1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, History, Operation Iraqi Freedom III
The 1–320th conducted a RIP/TOA with the 2–299th IN (Hawaii Army National Guard) and completed the TOA on 7 January 2006. Its mission on Camp Victory required the 1-320th to conduct patrols in three villages neighboring the camp in Baghdad, control entry access and patrol the Al Faw Palace, as well as numerous Force Protection missions to ensure the security of the Multi-National Coalition-Iraq (MNC-I) and Multi-National Forces-Iraq (MNF-I) Headquarters on Camp Victory.


1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, History, Operation Iraqi Freedom III
While conducting ADOC operations on Camp Victory, 1-320th FAR distinguished themselves by providing exceptional security and CMO operations to the VBC and surrounding villages of Al Furat, Iraqi Family Village, and Airport Village. 1–320th completed over 200 force protection improvement projects on Camp Victory and conducted over 3 million dollars in projects to improve the quality of life for our Iraqi neighbors. Meanwhile, at FOB Falcon, 16 soldiers of the "Top Guns" Battalion Military Transition Team (MiTT) were conducting continuous combat operations in support of 1–22 IN and 1–10 CAV in and around Southeast Baghdad.


1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, History, Operation Iraqi Freedom V
1-320 FA deployed to Iraq for a third time in October 2007, remaining more than a year and redeploying in late 2008.


1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, History, Operation Enduring Freedom 10–11
1-320 FA deployed to southern Afghanistan in July 2010. Under the command of LTC David Flynn, Task Force Top Guns operated as a maneuver battalion in the Arghandab District of Kandahar Province. The battalion was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions from 13 July - 12 August 2010. They participated in Operation Dragon Strike. Eight members of Task Force Top Guns were KIA during this deployment:


1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, History, Operation Enduring Freedom 12
In early 2012, the 1-320th deployed with 2nd BCT to conduct security force assistance in northeast Afghanistan.


1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, History, Operation Enduring Freedom 14
From February to November 2014, 1-320th deployed to Afghanistan, its sixth deployment of the Global War on Terror. Under the command of LTC Mark Sherkey, the battalion provided security force assistance to Afghan National Security Forces as well as maintaining the security of Bagram Air Field. The battalion conducted Operations Mountain Guardian, Top Guns, and Strike I, II and III, as well as providing security for numerous VIPs, including the President of the United States, the US Secretary of Defense, the Czech Republic Minister of Defense, numerous US congressmen and ambassadors from various countries. During this deployment, the battalion was the first unit to employ the M119A3 howitzer in combat. In a ceremony on 1 November 2014, the battalion transferred its responsibilities to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and the Georgian Army's 51st Light Infantry Battalion.


1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, History, Operation Enduring Freedom 14
In May 2015, SFC Daniel King, from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, was awarded the Gruber award by the Commandant of the Field Artillery, for his contributions advising and assisting the 201st Afghan National Army Corps Fires Center of Excellence at Gamberi.


1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, Lineage and honors, Campaign Participation Credit
Note: The published Army lineage, dated 18 September 1996, shows no War on Terrorism campaigns. Comparison of the battalion's deployment dates with the War on Terrorism campaigns estimates that the battalion will be credited with participation in the seven campaigns listed.


1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, Lineage and honors, Decorations
Note: Separately cited awards are not listed on the official lineage published by the Center for Military History.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment
The 1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment (1-321st FAR) is an inactive field artillery battalion of the United States Army. The battalion served in World War I, World War II, Vietnam and the Global War on Terror with the 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne Divisions, and with the 18th Field Artillery Brigade. The battalion was officially inactivated in March 2014, and its firing batteries were distributed throughout the 82nd Airborne Division.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, World War I
1-321 FAR traces its lineage to Battery A, 321st Field Artillery, which organized on 2 September 1917 at Camp Gordon, Georgia. After training at Camp Gordon until May 1918, the battery shipped to France, and participated with the regiment in the St. Mihiel, Meuse Argonne and Lorraine 1918 campaigns. Following the Armistice, the battery redeployed to the United States and was demobilized at Camp Dix, New Jersey in May 1919.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1968
1st Battalion, 321st Artillery (1-321) deployed to Vietnam attached to the 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division from 12 – 17 December 1967. After 30 days of in-country training, during which the battalion undertook missions in support of the 2d Brigade, the battalion supported Operations Manchester, San Angelo and Atalla. From 10–11 January 1968, the battalion fired 1,935 rounds in support of a 25th Infantry Division fire support base, resulting in “a large number of enemy killed.” During its first two months in Vietnam, the battalion fired 19,150 rounds.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1968
The battalion began February 1968 near LZ El Paso near Phu Bai in the I Corps Tactical Zone, in direct support to 2d Brigade, which was under the Operational Control of the 1st Air Cavalry Division. On 9 February 1968, the battalion received FADAC computers, and selected personnel from the battalion received five days of FADAC training at the 1st Infantry Division Artillery at Phu Loi. After the termination of Operation Manchester on 18 February 1968, 1-321 supported 2d Brigade operations north of Hue, eventually occupying LZ Sally.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1968
On 9 March 1968, Battery C, 2-11 FA was attached to 1-321 for reinforcing 155mm fires. 2d Brigade and 1-321 terminated participation in Operation Jeb Stuart and returned to 101st Division control on 10 March. On 11 March 1968, 2d Brigade initiated Operation Carentan. On 18 March 1968 at 0400 hours, elements of Battery B repulsed an enemy ground attack against FSB Minky with direct and indirect fire, killing 30 NVA. On 28 April 1968, 2d Brigade surrounded a number of NVA companies, and 1-321 fired on the cordoned areas until 1 May 1968, resulting in 141 NVA killed and 95 prisoners when US forces entered the areas.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1968
The 1-321 began May 1968 supporting 2d Brigade in Operation Carentan II, with batteries located at FSBs Mongoose, Omaha and Birmingham. On 5 May 1968, Battery C displaced by air from FSB Birmingham to FSB Omaha, replacing Battery B, which then moved to LZ Pinky. ON 15 May 1968, Battery A moved by road to FSB Mongoose to support 1-501 Infantry east of Hue. On 17 May 1968, Operation Carentan terminated and Operation Nevada Eagle began. On 4 July 1968, Battery A moved by road to Camp Eagle to fire a 50-gun salute and returned to FSB Mongoose.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1968
On 23 July 1968, Battery A moved by air from FSB Boyd to FSB Veghel, allowing Battery A, 2-320 to occupy FSB Son in support of operations in the A Shau Valley. During the quarter, the battalion transferred 70 soldiers (officers, section chiefs, FDC personnel and other specialists) to 2-320 FA, which had been deployed with 1st Brigade since 1965 to sustain Battery D, 2-320, a provisional battery created to support 1st Brigade's fourth maneuver battalion, 3-506 Infantry.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1968
August 1968 began with 1-321 headquarters at FSB Sally, Battery A at FSB Mongoose, Battery B at FSB T-Bone and Battery C at FSB Georgia. The battalion was engaged in preparing for Operation Somerset Plain and Nevada Eagle. On 10 August 1968, Battery C fired counter-battery fire at enemy 130mm and 152mm positions that had engaged Company D, 1-327 Infantry. On 9–10 August 1968, Battery A fired into a cordon established by 1-501 Infantry to force the enemy onto the waiting infantry, resulting in 42 VC killed and 104 detainees.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1968
On 15 August 1968, the battalion massed fires with the ARVN battery at FSB Geronimo to counterfire against rockets fired at Hue. On 19 August 1968, LTC George E. Peters, the battalion commander, was wounded by enemy artillery that scored at direct hit on the 2d Brigade TOC at FSB Georgia. On 20 August, Battery C redeployed from FSB Georgia to FSB Omaha. From 4–8 September 1968, Battery A's positions were flooded, causing movement to FSB Shirley. Battery C remained at FSB Omaha, but repositioned to higher ground within the FSB.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1968
On 6 September 1968, LTC Don L. Walton assumed command of the battalion. On 10 September 1968, Battery C moved from FSB Omaha to FSB Sally. On 11 September 1968, Battery A conducted an air assault from FSB Shirley to FSB Binh Loc in support of a combined US-ARVN operation. On 13 September 1968, Battery B, 2-320 moved by air from FSB Panther II to FSB Anzio to reinforce the battalion's fires in support of the Vinh Loc operation.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1968
On 18 September 1968, Battery A, 2-319, returning to the 101st from operations with the 25th Infantry Division, closed at Camp Eagle and began reinforcing the battalion. On 24 September 1968, Battery A returned from FSB Vinh Loc to FSB Sandy as the combined operation terminated. On 15 October 1968, Battery B conducted an air assault from FSB T-Bone to FSB Tomahawk.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1969
At the beginning of August 1969, the battalion headquarters was at FSB Sally, with Battery A at FSB Sledge, Battery B at FSB Roy and Battery C at FSB Birmingham. On 1 August 1969, Battery C moved four howitzers from Camp Eagle to FSB Birmingham after firing a salute for General Smith at the change of command of the Division Artillery to COL Howard Moore. On 2 August 1969, Battery C moved four howitzers by road to FSB Bastogne, returning on 8 August 1969.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1969
On 11 August, Battery B moved by air to FSB Brick for an artillery raid named Operation CAISSON XIV. After firing 404 rounds at 58 targets, the battery moved by air to FSB Arrow. On 12 August, Batteries B and C participated in counterfire against rockets fired at Hue and Phu Bai. Battery C moved from FSB Birmingham to FSB Salley. On 13 August 1969, Battery A moved by air from FSB Sledge to FSB Rock Crusher, and then by road to Camp Evans (4 howitzers) and Camp Eagle (2 howitzers).


