7th tank bn, fmf pac

• Formation and World War II Service: The 7th Tank Battalion was activated in 1943 and served as part of the 1st Marine Division during World War II, participating in several Pacific campaigns. • Pacific Island Landings: The battalion saw intense action during the Battle of Peleliu (1944), where its tanks provided crucial support to infantry units on heavily fortified beaches. • Combat at Okinawa: During the Battle of Okinawa, the 7th Tank Battalion used Sherman tanks to help break through Japanese defenses, often operating in difficult terrain and under heavy fire. • Use of Flame Tanks: The 7th Tank Battalion was noted for employing flamethrower-equipped Sherman tanks, which proved highly effective against entrenched enemy positions. • Post-War Deactivation: After the end of World War II, the battalion was deactivated in 1945 as part of the general drawdown of forces. • Redesignation and Reactivation: Elements of the battalion were later redesignated and reactivated in subsequent years as armored units evolved within the Marine Corps. • Presidential Unit Citation: The 7th Tank Battalion, as part of the 1st Marine Division, received the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action during the Peleliu and Okinawa campaigns. • Innovative Tactics: The battalion was known for its adaptation of combined-arms tactics, integrating tanks with infantry and engineers to overcome Japanese bunkers and fortifications. • Legacy in Marine Armor: The experiences and lessons learned by the 7th Tank Battalion significantly influenced postwar Marine Corps armored doctrine and tactics. • FMF PAC Assignment: The 7th Tank Battalion was an integral part of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (FMF PAC), contributing armored support to major amphibious operations in the Pacific Theater.