U.S. Marine Corps

The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (3/5), known as "Darkhorse," is a distinguished infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, activated in June 1917. The unit fought valiantly in World War I, notably at the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. During World War II, 3/5 participated in key battles across the Pacific, including Guadalcanal and Okinawa. In recent history, 3/5 served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning recognition for their courage and sacrifice, particularly during the intense fighting in Sangin, Afghanistan, in 2010-2011.

The 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (3/9) is a storied infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, originally activated in 1942 during World War II. The battalion saw combat in the Pacific Theater, including the battles of Bougainville and Guam. Reactivated for the Vietnam War, 3/9 participated in major operations such as Operation Double Eagle and the defense of Khe Sanh. In the post-Vietnam era, 3/9 served in various deployments, including Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, before being deactivated and later reactivated as part of the Marine Corps’ force structure realignments.

The US Submarine Service, also known as the Silent Service, is a branch of the United States Navy that operates submarines for various missions such as intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and strategic deterrence. Submarines are equipped with advanced technology and weaponry to operate covertly and effectively underwater. The submarine service plays a crucial role in the US military's overall defense strategy, providing a stealthy and powerful force that can project power across the oceans. Submariners undergo rigorous training and are known for their skill, courage, and dedication to serving their country.

The 1st Battalion, 8th Marines (1/8), known as "The Beirut Battalion," is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, formed in 1940. It saw extensive combat during World War II, notably at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. In 1983, 1/8 was deployed to Beirut, Lebanon, as part of a multinational peacekeeping force, and tragically suffered heavy casualties in the Beirut barracks bombing. Since then, 1/8 has participated in numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, upholding its legacy of service and sacrifice.

The 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4), known as "Thundering Third," is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps with a storied history dating back to its activation in 1925. The battalion saw extensive combat in World War II, participating in major battles such as Guadalcanal, Guam, and Okinawa. During the Vietnam War, 3/4 earned distinction in numerous operations, including the famous seizure of Hill 881 during the Battle of Khe Sanh. In the 21st century, 3/4 deployed multiple times in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, continuing its legacy of valor and adaptability.

The 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines (2/5), was activated in July 1917 and is the most decorated battalion in the United States Marine Corps. The unit first distinguished itself during World War I in battles such as Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. In World War II, 2/5 fought in major campaigns including Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. Since then, the battalion has served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, consistently demonstrating valor and adaptability across diverse combat environments.

The 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines (1/23rd Reserve Unit) is a distinguished infantry battalion within the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Activated during World War II, the unit saw significant combat in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the battles of Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Since then, 1/23 has been mobilized for numerous operations, including the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing critical support and combat capabilities. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, 1/23rd continues to uphold its legacy of readiness and service as part of the 4th Marine Division.

The 1st Battalion, 12th Marines (1/12) was activated on September 1, 1942, as part of the 3rd Marine Division during World War II. It participated in major campaigns in the Pacific Theater, including Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima, providing artillery support for infantry operations. Following World War II, the battalion was deactivated and reactivated several times, serving in the Vietnam War and later in operations in the Western Pacific and the Middle East. Throughout its history, 1/12 has remained a key artillery unit of the United States Marine Corps, demonstrating versatility and combat effectiveness in a wide range of conflicts.

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) was activated in 1942 during World War II, providing crucial air support in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, the wing has played a key role in major conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror. Headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, 3rd MAW delivers combat-ready aviation forces capable of expeditionary operations. Its diverse squadrons operate aircraft such as the F/A-18 Hornet, MV-22 Osprey, and AH-1Z Viper, ensuring air superiority and close air support for Marine Corps missions worldwide.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (MCRD San Diego) was established in 1921 as a key training facility for the United States Marine Corps on the West Coast. Originally serving as a base for Marine activities during World War I, it became the primary location for recruit training west of the Mississippi River. Throughout World War II, MCRD San Diego processed and trained tens of thousands of new Marines, playing a crucial role in building the Corps’ wartime strength. Today, it continues its legacy as one of only two Marine Corps recruit depots, responsible for transforming thousands of young men into Marines each year.

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) was commissioned on July 10, 1941, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. During World War II, the unit played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, providing air support in key campaigns such as the Battle of Okinawa and the capture of Iwo Jima. In subsequent decades, 2nd MAW participated in the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror, supporting Marine operations with fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. Today, the 2nd MAW remains a vital component of the United States Marine Corps, delivering air support, assault support, and reconnaissance capabilities to Marine Air-Ground Task Forces worldwide.

The 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines (2/9), known as "Hell in a Helmet," was activated during World War II in 1942 and served with distinction in the Pacific, notably at Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. The battalion saw heavy combat during the Vietnam War, participating in major operations such as Operation Dewey Canyon and defending Khe Sanh. After several periods of deactivation and reactivation, 2/9 served in the Gulf War and later participated in deployments supporting the Global War on Terrorism. The battalion was last deactivated in 2015 as part of the Marine Corps' force structure realignment.

