About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 11th Marines (1/11) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps and a key component of the 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Activated in 1918, the battalion has participated in major conflicts including World War II, where it saw extensive action in the Pacific Theater at battles such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. During the Korean War, 1/11 provided critical fire support throughout the Inchon landing and Chosin Reservoir campaigns, and later served in the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Renowned for its versatility and firepower, 1/11 remains an essential artillery unit supporting Marine Corps operations worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Early History: The 1st Battalion, 11th Marines (1/11) was activated on August 3, 1917, at Quantico, Virginia, as part of the United States’ expansion for World War I, though it did not see combat in that conflict.
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World War II Pacific Campaigns: 1/11 played a vital artillery support role in some of the fiercest battles of WWII, including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa, helping to secure key victories in the Pacific theater.
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Korean War Legacy: The battalion participated in the legendary Inchon Landing and the Chosin Reservoir campaign, enduring freezing temperatures and overwhelming odds to support embattled infantry Marines.
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Vietnam War Deployments: Deployed to Vietnam in 1966, 1/11 provided artillery fire support during major operations in areas such as Da Nang, Hue, and Khe Sanh until its return in 1971.
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Nickname “Cannon Cockers”: Members of the battalion are proud of their nickname, “Cannon Cockers,” a slang term for artillerymen, highlighting their expertise with howitzers and big guns.
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Operation Desert Storm: 1/11 was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 1990-1991, delivering devastating fire missions during Operation Desert Storm and helping liberate Kuwait.
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Iraq and Afghanistan: The battalion deployed multiple times during the Global War on Terror, providing fire support in both Iraq and Afghanistan, including supporting the initial push into Baghdad in 2003.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: While no member of 1/11 has individually received the Medal of Honor, the unit’s parent regiment, 11th Marines, counts several Medal of Honor recipients among its history.
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Modernization: 1/11 has transitioned through several generations of artillery, from the WWII-era M101 howitzer to the modern M777A2 lightweight 155mm howitzer, keeping pace with technological advancements.
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Motto and Mission: The battalion’s mission is succinctly captured in the phrase: “To provide artillery support to the 1st Marine Division in any clime and place,” reflecting its adaptability and commitment to Marine Corps operations worldwide.
