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History of 1st battalion 4th marines charlie company 3rd marine division

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.

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ABOUT 1st battalion 4th marines charlie company 3rd marine division

  • Historic Origins: The 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (1/4) traces its lineage back to April 16, 1914, when it was activated in Puget Sound, Washington, making it one of the Marine Corps’ most historic infantry battalions.
  • China Marines: During the 1920s and 1930s, 1/4 was part of the "China Marines," stationed in Shanghai to protect American interests during periods of civil unrest in China.
  • “The Oldest and the Proudest”: The 4th Marines, to which 1/4 belongs, adopted the motto “The Oldest and the Proudest” due to their early establishment and storied history in the Corps.
  • Battle of Corregidor: In World War II, 1/4 fought valiantly during the defense of Corregidor in the Philippines but was ultimately captured by Japanese forces in May 1942. The battalion was later reconstituted in Australia.
  • Vietnam War Service: 1/4, including Charlie Company, saw extensive combat in Vietnam, participating in major operations such as Operation Prairie and Operation Hastings, often engaging in fierce battles along the DMZ.
  • Operation Desert Shield/Storm: The battalion deployed to the Middle East during the Gulf War, playing a key role in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991.
  • “China Marines” Colors: When the original 4th Marines’ colors were destroyed at Corregidor to prevent capture, the battalion was later presented new colors in Australia, symbolizing the unit’s rebirth and resilience.
  • OIF and OEF Deployments: Since 2003, 1/4 has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting counterinsurgency and security missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • Charlie Company Nickname: Charlie Company is often referred to as “Chosen Company,” a designation that underscores their reputation for being among the best-trained and most reliable units in the battalion.
  • Humanitarian Assistance: 1/4 and Charlie Company have participated in numerous humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in Southeast Asia following the 2004 tsunami, showcasing the Marines’ versatility beyond combat roles.

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