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1969
The two howitzers at Camp Eagle rejoined the battery at Camp Evans on 14 August 1969. On 16 August 1969, Battery B fired counterfire against rockets launched against Camp Eagle, and moved three howitzers by road from FSB Arrow to FSB Bastogne. On 17 August 1969, Battery B conducted counterfire against rockets fired at Phu Bai. ON 20 August 1969, Battery B moved three howitzers from FSB Bastogne to FSB Arrow, and participated in counterfire against rockets fired at Phu Bai. On 25 August 1969, Battery B roadmarched to FSB Arsenal with the TPS-25 radar.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1969
On 26 August 1969, Battery C moved by air from LZ Sally to FSB Rakkasan. On 27 August 1969, Battery B participated in counterfire against rockets fired at Phu Bai. On 29 August 1969, Battery C moved by air to FSB O’Riley, and then on to LZ Sally on 3 September. On 4 September 1969, LZ Sally was attacked with RPGs and mortars- Battery C participated in countermortar fires with unknown results on the enemy. Also on 4 September, Battery A moved by air to FSB Anne.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1969
On 7 September, while moving from FSB Anne to Camp Evans, Battery lost two A22s when a foot strap broke. On 8 September 1969, Battery B moved three howitzers by road from FSB Arsenal to LZ Sally; Battery C moved three howitzers from LZ Sally to FSB Arsenal to replace the Battery B howitzers. On 10 September, the remaining three howitzers from Battery C moved by air from LZ Sally to FSB Arsenal, while the remaining three Battery B howitzers at FSB Arsenal moved to LZ Sally.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1969
On 23 September, Battery B moved by air from FSB Sally to FSB Bastogne, while Battery A moved from Camp Evans to FSB Sally. On 13 October 1969, Battery A moved by air to FSB Jack, returning to LZ Sally on 17 October 1969. On 21 October 1969, Battery A moved by air to FSB Rakkasan. On 25 October 1969, Battery C conducted Operation Caisson XXVI, an artillery raid to FSB Maureen. The battery fired 760 rounds at 47 targets, destroying 35 structures and one bunker, damaging four structures and causing two secondary explosions before moving to FSB Birmingham.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1969
On 4 November 1969, Battery A returned from FSB Rakkasan to LZ Sally. On 8 November 1969, Battery B moved four howitzers by air to participate in a raid at FSB Zon with three howitzers from Battery B, 2-11 Arty. The combined unit fired 890 rounds at 80 targets in the central and northern A Shau Valley, resulting in the destruction of 15 bunkers and huts and causing six secondary explosions before returning by air to FSB Bastogne on 10 November 1969.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1969
On 22 November, four howitzers from Battery A, again accompanied by three howitzers from Battery B, 2-11 Arty, moved to FSB Bradley for another raid. The Battery A element fired 514 rounds against 65 targets before returning to LZ Sally. The raid destroyed 17 bunkers, six huts, three fighting positions and two bridges; caused two secondary fires; and interdicted five infiltration routes. On 29 November 1969, Battery C participated in counterfire against rockets fired at the city of Hue. On 3 December, Battery C fired 72 HE as part of a counterfire program against rockets fired at Camp Eagle.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Vietnam, 1969
On 5 December, Battery A moved by air to FSB Normandy, remaining until 13 December 1969. On 8 January 1970, Battery A moved four howitzers by air to FSB Blaze. Battery A returned to LZ Sally on 10 January 1970 and moved again to FSB Strike on 12 January 1970 and remained there until 25 January before returning to LZ Sally.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Later Cold War
In October 1986, as part of redesignations to implement the U.S. Army Regimental System, 1-321 FAR was inactivated and relieved from assignment to the 101st Airborne Division.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Post Cold War
On 16 January 1996, as part of reflagging actions associated with the post-Cold War drawdown of the US Army, 1-321 FAR was reactivated by reflagging the 1st Battalion, 39th Field Artillery Regiment, the Army's only airborne 155mm howitzer battalion and a subordinate of the 18th Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, History, Global War on Terror
In October 2013, as part of the Army 2015 restructuring, the battalion's three batteries were split up among the three battalions of the 319th Field Artillery Regiment, which were simultaneously reorganized as "composite battalions" with a mix of 105mm and 155mm howitzers. Battery A, 1-321 was reflagged as Battery C, 3-319th AFAR; Battery B, 1-321 was reflagged as Battery C, 2-319th AFAR; and Battery C, 1-321 reflagged as Battery C, 1-319th AFAR. The battalion officially inactivated in a ceremony on 14 March 2014.


1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, Lineage & Honors, Decorations
Note: Separately cited awards are not listed by the official Army lineage and honors, last updated 2 October 2008.


1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 1st Battalion 36th Infantry Regiment (or 1-36 Infantry) is a United States Army infantry battalion. It is assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Armored Division in Fort Bliss, Texas.


1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment (United States), History, Operation Iraqi Freedom
1-36IN deployed during various phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Spartans earned both the Presidential Unit Citation for their 2003-2004 deployment & the Meritorious Unit Citation for their 2009-2010 deployment.


1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment (United States), History, World War II
The battalion fought alongside its divisional comrades in Normandy in thick fighting through hedgerows. The unit continued fighting near Argentan and helped destroy German Forces in the Falaise Gap. In the winter of 1944, the battalion was caught up in major fighting while advancing into Germany. The battalion fought in battles at the  Siegfried Line and also at the village of Echtz. For both actions, the unit received a Presidential Unit Citation. In the German heartland, the company, along with the rest of the 3rd Armored Division, helped close the Ruhr Pocket in 1945. The unit was deactivated on 10 November 1945. Company A, 36th Infantry Regiment served as the defining ancestor of the modern 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, during the Second World War, and served across France, Belgium, and Germany.


1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment
The 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, is an inactive M198 howitzer 155mm field artillery battalion of the United States Army. The battalion has seen service with the 101st Airborne Division during World War II and Vietnam, and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terror. The battalion has been stationed with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell; with the 18th Field Artillery Brigade and the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and with the 17th Field Artillery Brigade at Fort Lewis, Washington.


1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, History, World War II
Battery A, 377th Field Artillery Regiment was constituted in the Organized Reserves at Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1921. The battery was activated as Battery A, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion on 16 August 1942, as part of the 101st Airborne Division. After initial training, the battery sailed to England, arriving in Liverpool on 18 October 1943. Based at Benham Valence, Berkshire, England, the battalion conducted additional training in preparation for Operation Overlord.


1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, History, World War II
Battery A parachuted into Normandy on 6 June 1944. Most of the battery initially fought as infantrymen due to the loss of their howitzers. On 7 June 1944, 33 artillerymen from the battery, under the command of Lt Thomas Swirczynski captured 130 Germans near Hau-des-dunes. Other artillerymen from the battery served with other artillery units, manning salvaged US pieces and even captured German howitzers. By 14 June 1944, the battery was consolidated and re-armed with new howitzers landed over the Normandy beaches.


1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, History, World War II
The battery conducted a second parachute assault on 19 September 1944. After landing and firing in support of the 1/506th PIR and 502nd PIR, the battery occupied near St Oedenrode, supporting the 501st PIR and 502nd PIR. In late November, the battery was moved to Camp Mourmelon, France, for refit.


