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History of 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines

The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines (2/2), known as “Warlords,” was activated in July 1925 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. The battalion has a distinguished combat history, fighting in World War II campaigns such as Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. During the Gulf War, 2/2 participated in Operation Desert Storm, and later supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terror. Today, 2/2 continues to serve as a vital infantry battalion within the 2nd Marine Division, ready for rapid deployment and expeditionary missions worldwide.

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ABOUT 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines

  • Nickname "The Warlords": The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines (2/2) are famously known as "The Warlords," a moniker reflecting their fighting spirit and aggressive combat doctrine.
  • Founded in 1941: 2/2 was activated on January 1, 1941, at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California, just months before the United States entered World War II.
  • World War II Pacific Campaign: The battalion saw intense combat in several pivotal Pacific battles, including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa.
  • Tarawa Landing: During the Battle of Tarawa (November 1943), 2/2 played a crucial role in one of the bloodiest and most fiercely contested amphibious assaults in Marine Corps history.
  • Cuban Missile Crisis: Elements of 2/2 were among the first Marine units deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, prepared for possible invasion operations.
  • Operation Desert Storm: 2/2 participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, taking part in the liberation of Kuwait and conducting operations in harsh desert conditions.
  • Global War on Terror: The battalion has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting combat and security operations in Fallujah, Ramadi, and Helmand Province.
  • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, 2/2 has participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
  • Presidential Unit Citation: The battalion has received several unit awards, including the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism and performance in action.
  • Notable Alumni: Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. William J. Bordelon served with 2/2 during World War II, sacrificing his life during the Battle of Tarawa and becoming one of the battalion's most celebrated heroes.

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