U.S. Marine Corps

The 1st 8 Inch Howitzer Battery, part of the 1st Field Artillery Group (1st FAG), was a key artillery unit in the United States Marine Corps. Established to provide heavy fire support, the battery was equipped with the M115 8-inch howitzer, capable of delivering powerful, long-range artillery fire. During the Vietnam War, the 1st 8 Inch How Btry played a critical role in supporting Marine and allied ground operations, often tasked with counter-battery fire and the destruction of fortified enemy positions. Their precision and firepower significantly contributed to the effectiveness of Marine operations throughout their deployment.

The 1st Battalion, 10th Marines (1/10) was activated on November 1, 1940, at San Diego, California, as part of the 2nd Marine Division. The battalion served with distinction during World War II, participating in major campaigns including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, providing critical artillery support. In the decades since, 1/10 has deployed in support of numerous operations, including the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Today, the battalion continues to serve as a vital artillery unit, delivering fire support for II Marine Expeditionary Force missions worldwide.

The 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines (3/24) is a reserve infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, headquartered in Bridgeton, Missouri. Activated during World War II in 1943, 3/24 distinguished itself in the Pacific Theater, participating in major campaigns such as Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima as part of the 4th Marine Division. After being deactivated post-war, the battalion was later reactivated and served as a vital reserve component throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century, providing trained units and individual Marines for active duty service. In recent years, 3/24 has supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its tradition of excellence and service.

The 3rd Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion (3rd LAAM) was a United States Marine Corps unit activated in the late 1950s, initially at Marine Corps Base 29 Palms, California, before relocating to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The battalion was equipped with the HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) surface-to-air missile system, providing vital air defense capabilities for Fleet Marine Forces on the East Coast. Throughout the Cold War period, 3rd LAAM participated in numerous training exercises and played a key role in advancing Marine Corps air defense doctrine. The unit was eventually deactivated in the 1970s as technological advancements and force restructuring led to changes in Marine Corps air defense organization.

Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 39 (VS-39), also known as the “Hoot Owls,” was a United States Navy squadron established during World War II. Activated in 1943, VS-39 operated primarily in the Atlantic theater, tasked with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions to protect Allied shipping from German U-boat threats. The squadron flew aircraft such as the SBD Dauntless and later the Grumman TBM Avenger, conducting patrols, convoy escorts, and search-and-destroy missions. VS-39 was decommissioned in late 1945 following the end of the war, having played a significant role in securing vital sea lanes during the conflict.

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, located in Havelock, North Carolina, was commissioned in 1942 during World War II as a key base for Marine aviation operations. Throughout the war, Cherry Point served as a training and staging area for Marine aviation units, supporting operations in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. In the decades following WWII, the air station played a crucial role in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and subsequent conflicts, providing support for Marine Corps and Navy air operations. Today, MCAS Cherry Point remains one of the largest Marine Corps air stations, hosting a variety of aviation units and supporting both training and operational deployments worldwide.

The Combined Action Program (CAP) was a United States Marine Corps initiative during the Vietnam War, established in 1965. Its primary mission was to integrate small teams of Marines with local South Vietnamese Popular Force militias in rural villages, creating Combined Action Platoons. These units worked together to provide security, conduct counterinsurgency operations, and win the "hearts and minds" of the local population. The CAP proved effective in disrupting Viet Cong activities and fostering cooperation between U.S. forces and Vietnamese civilians, serving as an early example of successful embedded counterinsurgency tactics.

The United States Marine Corps Recruiting Command traces its origins to the early days of the Marine Corps, with formal recruiting efforts dating back to 1775. Its mission is to seek out and enlist qualified individuals into the ranks of the Marine Corps, ensuring the continued strength and readiness of the force. Over the centuries, Marine recruiters have adapted to evolving warfare demands, technological advancements, and societal changes, refining their strategies to attract top talent. Today, USMC Recruiting operates nationwide and abroad, playing a critical role in maintaining the Marine Corps’ elite status and upholding its proud traditions.

The 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines (2/23) is a distinguished infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, activated during World War II in July 1942. The unit saw fierce combat in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the pivotal battles of Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. After the war, 2/23 was deactivated but later reactivated as a reserve unit, continuing its tradition of excellence and readiness. In recent decades, 2/23 has supported numerous training, humanitarian, and operational deployments, including the Global War on Terror, upholding its legacy of valor and service.

The 9th Marines, a regiment of the United States Marine Corps, has a distinguished history as part of the 3rd Marine Division. Activated in 1942 during World War II, the unit fought bravely in campaigns such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. During the Vietnam War, the 9th Marines played a critical role in major operations, including the defense of Khe Sanh and actions throughout Quang Tri Province. The regiment has been deactivated and reactivated several times, continuing its legacy as a vital combat force within the 3rd Marine Division.

Submarine Squadron 7 (SUBRON 7) is a unit of the United States Navy based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Established in the early 1950s, SUBRON 7 has played a crucial role in the Pacific Fleet, overseeing the operations, training, and maintenance of assigned submarines. Throughout its history, the squadron has supported both conventional and nuclear-powered submarines, ensuring their readiness for a variety of missions, including deterrence, surveillance, and special operations. SUBRON 7 continues to contribute significantly to U.S. maritime security and power projection in the Indo-Pacific region.

The 1st Battalion, 27th Marines (1/27), was activated in January 1944 as part of the 5th Marine Division during World War II. The battalion played a pivotal role in the Battle of Iwo Jima, participating in the intense fighting to secure the island. After the war, the unit was deactivated, but it was later reactivated during the Vietnam War, where it deployed in 1968 and conducted operations in the Quang Nam Province. The 1/27th Marines continue to serve as a reserve infantry battalion, maintaining readiness for deployment in support of Marine Corps missions worldwide.