1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, Heraldry, Beret Flash
On a scarlet shield shaped embroidered device with a semi-circular base, 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm) in height and 1 7/8 inches (4.76 cm) in width edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) scarlet border, three yellow pie sections radiating from the center configuring a "Y" and ending at the overedge stitching. The beret flash was approved on 9 Aug 2000.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines
1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (1/3) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Nicknamed the "Lava Dogs", the battalion consists of approximately 800 Marines and sailors and falls under the command of the 3rd Marine Regiment of the 3rd Marine Division.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, World War II
On May 1, 1942, the 1st Training Battalion was activated at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. A month and a half later, on June 17, the unit was redesignated as the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. The battalion received its first combat experience in November 1943 against the Japanese in the Battle of Bougainville. The battalion fought with distinction for nearly two months against stiff resistance in difficult terrain before being sent to Guadalcanal to prepare for the next stage of the Pacific Theatre.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, World War II
The Battle of Guam was the next combat assignment for 1st Battalion, 3d Marines. The amphibious assault on Guam began on July 21, 1944, with the battalion landing near Asan Point in western Guam. Once again, the battalion encountered fierce opposition and the fighting proved to be costly. Organized Japanese resistance officially ended on August 10 and Guam was declared “secured”. However, numerous Japanese remained operational in the jungle and refused to surrender. Subsequently, the battalion participated in “mopping-up” operations until it departed for Iwo Jima in February 1945.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, World War II
In early 1945, 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, as part of Regimental Combat Team 3, was to be the floating reserve for the amphibious assault of the Battle of Iwo Jima. However, the battalion was never called upon to land or to take part in the battle. Instead it returned to Guam in March where it continued to remove the small pockets of Japanese resistance that still remained on the island.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, World War II
The battalion remained on Guam through the surrender of the Japanese in September 1945. Although the end of the war signified the end of hostilities, there was still much work to be done. The Islands in the Pacific held by the Japanese had to be demilitarized and the Japanese forces repatriated to mainland Japan, this job fell to 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, soon to be known as the “Chichi Jima” Marines. Chichi Jima was an Island fortress, often referred to as the Gibraltar of the Pacific, located in the Ogasawara Island chain 615 miles south of Tokyo.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, World War II
After 14 years of war in China and the Pacific, Japan had arrived at a mortifying surrender. At exactly 1015 on December 13, 1945, the Japanese flag flying over Chici Jima was lowered from its staff. The Japanese Color Guard folded the flag and presented it to the Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, 3d Marines. At 1025, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps sounded Colors and everyone present, American and Japanese alike, rendered a salute as Old Glory was raised to her lofty summit. With the Japanese threat removed from Chichi Jima, 1st Battalion, 3d Marines returned to Guam where it was deactivated on February 9, 1946.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, Vietnam War
1st Battalion, 3d Marines became the second American infantry unit to enter South Vietnam. The battalion began its movement, via air, to Da Nang Air Base in early March 1965 and completed its movement by mid-March. Less than six months after its arrival, 1/3 was withdrawn to Okinawa. The battalion was sent back to Vietnam on November 18, 1965. The 1968 Tet Offensive ushered in a new wave of intense combat activity for the Marines and in May, 1/3 found itself heavily engaged in fighting North Vietnamese units at the village of Dai Do near the Cua Viet River.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, Vietnam War
In 1969. the United States began to slowly withdraw combat units from Southeast Asia. One of the first Marine units to be notified to commence stand down operations was 1st Battalion, 3d Marines. The unit departed South Vietnam for the United States on October 5, 1969. Towards the end of the month the battalion arrived in California and was located at again at Camp Pendleton. Shortly thereafter, it was reduced to zero strength, effective November 18, 1969. It then was reestablished at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii as part of the 1st Marine Brigade on November 27, 1969.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, 1980s
Throughout the 1980s, 1/3 regularly deployed to Okinawa to serve as a forward staged unit in the Western Pacific area as part of the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program. During the Unit Deployment Program, the battalion would regularly participate in exercises throughout the region, such as in Korea and Thailand. In December 1989, while at Okinawa, 1/3 responded to the 1989 Philippine coup attempt as part of an amphibious task force and sent Marines ashore to reinforce the American Embassy. The battalion formed the ground combat element of CTF-79 (Commander, Landing Force, Seventh Fleet). Bravo Company, 2nd Platoon flew in by helicopter onto the grounds of the American Embassy and afterwards drove through Manila en route to a nearby compound to guard and protect American civilians living in the compound.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, The Gulf War and the 1990s
In August 1990, 1st Battalion, 3d Marines deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield and took up defensive positions along the coastal highway leading to Kuwait. In February 1991, 1/3 assaulted into Kuwait as part of the ground war of Operation Desert Storm to liberate the country from Iraqi occupation. In April 1991, the battalion redeployed to their home station in Hawaii.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, The Global War on Terrorism
1/3 was on the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) to Okinawa, Japan during the Al Qaeda terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Due to their proximity to Afghanistan, the battalion's Company A was one of the first infantry units to deploy to U.S. Central Command, of which Afghanistan is a part, after the September 11 attacks. The company was attached to the Fifth Fleet, based out of NSA Bahrain and subsequently deployed in direct support of Combined Task Force 53 (CTF 53) for the initial phase of Operation Enduring Freedom.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, The Global War on Terrorism
In October 2002, an Army Special Forces Sergeant First Class (SFC) was killed in the Southern Philippines by an IED. Shortly after, Charlie company along with Alpha Company's Weapons Platoon, deployed to Camp Cobra in Zamboanga, Philippines as the Marine Security Element for JTF-555/JSOTF-P in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Philippines.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, The Global War on Terrorism
April 2003, 1/3 departed Kaneohe for another UDP in Okinawa, Japan. Alpha company, with Weapons company reinforcements left for the Philippines as the MSE under the guise of JTF-510. Alpha company carried out many joint missions with Navy SEAL/s, SWCC, and the CIA in terrorist surveillance activities, and security missions in Zamboanga Bay. Also, despite the constant threat of attack from the Abu Sayf, and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), Alpha carried out security for many Engineering Civic Action Programs (ENCAPs) by building schools and repairing hospitals deep in the jungle. Alpha Company Navy Hospital Corpsman also carried out two major MEDCAPs seeing a total of 17,000 patients.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, The Global War on Terrorism
In June 2004, 1/3 (also known at the time as BLT 1/3, and including Battery C 1st Battalion 12th Marines - also from MCBH) set off to tour what was known as a standard deployment around the South Pacific region with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). In early September  2004, the unit arrived in Kuwait and soon after entered Iraq. The unit fought in the Second Battle of Fallujah as part of Regimental Combat Team 7 to clear the city of insurgents and reclaim the city.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, The Global War on Terrorism
In one deployment, BLT 1/3 unfortunately lost more men compared to any Marine Corps Battalion during OIF/OEF. BLT 1/3 has produced one of very few nominations for the Medal of Honor thus far in the Global War on Terror, Sergeant Rafael Peralta. After insurgents threw a grenade into a room with several Marines, Sergeant Peralta used his body as a shield to protect his 'brothers-in-arms' from the blast.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, The Global War on Terrorism
On January 26, 2005, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crashed in the Al-Anbar province taking with it the lives of 26 Kaneohe Bay Marines, along with one Navy Corpsman and four Marine aircrew from a mainland unit. The majority of the 27 Marines lost in the crash were from Charlie Company of Battalion Landing Team 1/3. Battalion Landing Team 1/3 lost a total of 45 Marines during the course of their first combat tour in Iraq.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, The Global War on Terrorism
In January 2006, the battalion deployed to eastern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this five-month deployment they operated throughout the Korangal Valley and were known as "Task Force Lava." On June 1, 2006, 1/3 handed over their area of operations to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment and shortly thereafter returned to Hawaii.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, The Global War on Terrorism
In March 2007, 1st Battalion 3d Marines deployed to Haditha, Iraq. 1/3 lost no Marines during this deployment, which was a first for the Marine Corps since the start of OIF.


