Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

3:4 3d Mar Div

U.S. Navy•12 members

3:4 3d Mar Div Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 3:4 3d Mar Div?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

3:4 3d Mar Div

U.S. Navy

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.

About 3:4 3d Mar Div

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.
"Thundering Third": The unit’s nickname is the "Thundering Third," reflecting its reputation for aggressive action and effectiveness in combat.
Guadalcanal and WWII: 3/4 participated in major Pacific campaigns during World War II, including Guadalcanal, earning multiple Presidential Unit Citations for its valor.
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.
Korean War: The battalion was reactivated and deployed during the Korean War, serving with distinction in several operations and battles.
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.
Operation Desert Storm: 3/4 participated in the liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, conducting breaching operations and direct combat.
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.
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.
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.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

3:4 3d Mar Div

U.S. Navy•12 members

3:4 3d Mar Div Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 3:4 3d Mar Div?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

3:4 3d Mar Div

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Terry Wheeler

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1968 - 1969

Message View Profile

Michael Griffin

U.S. Navy · 1968 - 1969

Message View Profile

Terry Nason

U.S. Navy · 1970 - 1976

Message View Profile

Carl Berger

U.S. Navy · 1968 - 1970

Message View Profile

View all members

Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

View all photos

About 3:4 3d Mar Div

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.
"Thundering Third": The unit’s nickname is the "Thundering Third," reflecting its reputation for aggressive action and effectiveness in combat.
Guadalcanal and WWII: 3/4 participated in major Pacific campaigns during World War II, including Guadalcanal, earning multiple Presidential Unit Citations for its valor.
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.
Korean War: The battalion was reactivated and deployed during the Korean War, serving with distinction in several operations and battles.
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.
Operation Desert Storm: 3/4 participated in the liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, conducting breaching operations and direct combat.
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.
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.
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.