Wpns Plt. Fox Co. 2nd Battalion 23rd Marines 4th Marine Division

• Origins of 2/23: 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines (2/23) was activated on July 20, 1942, as part of the 4th Marine Division during World War II. • Pivotal Role at Iwo Jima: The 23rd Marines, including Wpns Plt. Fox Co., played a crucial role in the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the most iconic battles in Marine Corps history. • Reserve Force: After WWII, 2/23 transitioned to a Marine Corps Reserve unit, drawing Marines from communities across the western United States. • Weapons Platoon Mission: The Weapons Platoon (Wpns Plt.) in a rifle company like Fox Company provides heavy fire support with machine guns, mortars, and anti-armor weapons. • Purple Foxes Nickname: Fox Company has often carried the nickname “Purple Foxes,” a tradition carried through generations of Marines. • Operation Desert Storm: Marines from 2/23, including Wpns Plt., were mobilized for service during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting coalition operations in the Gulf War. • September 11th Response: After the attacks of September 11, 2001, 2/23 was among the first reserve units mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. • Leadership Pipeline: Many officers and NCOs who served in Wpns Plt. Fox Co. have gone on to serve with distinction in active-duty and reserve commands across the Marine Corps. • Annual Training Traditions: The platoon participates in annual field training exercises, often at Camp Pendleton or Twentynine Palms, keeping their combat skills sharp and fostering unit camaraderie. • Community Service: Fox Company, 2/23, including Wpns Plt., is known for its community engagement, supporting veteran events, parades, and local charities in the Southern California region.