1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, History, The Global War on Terrorism
The Battalion again deployed to Afghanistan in November 2009 through June 2010, taking up positions in and around FOB Geronimo, within the district of Nawa-I-Barakzayi, Helmand Province. In February 2010, the battalion participated in Operation Moshtarak, the seizure of the Taliban stronghold of Marjah. The activities of Bravo and Charlie Companies were covered extensively in a series of articles by C. J. Chivers in The New York Times, and in the "At War Blog" posted on The New York Times website. The Battalion deployed once more to Afghanistan in April 2011, taking up positions south of FOB Delhi, in Garmsir District, Helmand Province.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines
1st Battalion, 4th Marines (1/4) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California consisting of approximately 800 Marines and sailors. They fall under the command of the 1st Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, Formation
The battalion was originally activated in April 1911 as the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. The battalion first saw combat in November 1916 in the Dominican Republic, where 1st Lieutenant Ernest Williams was awarded the battalion's first Medal of Honor. The mission in the Dominican Republic was to protect foreign lives and property and to provide the "muscle" for a military government whose strategic goal was to bring stability to the troubled island republic. In 1924, the battalion returned to its home base in San Diego, California. During 1926 to 1927 the battalion guarded American shores in a variety of outposts throughout the Western U.S.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, Formation
The period from February 1927 to November 1941 was the timeframe for the deployment of the battalion in China, which would leave an enduring mark on its history. This service in Shanghai earned the battalion the title "China Marines" and started the practice of using the Chinese dragon in different official and unofficial logos and mast heads. In November 1941 the battalion along with the entire 4th Marines deployed from China to the Philippines.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, World War II
The outbreak of World War II found the battalion serving as part of the U.S. Forces defending the Philippines. Ordered to the strategic island of Corregidor, the battalion fiercely defended their assigned sectors against overwhelming enemy forces. In the end, General Jonathan M. Wainwright, United States Army, ordered the battalion to surrender, in an effort to save lives against the hopeless situation. After the surrender, the battalion ceased to exist. As prisoners the men would endure torture and incredible hardships.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, World War II
On 7 August 1942 the 1st Raider Battalion, assigned to the 1st Marine Division, landed on Tulagi in the British Solomon Islands as the opening phases of the Guadalcanal campaign commenced. After Tulagi was captured, the Raiders were moved to Guadalcanal to defend Henderson Field. One of their most notable engagements was the "Battle of Edson's Ridge", where the 1st Raiders scored a major victory over Japanese forces. For their heroic combat leadership, Colonel Merritt Edson and Major Kenneth Bailey were both awarded the Medal of Honor, the latter posthumously.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, World War II
On 1 February 1944 a new 1st Battalion, 4th Marines was activated by the redesignation of the 1st Marine Raider Battalion to 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. For the remainder of World War II the battalion would fight at two of the bloodiest campaigns in the Pacific, Guam and Okinawa. Corporal Richard E. Bush was awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallant actions on Okinawa. Of note, the 4th Marines, adopted the motto, "Hold High the Torch" during this period. This legendary phrase served as a symbolic pledge to the warriors of the old 4th Marines who were captured at Corregidor.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, World War II
From 1945 to 1952 the battalion would go through a series of deactivations and reactivations both overseas and in the U.S. The most notable service during this period was in China during 1946 where the battalion, belonging to the 6th Marine Division, participated in the occupation of North China. The battalion was deactivated in November 1947 and remained so until 1952. The battalion would spend the Korean War stationed in Camp Nara, Japan. In 1955, the battalion was transferred to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and would serve in the 1st Marine Brigade.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, Vietnam War
In the spring of 1965 the battalion deployed to combat in South Vietnam. From 1965 to 1969 the battalion engaged in numerous conventional and counter-insurgency operations in the I Corps. Some of the major operations that 1/4 was involved in were Operation Prairie, Operation Beacon Hill, Operation Prairie IV, Operation Deckhouse IV, Operation Kentucky, Operation Purple Martin and Operation Napoleon/Saline would be fought from places such as the Rockpile, Camp Carroll, Con Thien and Ca Lu Combat Base.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, Vietnam War
Corporal Larry Maxam and Private First Class Douglas Dickey both heroically gave their lives in Vietnam and were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their brave actions.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, Vietnam War
In November 1969 the battalion was redeployed to Okinawa and would also serve off the coast of Vietnam. The battalion participated in the rescue of the SS Mayaguez in May 1975.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, 1980s
In 1977 the battalion moved to Twentynine Palms, CA and remained there until 1989.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, 1980s
In 1988, after receiving Amphibious Assault Boat training at NSW Coronado, members of Bravo Company 1/4 from MCAGCC (Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center) 29 Palms, were deployed from May 1988 to Okinawa, Japan for additional helicopter "fast rope" ship insertion training, before being deployed to the Persian Gulf aboard the USS Dubuque LPD8, and the MSB Hercules as members of III MEF/CMAGTF 3-88 during the Iran/Iraq War, in support of the Largest naval convoy operation since World War II, code named Operation Earnest Will, which earned the members of Bravo Company 1/4 the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Bravo Company 1/4 returned to 29 palms in December 1988, and 1st Battalion, 4th Marines 29 palms were redesignated as 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines 7th MEB (Marine Expeditionary Force), 29 Palms.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, 1990s
The battalion's history during the 1990s and into the 21st century were highlighted by expeditionary operations in support of national objectives in Southwest Asia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia and drug interdiction operations along the U.S. border. In January 1989 1st Battalion, 4th Marines were assigned to 1st Marines at Camp Horno, aboard Camp Pendleton. In August 1990 the battalion deployed aboard ship to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, War on Terror
The terrorist's attacks on 11 September 2001 began the battalion's campaign in support of the Global War on Terror. In March 2002, as part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable, the battalion served as a reserve force, for Operation Anaconda, and others, in support of the initial combat operations in Afghanistan. In March 2003 the battalion was part of the initial ground invasion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, War on Terror
The battalion fought its way through Iraq conducting combat operations in the cities of An Nasiriyah, Al Kut, Ah Numinayah, Abu Garaf, Hasan Al Hamzah (where Bravo Company lost Private First Class, Juan G. Garza), Ah Shatrah, Saddam City (Later Revolution City and Sadar City), Qalat Sakar, Al Hillah, Al Hayy, and Bagdad.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, War on Terror
In May 2004, the battalion with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the battalion again returned to combat in Iraq for a 9-month deployment, which was highlighted by a major victory against insurgent forces in Najaf, after the fighting at Najaf cemetery, Bravo Company guarded Abu Ghanrib prison and supported Operation Phantom Fury.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, War on Terror
In 2005 elements of the battalion supported Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts in Mississippi and Louisiana. After the Hurricane relief, in 2006, the battalion deployed on the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of the Western Pacific Deployment and conducted training in Kuwait in support of OEF 6–7.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, War on Terror
From 2007 to 2009 the battalion conducted two more tours in Iraq, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. In spring of 2007 the battalion deployed to the Iraqi province of Al Anbar conducting operations in Al Qaim region, centered around the cities of Husaybah, Rawa, Ana. The battalion conducted thousands of mounted and dismounted combat infantry patrols, ensuring that the population was able to conduct business, travel and move around freely in a secure environment. In addition, the battalion was also tasked with training the Iraqi National Police and Iraqi National Army on counter-insurgency tactics and techniques.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, War on Terror
In the fall of 2008 the battalion again deployed to Iraq province of Al Anbar, conducting combat and counter-insurgency operations in the war-torn city of Fallujah and outlying districts. The battalion was one of the last infantry battalions of Marines to conduct combat operations in Iraq.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, War on Terror
In May 2010 the battalion attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of the Western Pacific deployment. During this deployment, the battalion executed the first anti-piracy in the Marine Corps in over 200 years by capturing the pirated motor vessel, Magellan Star. Additionally, the battalion supported humanitarian relief operations in response to the 2010 Pakistan floods.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, War on Terror
In 2012 the battalion deployed to Okinawa, Japan as the ground combat element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The battalion successfully completed operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Highlights of this tour included exercises in Thailand, Korea and the Philippines.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, War on Terror
In February 2013, the battalion attached to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In the spring of 2015 1/4 deployed in support of Marine Rotational Forces-Darwin to Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. This deployment was the first reinforced Marine Battalion deployment to Australia. 1/4 is the Battalion Landing Team attached to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit augmented with attachments including a tank platoon, artillery battery, LARCompany, AAV Platoon, and CEB platoon.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, War on Terror
In March 2017, the battalion was deployed to Syria to provide artillery support with their M777 howitzers for forces seeking to eject ISIL forces from Raqqa.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, History, War on Terror
In late July 2020, personnel from the unit, attached to 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, were training with their Amphibious Assault Vehicles near San Clemente Island off the coast of Southern California. A mishap resulted in the loss of eight Marines and one Sailor. In October of that same year, the commanding general of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, relieved the commanding officer of the unit, Lt. Col. Michael J. Regner, because of a "loss in trust and confidence in his ability to command” as a result of that accident.


1st Battalion, 4th Marines, Battalion Honors
During its history, the 1st Battalion 4th Marines has received these honors.


1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment
The 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (1–503rd IR) is an active duty airborne infantry battalion in the United States Army, assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team and stationed in Vicenza, Italy. The battalion has served with the 2nd Infantry Division, the 11th Airborne Division, the 24th Infantry Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade; has been stationed in Korea, Italy and the United States; and earned campaign credits in World War II, the Vietnam War, Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.


1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, History
The lineage of Company A, 503rd AIR, was reorganized and redesignated on 1 March 1957 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Airborne Battle Group, 503rd Infantry, and remained assigned to the 11th Airborne Division (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated).


1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, History
On 1 July 1958 the 1st ABG, 503rd Infantry was relieved from assignment to the 11th Airborne Division and assigned to the 24th Infantry Division when the 11th was reflagged as the 24th. The battle group's stay was short, and on 7 January 1959 it was relieved from assignment to the 24th Infantry Division and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division.


