About this Unit
The 3rd Marine Division, activated in 1942, is a distinguished infantry division of the United States Marine Corps, renowned for its pivotal role in World War II campaigns such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. The 3rd Force Service Support Group (3rd FSSG), now known as the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, was established to provide combat service support to III Marine Expeditionary Force units in the Asia-Pacific region. Over the decades, these units have operated closely together, supporting operations from the Vietnam War to humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions across the Indo-Pacific. Today, the 3rd Marine Division and 3rd MLG remain forward-deployed in Okinawa, Japan, playing a vital role in regional security and rapid crisis response.
Historical Facts
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Origins during World War II: The 3rd Marine Division was activated on September 16, 1942, at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California. Its initial mission was to train and prepare for combat in the Pacific Theater.
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Battle of Bougainville: The 3rd Marine Division saw its first major combat during the Battle of Bougainville in November 1943, establishing a beachhead and playing a crucial role in securing the island.
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Guam Campaign: In July 1944, the division participated in the liberation of Guam, fighting in intense jungle terrain and helping to recapture the island from Japanese forces.
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Okinawa Operations: The division took part in the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific, landing on Okinawa in April 1945, and engaging in fierce combat until the island was secured.
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Post-war Deactivation and Re-activation: After World War II, the division was deactivated in December 1945, only to be reactivated in 1952 during the Korean War era as part of the U.S. defense posture in the Pacific.
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3rd Force Service Support Group (3rd FSSG): The 3rd FSSG (now 3rd Marine Logistics Group) was established to provide comprehensive logistical, supply, and support services to III Marine Expeditionary Force and other forward-deployed units in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Vietnam War Contributions: Both the 3rd Marine Division and 3rd FSSG played key roles in the Vietnam War, with the division participating in major operations like Operation Starlite, Operation Hastings, and the defense of Khe Sanh.
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Humanitarian Missions: The 3rd FSSG has a distinguished history of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Asia-Pacific, including responses to typhoons in the Philippines and earthquakes in Japan.
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Strategic Location: The units are headquartered at Camp Courtney and Camp Kinser in Okinawa, Japan, placing them at the forefront of U.S. military presence and rapid response capability in the Indo-Pacific.
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Motto and Legacy: The 3rd Marine Division's motto is "Fidelity, Honor, Valor", and the 3rd FSSG's legacy continues in its successor, the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, which supports Marine operations from humanitarian missions to combat deployments.
