Hq Co, Hq Bn, 1st Marine Division

• Historic Origins: Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division traces its roots to the activation of the 1st Marine Division on 1 February 1941 at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, making it part of one of the oldest and most storied Marine units. • Guadalcanal Campaign: HQ Co personnel played a pivotal role in command and control during the Guadalcanal Campaign (August 1942 – February 1943), the first major Allied offensive against Japan in World War II. • “The Old Breed” Nickname: The 1st Marine Division is famously known as "The Old Breed." HQ Co shares in this legacy, supporting division operations through every major conflict since WWII. • Korean War Heroics: During the Chosin Reservoir campaign (1950), HQ Co Marines provided crucial support under extreme conditions, helping coordinate the legendary breakout against overwhelming Chinese forces. • Presidential Unit Citations: The unit has contributed to the Division’s earning of multiple Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism, including at Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. • Vietnam Service: HQ Co supported operations throughout Vietnam from 1965 to 1971, including during the pivotal Battle of Hue City in 1968. • Desert Storm to Iraq: HQ Co was deployed during Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991) and participated in the 2003 Iraq invasion, providing vital command, control, and communications capabilities. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, HQ Co Marines have supported disaster relief and humanitarian operations, such as Operation Unified Assistance following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. • Tradition of “Blue Diamond”: The division’s iconic blue diamond patch is worn by HQ Co Marines, symbolizing unity and pride across generations. • Modern Technology Integration: Today, HQ Co leads the way in integrating new technologies for command and control, including advanced communications and cyber capabilities, ensuring the 1st Marine Division remains “Ready to Fight Tonight.”