1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, History
The 1st ABG, 503rd Inf remained with the 82nd Airborne Division until 26 March 1963, when it was relieved from assignment to the 82nd and joined 2–503rd in its assignment to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Shortly thereafter, on 25 June 1963, it was reorganized and redesignated as the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry.


1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, Lineage and honors, Campaign participation credit
Note: The published Army lineage shows War on Terrorism "Campaigns to be determined". Comparison of the battalion's deployment dates with the War on Terrorism campaigns estimates that the battalion will be credited with participation in the six campaigns listed.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines
1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California consisting of approximately 800 Marines and sailors. Nicknamed Geronimo, it falls under the command of the 5th Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division. The battalion was formed in 1914 and has served in every major conflict that the United States has been involved in since then.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History
On 13 July 1914, the battalion was formed at Vera Cruz, Mexico, and sailed for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for service in the Caribbean theatre. The battalion was disbanded upon their return to Norfolk, Virginia, on 24 December 1914.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, World War I
On 25 May 1917, the battalion was activated and deployed to France on 1 June 1917. 1/5 participated in the following World War I campaigns: Aisne, Aisen-Marne, St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, Toulon-Troyon, Chateau-Thierry, Marabache, and Limey. 1/5 made its most notable contribution at the Battle of Belleau Wood on 6 June 1918, when it conducted the first offensive actions of the battle in seizing Hill 142.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, World War I
The battalion, at first with only two companies due to the other companies not being relieved in time, assaulted the open wheat fields of the hill with bayonets fixed under the fire of German machine gun and artillery fire. In a battle that claimed 325 1/5 lives, Gunnery Sergeant Ernest A. Janson became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor in World War I. From December 1918 to July 1919, the battalion participated in the occupation of the German Rhineland. It then re-deployed to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia and de-activated in August 1919.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, World War I
In July 1920 the battalion re-activated to provide security for the U.S. Mail. In March 1927, the Battalion deployed to help stabilize the government of Nicaragua against overthrow attempts by rebel forces. For the next six years, they aided the Nicaraguan government until peace was finally restored. 1/5 was deactivated in January 1933. Shortly thereafter the battalion was re-activated in September 1934 in Quantico, Virginia and served in the Caribbean theatre until the outbreak of World War II.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, World War II
In November 1934, the 1st Battalion was reactivated for the fourth time, only to be deactivated in March 1935. Shortly before World War II in April 1940, 1st Battalion was again reactivated. The fighting in World War II found the Marines of 1st Battalion at Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Peleliu, and Okinawa. At Peleliu, the 1st Battalion assaulted the island alongside the rest of the 1st Marine Division under Major General William H. Rupertus, fighting primarily to secure the island's airstrip and prevent interference with the Allied offensive in the Philippines.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, World War II
Landing at Orange Beach 1 and Orange Beach 2 on D-Day, September 15, 1944, the 1st Battalion would gain notoriety for the total destruction of an attempted Japanese tank-infantry counterattack. This costly maneuver of Japanese tanks and a company-sized infantry element would be the sole instance of open Japanese maneuver during the months-long Battle of Peleliu. In April 1946, their mission accomplished, 1st Battalion was disbanded and most of the Pacific veterans returned to civilian life.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Cold War, Korean War
During October 1949, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines was reactivated in Camp Pendleton, California. During August 1950, the Battalion deployed to fight the Communist force invading the Republic of Korea. Names such as the Pusan Perimeter, Inchon, Seoul and Chosin Reservoir were added to the Battalion's battle vocabulary. At the close of hostilities, the 1st Battalion returned to the United States, settling at Camp Pendleton.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Cold War, Vietnam War
From June 1966 to March 1971, 1/5 was deployed to South Vietnam. The battalion participated in action around Chu Lai, Danang, Quang Nam, Que Son Valley, Hoi An, Phu Loc and An Hoa. The unit was deactivated in June 1974, but once again was quickly reactivated in March 1975. The battalion played a major role in the Battle of Hue during February 1968. Engaging the enemy in the famous Citadel on the north side of the Perfume River, the battalion became known as the "Citadel Battalion".


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Persian Gulf War and the 1990s
From 1987 to 1989, The battalion supported Operation Prime Chance in the Persian Gulf. In August 1990, the battalion returned to the Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield, and subsequently took part in combat operations in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. The battalion formed the left half of the mechanized Task Force Ripper, along with 1st Battalion 7th Marines, Alpha Company 1st Tank Battalion, Alpha Company 3rd Tank Battalion, HQ 7th Marines and Delta Company, 3rd Light Armored Infantry Battalion.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Persian Gulf War and the 1990s
They were supported by Alpha and Delta Companies of the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion and a platoon from Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. The task force was commanded by Colonel Carlton W. Fulford, Jr. and saw considerable combat as it pushed into Kuwait, seized Al Jaber Airfield and consolidated with other Marine forces at Kuwait International Airport of 27 February 1991. Following the cease fire, the task force backloaded to Manifeh Bay and departed Saudi Arabia on 8 March. The battalion returned to Camp Pendleton the following day.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Global War on Terror
The battalion deployed to Kuwait in 2003 to become part of the invasion force that ousted Saddam Hussein. The Marines of 1/5 were the first to enter the country beginning combat operations the day prior to the war beginning. The battalion continued north in the coming weeks before ultimately participating in the battle for Baghdad. They returned again to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in early 2004 for security and stabilization operations in Al Anbar Province.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Global War on Terror
In March 2004, the battalion, this time attached to the 1st Marine Regiment along with several other units, participated in Operation Vigilant Resolve in the restive city of Fallujah. They were deployed a third time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, one of only two Marine Corps infantry battalions to do so at the time, in the city of Ar Ramadi, capital of Al Anbar Province between March and October 2005.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Global War on Terror
1/5 deployed to Afghanistan from May to December 2009 as part of Task Force Leatherneck and conducted combat operations in the Nawa-I-Barakzayi District of Helmand province.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Global War on Terror
1/5 was once more deployed to Afghanistan from March to October 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and ISAF to the Sangin District of Helmand Province. During this time they took part in two separate combat operations. Upon completing this rotation they were awarded with the Navy Meritorious Unit Citation award.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Other operations
In November 2012, 1/5 deployed as a Battalion Landing Team (BLT) as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. 1/5 completed a six-month rotation including a deployment to Thailand in support of exercise Cobra Gold 2013. The Battalion was relieved by fellow 5th Marines Battalion 2/4 and returned to Camp Pendleton in late May 2013, completing a six-month rotation including a deployment to the Kingdom of Thailand in support of exercise Cobra Gold 2013.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Other operations
From March 2014 to October 2014, 1/5 deployed to Darwin, Australia as the ground combat element of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin. This was the third rotation of Marines to Robertson Barracks, but 1/5 was the first battalion-sized element to deploy to Australia in recent history. The battalion's presence was the first high-visibility example of the United States' "pivot to the Pacific."


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Other operations
In November 2015, 1/5 again formed BLT 1/5 in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.


1st Battalion, 5th Marines, History, Other operations
In July 2017, 1/5 Deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) as the MEU's Ground Combat Element (GCE) or Battalion Landing Team (BLT). The BLT was split between the USS America (LHA-6), USS San Diego (LPD-22) and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) during Western Pacific 17-2 (WESTPAC 17-2). Their main mission was the supporting of Operation Inherent Resolve. During their deployment, 1/5 Marines and sailors aboard the USS America (LHA-6) came to the aid of the USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) after the USS John S. McCain and Alnic MC collision. The 15th MEU returned stateside in February 2018.


1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment
The 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment (1–68 Armor) is a battalion of the 68th Armor Regiment, United States Army.


1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, Operation Iraqi Freedom
Upon return from deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 1, the 4th Infantry Division immediately began reorganization into the "modular brigade" structure of the new US Army. The 4th Infantry Division was again deployed to OIF in late 2005, replacing 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad. The 3rd Brigade was attached to the 101st Airborne Division and the 1–68 was sent to Baqubah, Iraq. Before recent deployment, it was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel George S Dotson.


1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, Operation Iraqi Freedom
The 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 1 December 2007 to 1 March 2009. Alpha Company was sent to FOB Prosperity attached to 3-29 FA manning coalition checkpoints in central Baghdad's International Zone. Headquarters and Headquarter Company (HHC) was set in at COP Callahan, a converted shopping mall. COP Callahan also housed Delta, Echo, and Fox Companies while Charlie Company occupied COP Ford. At the end of February Alpha Company rejoined the battalion and was sent to JSS Ur.


1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, Operation Iraqi Freedom
Alpha Company along with elements of 4/64, 3 ID began conducting combat patrols in the Hy Ur and Sadr City districts as a mechanized infantry company. On 8 July members of the Jaysha Madi and Hezbollah successfully deployed 10 Improvised Rocket Assisted Mortars directed at Alpha Company at JSS Ur. 9 of the 10 IRAMs exploded inside the JSS, destroying the Aerostat Balloon which had coverage over most important routes and checkpoints in the area.