The Marine Corps Reserve, officially established in 1916 by the Naval Appropriations Act, serves as the reserve component of the United States Marine Corps. Throughout its history, the Reserve has played a crucial role in augmenting active-duty forces during major conflicts, including World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror. Reserve Marines have provided combat power, specialized skills, and community support in both wartime and peacetime operations. Today, the Marine Corps Reserve remains a vital force, capable of rapidly mobilizing to support national defense and humanitarian missions worldwide.

The 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment (3/6), nicknamed "Teufelhunden," was activated in 1917 and quickly distinguished itself in World War I, fighting in battles such as Belleau Wood and Soissons. During World War II, the battalion participated in the Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Saipan campaigns, earning multiple Presidential Unit Citations. In more recent history, 3/6 has deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, taking part in major campaigns such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Renowned for its combat effectiveness and esprit de corps, 3/6 remains a vital infantry battalion within the 2nd Marine Division.

The 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines (3/2), known as "Betio Bastards," is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Activated in 1941, 3/2 participated in major World War II campaigns, including the Battle of Tarawa, earning its nickname for actions on Betio Island. The battalion has seen combat in numerous conflicts, such as the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Renowned for its operational effectiveness, 3/2 continues to serve as a rapid response force, upholding a distinguished legacy in Marine Corps history.

1st Marine Division

130 members

The 1st Marine Division, activated in February 1941, is the oldest and most decorated division in the United States Marine Corps. It earned its legendary reputation during World War II, particularly at Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. The division also played pivotal roles in the Korean War, most notably during the Battle of Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir. Since then, the 1st Marine Division has served in major conflicts including Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, consistently upholding its motto: "No better friend, no worse enemy."

3RD RECON BN

128 members

The 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion (3RD RECON BN) is a United States Marine Corps reconnaissance unit with a distinguished history dating back to its activation in 1943 during World War II. The battalion has participated in major conflicts including World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism, providing critical intelligence and surveillance for Marine operations. Notably, during the Vietnam War, 3RD RECON BN conducted deep reconnaissance and direct action missions, often operating behind enemy lines. Today, the battalion remains an essential element of the 3rd Marine Division, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and continues to support expeditionary operations across the Indo-Pacific region.

The 3rd Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force (FMF), was activated on September 16, 1942, at Camp Elliott, California, and quickly distinguished itself during World War II in the Pacific Theater, notably at Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Following World War II, the division was reactivated in 1952 and later deployed to Okinawa, Japan, establishing a forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The 3rd Marine Division played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, conducting major combat operations such as at Khe Sanh and along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Today, the division remains headquartered on Okinawa, serving as a key rapid-response force for the United States Marine Corps in the Indo-Pacific.

The 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5), known as "Geronimo," is one of the most decorated infantry battalions in the United States Marine Corps. Activated in 1917, it earned distinction during World War I at Belleau Wood and Soissons. The battalion saw extensive combat in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, participating in key operations such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Hue City. In the 21st century, 1/5 has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of excellence and valor in modern conflicts.

8TH ENG

117 members

The 8th Engineer Battalion (8TH ENG), originally constituted in 1916, has a distinguished history of providing combat engineering support to the United States Army. The battalion has participated in major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Throughout its service, the 8TH ENG has been recognized for its expertise in mobility, countermobility, and survivability operations, often constructing vital infrastructure under hostile conditions. Today, the unit continues to serve as a key enabler for maneuver forces, maintaining readiness and versatility in support of Army missions worldwide.

2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (2/1), known as "The Professionals," is a distinguished infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Activated in 1933, 2/1 first saw major action during World War II, participating in pivotal battles such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. The battalion continued its legacy in the Korean War, notably fighting at Inchon, Seoul, and the Chosin Reservoir. In modern times, 2/1 has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, upholding its tradition of excellence and valor in combat operations worldwide.

**1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) Military History:** The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1), known as "The First of the First," was activated in 1940 and has served as a key infantry battalion of the 1st Marine Division. During World War II, 1/1 fought in major battles such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. The battalion also saw extensive combat in the Korean War, including the Inchon landing and the Chosin Reservoir campaign, and later participated in the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Throughout its distinguished history, 1/1 has earned a reputation for valor, resilience, and excellence in combat operations.

The 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines ("3/3"), nicknamed "America's Battalion," is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps formed in 1942 during World War II. The unit saw combat in the Pacific Theater, including the battles of Bougainville and Guam. During the Vietnam War, 3/3 participated in major operations such as Operation Starlite and Operation Hastings. In the 21st century, the battalion deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy as one of the Marine Corps’ most storied and battle-tested units.

The 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (3/8), known as "America's Battalion," was activated in 1940 and has a storied history of service in the United States Marine Corps. The battalion saw extensive combat in World War II, participating in pivotal battles such as Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. During the Global War on Terror, 3/8 deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, including operations in Fallujah and Helmand Province. The unit has also conducted humanitarian and peacekeeping missions around the world, upholding a legacy of readiness and valor before its deactivation in 2021.