for their distinguished service in major conflicts.
Operation Iraqi Freedom: Elements of the 5th Marines were among the first U.S. troops to cross into Iraq in 2003, leading the assault to Baghdad.
Notable Alumni: Legendary Marines such as John Basilone (Medal of Honor recipient) served with the 5th Marines, further enhancing the regiment's storied legacy.