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History of 1ST BATTALION, 12TH MARINES

The 1st Battalion, 12th Marines (1/12) was activated on September 1, 1942, as part of the 3rd Marine Division during World War II. It participated in major campaigns in the Pacific Theater, including Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima, providing artillery support for infantry operations. Following World War II, the battalion was deactivated and reactivated several times, serving in the Vietnam War and later in operations in the Western Pacific and the Middle East. Throughout its history, 1/12 has remained a key artillery unit of the United States Marine Corps, demonstrating versatility and combat effectiveness in a wide range of conflicts.

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ABOUT 1ST BATTALION, 12TH MARINES

  • World War II Activation: The 1st Battalion, 12th Marines (1/12) was activated on September 1, 1942, at San Diego, California, as part of the 3rd Marine Division during World War II.
  • Pacific Theater Campaigns: During WWII, 1/12 participated in major Pacific battles, including Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima, providing crucial artillery support.
  • Deactivation and Reactivation: After WWII, the battalion was deactivated in December 1945, but reactivated on January 1, 1952, at Camp Pendleton, California, due to the Korean War.
  • Vietnam War Service: 1/12 deployed to Vietnam in 1965, supporting Marine infantry units in major operations such as Operation Starlite and Operation Hastings.
  • Nickname: The battalion has been affectionately referred to as "The Kings of Battle" for their artillery prowess.
  • Garrison in Hawaii: Since 1971, 1/12 has been based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, serving as the primary artillery support for the 3rd Marine Regiment.
  • Modern Deployments: 1/12 has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing artillery and provisional rifle company support.
  • Provisional Rifle Companies: Uniquely, 1/12 frequently deploys its batteries as provisional rifle companies, demonstrating Marine artillery flexibility.
  • Humanitarian Missions: 1/12 has participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the Pacific, including support after Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
  • Unit Motto: The battalion’s motto is "On Time, On Target, Never Quit," reflecting their commitment to precision and perseverance.

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