1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, Operation Iraqi Freedom
Alpha company was then sent to FOB Apache(Gunner's Palace) while 3rd Platoon Alpha company was detached to Delta company for the remainder of the deployment and sent to JSS Shaab. COP Callahan was abandoned for COP Bastintine at the end of 2008. All 1-68 soldiers returned to Ft. Carson, CO by the end of March 2009 being relieved by the 1st Cavalry Division.


1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, Operation Iraqi Freedom
After being reorganized, the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment became known as the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment. HHC became known as Havoc with scouts, snipers, mortars and medics and staff positions. Alpha company, known as Attack, and Bravo, known as Blackhawk, were designated as infantry companies with M2A3 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. Charlie company, known as Steel, and Delta, known as Destroyer, were set up as tank companies with 14 M1A2 Main Battle Tanks each. Echo company, known as Exile, became an engineering company. Foxtrot company, known as Forerunner, was attached from 64th Brigade Support Battalion to provide dining facility (DFAC), maintenance/recovery and a supply distribution platoon. The final company is Golf Company which is the rear-detachment company for the battalion when deployed.


1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, OIF 6
1–68 Armor deployed to Iraq as part of operation new dawn throughout southern Iraq with a detachment company assigned to 4–10. Taskforce blackjack is in Al Assad, containing Destroyer Company, 1–68 in an advise and assist training role for the Iraqi army


1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, Unit awards
Valorous Unit Award for dates of service 1 Dec 2005 - 4 Nov 2006.


1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, Unit awards
For extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. During the period 1 December 2005 to 4 November 2006, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 68thArmored Regiment and its subordinate units displayed extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the face of constant life- threatening enemy actions throughout Diyala Province including, Baqubah, Khalis, Narwan and Khan Bani Saad, the unit demonstrated unwavering courage and determination in securing the people of Iraq by neutralizing the insurgency, training Iraqi security forces, and by improving local governance, infrastructure, and economy. Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment's outstanding performance of duty is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon the unit, 3d Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army,


1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, Unit awards
Valorous Unit Award for dates of service 3 Dec 2007 - 1 Mar 2009.


1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, Unit awards
For extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. During the period 3 December 2007 to 1 March 2009, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment and its subordinate units displayed extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy while in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad and Sadr City. The unit demonstrated the ability to innovate and adapt to accomplish their mission beyond the call of duty. The unit's ability to, fight and win on any ground against multiple enemies in a complex environment while simultaneously enabling local government and coalition forces represents an outstanding effort. Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment's outstanding performance of duty is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects distinct credit upon the unit, the Multi-National Division-Baghdad, and the United States Army.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines
The 1st Battalion, 6th Marines (1/6) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. It consists of approximately 1,100 marines and sailors. They fall under the command of the 6th Marine Regiment, the 2nd Marine Division of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF).


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, World War I (1917–1919)
Activated on 11 July 1917 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, as the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. 1/6 deployed to France from September to October 1917 and was assigned to the 4th Brigade, 2nd Division (Army), American Expeditionary Force. For the actions at Belleau Wood, Soissons, and Blanc Mont, the 6th Marine Regiment was awarded the French Croix de Guerre three times.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, World War I (1917–1919)
As a result, the regiment is authorized to wear the fourragère of the Croix de Guerre (seen in the unit's logo), one of only two units in the Marine Corps so honored, (the other being the 5th Marine Regiment). The fourragère thereafter became part of the uniform of the unit. All members of the modern 6th Marines are authorized to wear the fourragère while serving with the regiment. (World War One Victory Medal, Army Occupation of Germany Medal, French Croix de guerre)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, World War I (1917–1919)
The battalion participated in the following World War I campaigns:


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, World War I (1917–1919)
1/6 participated in the Occupation of the Rhineland from December 1918 to July 1919. After the war the battalion relocated to Quantico, Virginia in August 1919 and was deactivated on 20 August 1919.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, 1922 – 1934
The battalion was reactivated on 12 June 1922 and participated in maneuvers at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. From June–July 1922, it was assigned to the Marine Corps Expeditionary Force.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, 1922 – 1934
In June 1924 1/6 deployed to the Dominican Republic and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba participating in expeditionary operations until September 1925. The unit returned to Norfolk, Virginia, and was deactivated on 1 October 1925. (Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, 1922 – 1934
On 29 March 1927, 1/6 was reactivated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in May 1927, 1/6 deployed to Shanghai, China and was assigned to 3rd Brigade. The battalion was again deactivated in March 1929 in San Diego, California


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Yangtze River Valley (1934–1938)
On 9 September 1934, at Norfolk, Virginia, 1/6 relocated to San Diego during September and October 1934 and then deployed to Shanghai in China in August 1937 where it was assigned to the 2nd Marine Brigade, Fleet Marine Force. The battalion returned to San Diego during February to April 1938. (Yangtze Service Medal, China Service Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, World War II (1939–1946)
On 1 February 1941, the 2nd Marine Brigade was re-designated as the 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force (FMF). In anticipation of joining the war 1/6 deployed during May to July 1941 to Reykjavík, Iceland and was reassigned to the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, World War II (1939–1946)
1/6 relocated during March 1942 to San Diego and were reassigned to the 2nd Marine Division, FMF. From October to November 1942 it deployed to Wellington in New Zealand. During the course of World War II the battalion fought at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, World War II (1939–1946)
The 6th Marines landed at Guadalcanal on 4 January 1943 where it was briefly reunited with the 2nd and 8th Marines. The 6th Marines, fighting as part of a temporary Army-Marine division after the bulk of the 2nd Marine Division departed, participated in the final American offensive on Guadalcanal advancing from Kokumbona to Cape Esperance and eliminating the last remaining enemy forces. The 6th Marines suffered 223 casualties (53 killed in action or died of wounds, 170 wounded in action), during its six weeks on the "Canal".


