About this Unit
Headquarters Battalion, 10th Marines was activated on November 15, 1940 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, as part of the 2d Marine Division. During World War II, the battalion participated in major campaigns including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, providing crucial command and control, communications, and logistical support. Following the war, the battalion was relocated to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where it remains today. Over the decades, Headquarters Battalion has continued to support 10th Marines and II Marine Expeditionary Force operations, both in peacetime and during deployments such as Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Early History: Headquarters Battalion, 10th Marines was activated on 25 July 1940 at San Diego, California, as part of the rapid expansion of the Marine Corps prior to U.S. entry into World War II.
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Artillery Command: The battalion serves as the headquarters element for the 10th Marine Regiment, the artillery regiment of the 2nd Marine Division, providing vital command and control capabilities.
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WWII Campaigns: Headquarters Battalion participated in some of the fiercest battles in the Pacific Theater, including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa.
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Historic Tarawa Landing: During the Battle of Tarawa in 1943, the 10th Marines provided crucial artillery support, firing over 20,000 rounds in the first 24 hours to help secure the island.
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Cold War Deployments: The battalion played key roles in post-WWII operations, including various training and readiness missions throughout the Cold War.
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Operation Desert Storm: Members of Headquarters Battalion deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991, providing artillery and support to coalition forces.
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Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, including operations in the Caribbean and Central America following natural disasters.
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Global War on Terror: Since 2001, Headquarters Battalion Marines have deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing command, control, and logistical support.
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Unit Motto: The regiment’s motto, "Steel on Target," reflects the precision and effectiveness of the artillery and command capabilities provided by its headquarters battalion.
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Modern Operations: Today, Headquarters Battalion, 10th Marines remains stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and continues to support training, readiness, and global deployments as part of the 2nd Marine Division.
