About this Unit
Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines—often called "Charlie 1/1"—is a storied infantry company within the United States Marine Corps. The battalion was activated in 1940 and played a significant role in major World War II battles, including Guadalcanal and Okinawa. Charlie Company saw fierce combat during the Korean War at the Chosin Reservoir and in Vietnam at places like Hue City. In more recent history, it has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terror, continuing its legacy of valor and service.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Nickname: Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (C/1/1) is part of the storied 1st Marine Regiment, known as "The Old Breed," established in 1913 at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
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World War II Valor: C/1/1 played a crucial role in the battles of Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, enduring some of the fiercest fighting in the Pacific Theater.
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Korean War Heroics: During the Korean War, C/1/1 was present at the legendary Inchon Landing and fought tenaciously at the Chosin Reservoir, earning the nickname "The Chosin Few."
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Vietnam War Actions: The company participated in major operations such as Operation Starlite (1965) and the Battle of Hue City (1968), demonstrating adaptability in jungle and urban warfare.
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Purple Heart Battalion: 1st Battalion, 1st Marines has one of the highest numbers of Purple Hearts awarded within the Marine Corps, including many to Charlie Company, due to their front-line roles.
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Operation Desert Storm: C/1/1 was part of the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, breaching Iraqi defenses and showcasing rapid maneuver warfare.
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Iraq and Afghanistan Deployments: The company served multiple combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, participating in major battles such as Fallujah and Helmand Province.
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Presidential Unit Citation: 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, including Charlie Company, has received multiple Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action.
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Hollywood Connection: The battalion, including Charlie Company, was depicted in the HBO miniseries The Pacific, particularly through the experiences of Eugene Sledge and John Basilone.
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Modern Deployment Readiness: Today, C/1/1 remains a rapid-response force, ready to deploy worldwide as part of the Marine Corps’ Marine Expeditionary Units, continuing its legacy of excellence and valor.
