ABOUT 1st Battalion 10th Marines
- Formation in World War II: The 1st Battalion, 10th Marines (1/10) was activated on November 15, 1940, at San Diego, California, as part of the buildup for World War II.
- Battle of Tarawa: 1/10 played a crucial artillery support role during the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943, helping Marine infantry secure the heavily defended island.
- Pacific Campaigns: The unit participated in several major Pacific battles, including Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa, providing artillery fire in support of ground assaults.
- Nickname “Gunslinger Battalion”: 1/10 is often referred to as the “Gunslinger Battalion” due to its reputation for accurate and timely artillery support.
- Korean War Service: After World War II, 1/10 was reactivated and served during the Korean War, supporting Marine operations with artillery fire.
- Modernization: The battalion has transitioned through various artillery systems, including the M198 and M777 howitzers, reflecting continual modernization of Marine artillery capabilities.
- Operation Desert Storm: 1/10 deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990-1991, providing artillery support during the liberation of Kuwait.
- Global War on Terror: In the post-9/11 era, 1/10 deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting counterinsurgency operations.
- Humanitarian Missions: The battalion has participated in humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief efforts in the Caribbean and Central America.
- Camp Lejeune Home: 1/10 is based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and is part of the 2nd Marine Division, playing a key role in the Marine Corps’ rapid response capabilities.