Ist battalion 11th Marines 1st Mar Div

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.