About this Unit
Headquarters, 12th Marine Regiment is a key artillery command within the United States Marine Corps, forming part of the 3rd Marine Division. Activated in 1927, the regiment has a distinguished history of providing fire support in major conflicts, including World War II campaigns in the Pacific such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. During the Vietnam War, the 12th Marines delivered crucial artillery support throughout the conflict. Today, HQ 12th Marine Regiment continues its legacy by supporting Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations and maintaining readiness for expeditionary missions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Historical Facts
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Formation in China (1927): The 12th Marine Regiment was first activated on October 4, 1927, in Tientsin, China, as part of the 3rd Marine Brigade, tasked with protecting American interests during the Chinese Civil War.
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World War II Pacific Campaign: The regiment participated in major World War II battles including Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima, providing critical artillery support for Marine infantry units.
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Iwo Jima Heroism: During the Battle of Iwo Jima, the 12th Marines delivered continuous fire support under hazardous conditions, supporting the iconic raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi.
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Nickname - "The Thunder Regiment": The unit earned the moniker “The Thunder Regiment” due to the overwhelming power and accuracy of its artillery barrages during WWII.
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Korean War Deployments: After WWII, the 12th Marines were deactivated but later reactivated during the Korean War, though they did not deploy directly to Korea, instead supporting operations from Okinawa.
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Vietnam War Service: The regiment played a major role in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1969, providing fire support during major operations such as Operation Starlite and the Tet Offensive.
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Operation Desert Storm: Elements of the 12th Marines participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing artillery support for coalition forces liberating Kuwait.
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Humanitarian Missions: The regiment has been involved in various humanitarian missions, including disaster relief in the Philippines and Japan, showcasing the Marine Corps' versatility.
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Modernization: The 12th Marines have continually updated their artillery systems, currently operating advanced M777A2 155mm howitzers and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
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Current Headquarters: Today, HQ 12th Marine Regiment is based at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, serving as the primary artillery regiment for the 3rd Marine Division and maintaining readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.