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, World War II (1939–1946)
During the Battle of Tarawa, the 6th Marines was the V Amphibious Corps' floating reserve. The assault waves stormed ashore on 20 November 1943 but ran into stiff opposition. Casualties were so heavy that the entire division reserve was committed on the first day. The 6th Marines was ordered ashore the following morning. The 1st and 3rd Battalions landed across Betio's Green Beach and were ordered to drive the length of the island, the 2nd Battalion was used as a blocking force on nearby Bairiki Island. Betio was declared secure after 76 bloody hours. The 1st and 3rd Battalions were re-located to a new rest camp in Hawaii, but the 2nd Battalion stayed on to clear the rest of the atoll. The 6th Marines suffered 355 casualties (99 dead, 256 wounded) and received a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions on Tarawa.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, World War II (1939–1946)
The regiment next participated in the Battle of Saipan and the Tinian operation. The regiment landed under heavy fire at Saipan's Red Beach on 15 June. This was the most difficult assault landing in regimental history; two of the three battalion commanders were seriously wounded in the first minutes ashore. Early the next morning, the 6th Marines repulsed several tank-supported counterattacks that saved the beachhead. Machine gunner PFC Harold G. Epperson sacrificed his own life by diving on a grenade on 25 June and received a posthumous Medal of Honor for that action. The regiment then drove north up the west side of the island through the coastal town of Garapan and on toward Tanapag, where the Marines faced the largest Japanese "Banzai" attack of the war.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, World War II (1939–1946)
The next battle for the regiment was at Tinian on 25 July and joined the rest of the 2nd Marine Division as it elbowed its way down the island until reaching the escarpment that marked Tinian's southern tip on 1 August. It took three days of tough fighting to reduce the final enemy stronghold. During that fighting, PFC Robert L. Wilson covered a live grenade with his body to protect his comrades and earned a posthumous Medal of Honor. The regiment lost 34 killed and 165 wounded in ten days on Tinian.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, World War II (1939–1946)
In September 1945, the unit deployed to Nagasaki where it participated in the Occupation of Japan from September 1945 to June 1946. (Presidential Unit Citation, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Cold War (1946–1990)
In July 1946, 1/6 relocated to Camp Pendleton, California and was reassigned to the 3rd Marine Brigade, FMF. In July 1947, it was reassigned to the 1st Marine Division and deactivated on 1 October 1947. On 7 October 1949 1/6 was reactivated at the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division. Unit personnel subsequently deployed at various times as the Battalion Landing Team 1/6 in Okinawa, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Cold War (1946–1990)
In 1958, 1/6 participated in Operation Blue Bat during the 1958 Lebanon Crisis. (Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Cold War (1946–1990)
In 1962, 1/6 participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis in October and November 1962 (Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Cold War (1946–1990)
In 1965, 1/6 participated in the Intervention in the Dominican Republic from April to June 1965 in support of Operation Powerpack. (Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Cold War (1946–1990)
On 21 April 1967, a military coup overthrew the elected government of Greece. Navy units were immediately alerted and directed to the Ionian Sea. Two Battalion Landing Teams (BLT 3/8, and BLT 1/6) were in the Mediterranean at the time, because of a turn-over; both were active in the operation, which involved a show of force and a contingency (stand-by) evacuation response.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Cold War (1946–1990)
The Six-Day Arab-Israeli War of June 1967 caused the Marine Amphibious Ready Group (BLT 1/6) to be put on alert for possible operations. On 6 June, two carrier task forces moved closer to the fighting, while four days later, President Johnson ordered a high-speed carrier movement toward Syria to facilitate a cease-fire agreement.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Cold War (1946–1990)
On 1 September 1969, a coup overthrew the Libyan monarchy. At the same time, conditions were very unsettled in Lebanon, leading to the 22 October resignation of the Lebanese Prime Minister. Contingency forces in the period 26–30 October included two carrier task forces and the Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG) with BLT 1/6 embarked.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Cold War (1946–1990)
In 1983, 1/6 participated as part of the Multinational Peace Keeping Force in Lebanon from February to June 1983 (Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Cold War (1946–1990)
From January to July 1989 elements of Charlie Company 1/6 deployed to Panama with 6th Marine Regiment in support of Operation Just Cause. (Navy Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Multinational Force and Observers Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Cold War (1946–1990)
(National Defense Service Medals awarded for active duty service during Korean War 27 June 1950 to 27 July 1954 and war Vietnam War 1 January 1961 to 14 August 1974, Navy Unit Commendation awarded 1986–1987, Sea Service Deployment Ribbons Awarded for deployments for a period of either 90 consecutive days or two periods of at least 80 days each within a given 12-month period; or 6 months stationed overseas in a forward deployed location, 15 August 1974– Present)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Persian Gulf War (1990–1991)
The battalion participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The battalion was already deployed to Okinawa since July 1990, then on to Saudi Arabia via amphibious ships with the 4th MEB. After extensive training and attaching to the 2nd Marine Division upon their arrival in December, they were ready to fight. The battalion provided valuable information to the Division since they had been in country since September and was pleased to rejoin their higher command, the 6th Marine Regt.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Persian Gulf War (1990–1991)
The 6th Marines was commanded by Col Lawrence H. "Rhino 6" Livingston, a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran, winning the Navy Cross, Silver Star, four Bronze stars and five purple hearts respectively. Lt Col Thomas S. Jones, who command 1/6 was a decorated combat veteran of Vietnam himself and had served an exchange tour with the 42 Commando British Royal Marines, was well suited for the task at hand. He was well respected throughout the battalion and the Regiment as well.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Persian Gulf War (1990–1991)
At 0600 on 24, 1/6 February quickly closed on the first of the obstacle belts which consisted of two minefield and wire obstacles. The Combat Engineer Battalion opened the lanes using the mine clearing line charges and then mine plows as best as they could. Various types of mines were encountered, but were expected. Plastic antipersonnel and antitank mines would slide back into the lanes as the AAVs with infantry Marines inside and the CAAT teams advanced to the objective.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Persian Gulf War (1990–1991)
Under indirect and direct fire from the enemy, the battalion fought through two mine fields and also had to quickly go to MOPP level 4, responding to the alarm of chemical agent of "mustard gas" detected by the "Fox" chemical reconnaissance vehicle. After the first day of fighting, hundreds of Iraqis on the front line surrendered, many of them had to be "convinced" to give up the fight or die.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Persian Gulf War (1990–1991)
Along with the Army's Tiger Brigade (Tanks), 1st Battalion, 6th Marines destroyed many enemy tanks, armored personnel carriers, bunkers, and enemy ground troops who did not understand the fact that, Marines take the fight to the enemy, hard and heavy. (Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asian Service, Kuwait Liberation Medal Kuwait, Kuwait Liberation Medal Saudi Arabia)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Operation Sea Signal (1994)
From July 1994 to October 1994 under Joint Task Force 160, 1/6 participated in Operation Sea Signal a United States Military humanitarian operation in the Caribbean in response to an influx of Cuban and Haitian migrants attempting to gain asylum in the United States. (Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Humanitarian Service Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Kosovo Campaign (1999)
1/6 participated in Operation Noble Anvil in Kosovo from January to April 1999. Also known as the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, the bombing killed around 1,000 members of the Yugoslav security forces in addition to 489 and 528 civilians. It destroyed bridges, industrial plants, public buildings, private businesses, as well as barracks and military installations. In the days after the Yugoslav army withdrew, over 164,000 Serbs and 24,000 Roma left Kosovo and many of the remaining non-Albanian civilians (as well as Albanians perceived as collaborators) were victims of abuse which included beatings, abductions, and murders. (Navy Unit Commendation, Kosovo Campaign Medal, NATO Medal Kosovo)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
(National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service awarded for active service during Global War on Terrorism from 11 September 2001 to Present)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In 2004, 1st Battalion 6th Marines deployed as the ground combat element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to Oruzgan Province in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Navy Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal ISAF)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In 2005, 1/6 deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Iraq Campaign Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In 2006–2007 1/6 deployed to Ar Ramadi, Iraq, where they participated in the Battle of Ramadi. (Navy Unit Commendation, Iraq Campaign Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In 2007, 1/6 became Battalion Landing Team 1/6, attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and provided reserve support in 5th and 6th Fleet for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. (Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In 2008, 1/6 deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan between February and September in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During its tasking, the battalion reinforced British and Afghan forces in the Helmand Province campaign. Most combat operations took place in the Taliban-held town of Garmsir. (Meritorious Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal ISAF)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In December 2009 1/6 deployed again to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This was part of the 20,000-troop increase approved just a week before by President Barack Obama, originally ordered by George W. Bush. On 13 February 2010, 1/6 took part in the invasion of Marjah in Helmand Province, known as Operation Moshtarak, and was the first Afghan-led operation of the war.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
The invasion began with members of Alpha and Bravo companies inserting via CH-53 Super Stallion helicopters with approximately 300 Marines and Afghan soldiers and Charlie company using mobile forces to clear and hold a major portion of the city. By 14 June 2010, 1/6's advanced party had returned to the US and by late July the entire battalion was back from the deployment. (Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal ISAF)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In 2011, 1/6 again deployed to Helmand Province and engaged in Operation Eastern Storm, in an effort to clear Sangin and Kajaki Districts of Taliban insurgents, while Charlie Company supported 3rd Battalion 6th Marines in the Marjah district of Afghanistan. (Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal ISAF)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In 2014 1/6 deployed as the ground element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit as the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) located in the 5th and 6th Fleet in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and the evacuation of the US embassy in Tripoli by 3rd Battalion 8th Marines(Operation Oaken Lotus). After the evacuation of the US embassy in Tripoli the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit’s deployment was extended to support ongoing operations in Iraq, and Syria. Detachments of Marines were sent to Iraq to reinforce the US embassy in Baghdad, and support special operations forces in Kurdistan. (Navy Unit Commendation, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In 2015, 1/6 participated in BALTOPS(Baltic Operations), an annual exercise with allied NATO forces in Poland, Sweden, Germany, and the Baltic States.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
Operation Odyssey Lightning: In 2016, 1st Battalion 6th Marines deployed as the ground combat element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. Aboard the USS Wasp, USS San Antonio, and USS Whidbey Island, Marines conducted precision air strikes in support of the Libyan Government of National Accord-aligned forces against ISIS and Daesh targets in Sirte, Libya, as part of the Battle of Sirte (2016).


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
Before joining the operation in Libya, elements of 1/6 aboard the USS San Antonio came under attack as it moved through the Bab al-Mandeb strait on the southern end of the Red Sea while conducting operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa, Operation Restoring Hope, and Operation Oaken Steel. Shortly after the attacks, the USS Nitze destroyed three radar sites in Yemen in retaliation for the two separate attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea. This was credited as the first surface naval battle since the Persian Gulf War. Members of the 22nd MEU received the Presidential Unit Citation and Combat Action Ribbons for operations in Libya and Yemen. (Meritorious Unit Commendation,Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
Operation Inherent Resolve: In September 2017 elements of 1st Battalion 6th Marines deployed to Syria with 1st Battalion 10th Marines as a part of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in order to support operations against ISIS militants in the Battle of Raqqa. (Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation,Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In 2018, 1/6 deployed as part of the Black Sea Rotational Force (18.1) postured in Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase, Romania, which enabled the continuation of promoting regional stability, and building and maintaining enduring partnerships with allied and partner nations. 1/6 also sent Marines to Norway to train with allied NATO forces for a potential cold-weather fight with North Korea or Russia. Upon completion of their training the Marines of 1/6 had their deployment extended due to Hurricane Florence preventing them from returning to Camp Lejeune on schedule. (Navy Arctic Service Ribbon)


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In 2020, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment deployed under the Unit Deployment Program to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan under 3rd Marine Division.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In 2021, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment participated in Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 a multinational maritime exercise, involving sea, land, and air components, and is co-hosted by the United States and Ukraine to enhance interoperability and capability among participating forces in the Black Sea region.