The 1st Marine Brigade Motor Transportation Company was a vital logistics unit within the 1st Marine Brigade, tasked with providing motorized transport for personnel, equipment, and supplies. Established during World War II, the company played a crucial role in supporting amphibious operations across the Pacific Theater, ensuring rapid and reliable movement during critical campaigns. Throughout its service, the company demonstrated exceptional adaptability under fire, often operating in hazardous conditions to maintain the brigade's operational tempo. Its legacy is marked by a steadfast commitment to mission success and the enduring support it provided to Marine combat operations.

The 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment (3/25) is a reserve infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps, headquartered in Brook Park, Ohio. Activated in 1943 during World War II, 3/25 fought valiantly in the Pacific Theater, most notably participating in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The battalion has since served in multiple conflicts, including deployments to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005, where it sustained significant casualties during intense combat operations in Al Anbar Province. Today, 3/25 remains a vital component of the Marine Forces Reserve, ready to support national defense and crisis response missions.

The 3rd Maintenance Battalion (3rd Maint BN) is a United States Marine Corps unit based in Okinawa, Japan, and falls under the command of Combat Logistics Regiment 35 and the 3rd Marine Logistics Group. The battalion was originally activated during the Vietnam War era, providing essential maintenance support to Marine Corps units in the Pacific theater. Over the decades, 3rd Maint BN has played a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness of Marine Corps equipment through maintenance, repair, and recovery operations. The unit continues to support III Marine Expeditionary Force missions throughout the Indo-Pacific region, contributing to both peacetime engagements and contingency operations.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 (VMFA-122), known as the "Flying Leathernecks," was originally commissioned in March 1942 during World War II, flying the F4F Wildcat. The squadron distinguished itself in the Pacific Theater, notably during the Solomon Islands campaign. Over the decades, VMFA-122 transitioned through various aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and the F/A-18 Hornet, participating in conflicts such as the Vietnam War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, the squadron operates the F-35B Lightning II, continuing its legacy as a premier Marine Corps fighter attack unit.

Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, part of the 3rd Marine Division, has a distinguished history dating back to its formation in World War II. The battalion saw intense combat in the Pacific, including major battles such as Guadalcanal and Okinawa. Reactivated for the Vietnam War, Charlie Company participated in significant operations like Operation Prairie and the defense of Con Thien. In the decades since, the unit has continued to serve with distinction, deploying to the Middle East and participating in major training exercises and contingency operations worldwide.

The 2nd Shore Party Battalion was a specialized logistics and support unit within the United States Marine Corps, activated during World War II. Its primary mission was to facilitate the rapid movement of troops, equipment, and supplies from ship to shore during amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater. The battalion played a pivotal role in several key operations, including the battles of Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian, ensuring vital supply lines remained open under intense enemy fire. After the war, the 2nd Shore Party Battalion was eventually deactivated as amphibious doctrine and technology evolved.

The 5th Battalion, 11th Marines (5/11th Marines) is an artillery battalion of the United States Marine Corps, activated in January 1941. It first saw combat in World War II, participating in major campaigns such as Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. The battalion has since served in numerous conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, providing artillery support for Marine infantry units. 5/11th Marines is notable for being the first Marine Corps artillery unit to field the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), enhancing its precision fire capabilities.

HMH-361, known as the "Flying Tigers," is a United States Marine Corps heavy helicopter squadron established in 1952. The unit has served with distinction in numerous conflicts, including the Vietnam War, where it provided critical troop transport and logistical support. Over the decades, HMH-361 has operated various helicopters, most notably the CH-53E Super Stallion, enhancing the Marine Corps’ heavy-lift capability. The squadron continues to play a vital role in expeditionary operations, humanitarian missions, and training exercises worldwide.

Marine Air Control Squadron 2 (MACS-2) is a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit that was originally commissioned in 1944 during World War II. The unit played a significant role in providing air surveillance and early warning throughout the Pacific campaign. During the Cold War and subsequent conflicts, MACS-2 continued to evolve, supporting operations in Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East with advanced radar and air traffic control capabilities. Today, MACS-2 remains a vital component of the Marine Air Control Group, delivering expeditionary command and control for Marine aviation and enhancing the Corps’ operational effectiveness worldwide.

Marine Air Control Squadron 9 (MACS-9) was a United States Marine Corps aviation command and control unit that was originally activated during World War II. The squadron's primary mission was to provide aerial surveillance, air traffic control, and air defense for Marine Corps aviation units. During the Cold War, MACS-9 was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, where it played a crucial role in supporting both training operations and readiness exercises. The unit contributed significantly to the development and implementation of radar and communication systems before it was eventually deactivated as part of force restructuring.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion NINE (MCB-9), known as the "Fighting Ninth," was a distinguished unit of the United States Navy Seabees. Commissioned during World War II in 1942, MCB-9 played a vital role in constructing airfields, bases, and other infrastructure throughout the Pacific Theater, supporting major operations in locations such as the Solomon Islands and the Philippines. After World War II, the battalion was decommissioned but later reactivated, serving with distinction in conflicts including the Korean and Vietnam Wars, where they built and maintained critical military facilities. MCB-9 continued to serve in peacetime construction and humanitarian missions until its final decommissioning in 1994.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE (NMCB 3), known as "Better Than Best," is a United States Navy Seabee battalion with a distinguished history dating back to its commissioning in 1942 during World War II. The battalion played a vital role in the Pacific Theater, constructing airfields, bases, and vital infrastructure under combat conditions. Throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars, NMCB 3 continued its legacy by building and maintaining critical facilities in support of military operations. In modern times, the unit has deployed worldwide for both combat support and humanitarian missions, upholding its tradition of excellence in naval construction.