About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4), is a distinguished infantry battalion of the 3rd Marine Division, United States Marine Corps. Activated in 1925, the battalion earned early honors during World War II, participating in pivotal battles such as Guadalcanal, Guam, and Okinawa. During the Vietnam War, 3/4 saw extensive combat, most notably at Khe Sanh and during Operation Hastings. In recent decades, the battalion has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, continuing its legacy of excellence and valor.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Lineage: 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (3/4), part of the 3rd Marine Division, was originally activated in 1925 in Shanghai, China, making it one of the oldest active infantry battalions in the Marine Corps.
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"Thundering Third": The unit’s nickname is the "Thundering Third," reflecting its reputation for aggressive action and effectiveness in combat.
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Guadalcanal and WWII: 3/4 participated in major Pacific campaigns during World War II, including Guadalcanal, earning multiple Presidential Unit Citations for its valor.
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Bataan Death March Connection: Elements of 4th Marines, including 3/4’s lineage, were captured in the Philippines in 1942 and endured the Bataan Death March, symbolizing the unit’s storied sacrifice.
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Korean War: The battalion was reactivated and deployed during the Korean War, serving with distinction in several operations and battles.
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Vietnam War - "The Magnificent Bastards": 3/4 earned the nickname "The Magnificent Bastards" during the Vietnam War, where they saw heavy combat, notably in the battles of Khe Sanh and the recapture of Hue City.
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Operation Desert Storm: 3/4 participated in the liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, conducting breaching operations and direct combat.
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Battle of An Nasiriyah (Iraq 2003): During the initial invasion of Iraq, 3/4 was pivotal in securing key river crossings at An Nasiriyah, enabling the advance toward Baghdad.
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First Conventional Unit to Baghdad: In April 2003, 3/4 became the first conventional U.S. military unit to enter Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Continuous Deployments: Over the last two decades, 3/4 has conducted multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and across the Pacific, maintaining its legacy as a forward-deployed, combat-ready force.