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, History, Global War on Terrorism (2001–Present)
In August, 2021, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment deployed aboard the USS Arlington (LPD 24) in U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations off the coast of Haiti in support of Joint Task Force-Haiti, Aug 21 following a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on .Aug. 14


1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Honors and awards
The 1st Battalion 6th Marines has been awarded the following:


1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment
The 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment (1-76th FAR) is an inactive field artillery battalion of the United States Army. The battalion has been assigned to  the 3rd Infantry Division, 7th Infantry Division, 2nd Infantry Brigade, and as a separate field artillery battalion. The battalion has participated in World War I, World War II, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The battalion inactivated in 2015 as part of Army force reductions.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States)
This is the current revision of this page, as edited by GoingBatty (talk | contribs) at 18:06, 20 January 2020 (clean up, replaced: Navy → Navy (2)). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this version.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States)
The 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery is the only active duty element remaining of the 79th Field Artillery. First constituted on 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army as Troops A (Alpha) and B (Bravo) in the 21st Cavalry, their mission has changed greatly from their Cavalry days. The 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery is part of the 434th Field Artillery Brigade charged with the TRADOC mission of Basic Combat Training or BCT of new soldiers to the United States Army.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Constituted 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army as Troops A and B, 21st Cavalry


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Consolidated, converted, and redesignated 1 November 1917 as Battery A, 79th Field Artillery(79th Field Artillery assigned 6 December 1917 to the 7th Division)


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Inactivated 14 September 1921 at Camp George G. Meade, Maryland, and relieved from assignment to the 7th Division(79th Field Artillery assigned 1 January 1930 to the 7th Division; relieved 16 October 1939 from assignment to the 7th Division)


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Reorganized and redesignated 23 February 1943 as Battery A, 697th Field Artillery Battalion


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Redesignated 5 February 1947 as Battery A, 555th Field Artillery Battalion


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Activated 1 January 1949 in Korea(555th Field Artillery Battalion assigned 10 October 1954 to the 71st Infantry Division)


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Inactivated 15 September 1956 at Fort Lewis, WashingtonRelieved 16 January 1957 from assignment to the 71st Infantry Division; concurrently redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Artillery


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Redesignated 1 June 1958 as Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Missile Battalion, 79th Artillery (organic elements concurrently constituted)


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Redesignated 1 July 1960 as the 1st Howitzer Battalion, 79th Artillery, assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, and activated in Korea


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Redesignated 1 July 1963 as the 1st Battalion, 79th Artillery


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Redesignated 1 September 1971 as the 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Inactivated 1 October 1983 at Fort Ord, California, and relieved from assignment to the 7th Infantry Division


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Headquarters transferred 16 August 1995 to the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command and activated at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery has five active batteries (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo) and they are all charged with the BCT mission. Up until January 2011 Echo and Delta Batteries were conducting Warrior Transition Courses (or WTC), where prior service members of other branches, such as the Navy or Coast Guard, receive training to prepare them for service in the United States Army.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), History and lineage
Golf Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery have reflagged into 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery on 10 February 2011 and Fox Trot Battery 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery also reflagged into 1st Battalion, 31st Field Artillery in December 2010. In March 2011 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery will stand up a new Fox Battery to once again have six batteries conducting a BCT mission.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), Distinctive unit insignia
A gold color metal and enamel device 1 5/32 inches (2.94 cm) in height overall consisting of the shield and crest of the coat of arms. Symbolism.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), Distinctive unit insignia
The 21st Cavalry was organized in June 1917 from the 13th Cavalry, and converted into Field Artillery as the 79th, in November of the same year. Its original Cavalry character is shown by the color of the field, its Field Artillery service by the red bend. The canton shows a device from the badge of the 13th Cavalry, the parent organization. The regiment insignia in base is the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 7th Division with colors reversed, surrounded by a green band. Background.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), Distinctive unit insignia
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 79th Field Artillery Regiment on 22 December 1928. It was redesignated for the 79th Artillery Regiment on 14 April 1958. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 September 1971, for the 79th Field Artillery Regiment.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), Coat of arms
Or, a bend Gules, on a sinister canton of the like a sun in splendor of the field charged with the numeral "13" Sable (for the 13th Cavalry), in base the insignia of the regiment Proper (a Red hour-glass on a Black circle surrounded by a Green band).


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), Coat of arms
On a wreath of the colors Or and Gules, a horse's head armored Proper.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), Coat of arms
1st Battalion, uses the Motto: PEACE THROUGH VICTORY, which they gained when they were organized as the 697th Field Artillery Battalion


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), Coat of arms
The 21st Cavalry was organized in June 1917 from the 13th Cavalry, and converted into Field Artillery as the 79th, in November of the same year. Its original Cavalry character is shown by the color of the field, its Field Artillery service by the red bend. The canton shows a device from the badge of the 13th Cavalry, the parent organization. The regiment insignia in base is the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 7th Division with colors reversed, surrounded by a green band.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), Coat of arms
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 79th Field Artillery Regiment on 1 September 1920. It was redesignated for the 79th Artillery Regiment on 14 April 1958. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 September 1971, for the 79th Field Artillery Regiment.


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), Campaign participation credit
World War II: Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; North Apennines; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe


1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment (United States), Campaign participation credit
Korean War: UN Defensive; UN Offensive; CCF Intervention; First UN Counteroffensive; CCF Spring Offensive; Un Summer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea, Summer –Fall 1952; Third Korean Winter; Korea, Summer 1953


1st Battalion, 7th Marines
The 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) is an infantry battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment of the United States Marine Corps. It is currently based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. Consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines, it is part of the 1st Marine Division.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines
Famous Marines who have served in 1/7 include Lieutenant Colonel Erick Clark, General Raymond G. Davis, General James Mattis, Lieutenant General Lewis "Chesty" Puller, and Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, Subordinate units
Note that unlike other infantry battalions in the Marine Corps, 1/7 does not follow the traditional usage of the NATO phonetic alphabet for naming their companies. Suicide Charley uses an incorrect way of spelling "Charlie" in reference to their history.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History
The 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment was created on 1 April 1921 in San Diego, California. In September 1924, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines was deactivated with its personnel being absorbed by the newly organized 4th Marine Regiment. For the next twenty years 1/7 was activated, re-designated, and disbanded on numerous occasions until being reborn on 1 January 1941.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, World War II
Just over a year after its rebirth, 1/7 deployed to take part in the Pacific Theater during World War II. 7th Marines and 1/11 were detached from the Division to form the 3rd Marine Brigade and were sent to Samoa. From where the battalion rejoined the 1st Marine Division, to see their first action of the war at Guadalcanal. Under its commander, Lieutenant Colonel Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, the battalion distinguished itself many times over for valor, and bravery held its positions against the onslaught of a regiment of seasoned Japanese attackers.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, World War II
It was also during this campaign that Sgt "Manila John" Basilone was awarded the Medal of Honor for defending his exposed position from a comprehensive Japanese assault using only a machine gun. Throughout the remainder of the war, the "First Team" distinguished itself throughout many campaigns, including the Battle of Cape Gloucester, the Battle of Peleliu and the Battle of Okinawa.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, World War II
At the end of the war in the Pacific, 1/7 deployed to China as an element of Operation Beleaguer to assist in repatriation of the defeated Japanese military to Japan.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Korean War
Following World War II, the "First of the Seventh" was sent to Camp Pendleton in California where it was deactivated on 5 March 1947. However, in response to the invasion of South Korea by the communist North Korea, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines was again called into action. On 21 September 1950, 1/7 carried out an amphibious landing at Inchon. Once more the "First Team" distinguished itself in battle fighting its way to and from the Chosin Reservoir and in the First Battle of the Hook; Lt Col Raymond C. Davis of the Battalion received the Medal of Honor for fighting at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Korean War
Following the cessation of hostilities in Korea and through 1965, 1/7 spent time both in Camp Pendleton and Okinawa while maintaining its combat readiness.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Vietnam War
In August 1965, 1/7 was once again called to service, this time in the South Vietnam. The 1/7 commander, Lt. Colonel James P. Kelly, led the "First Team" in 1965-1966 as they participated in numerous combat operations such as Starlite, Piranha, Mameluke Thrust and Oklahoma Hills. During these operations and many others, 1/7 was honored repeatedly, earning the Presidential Unit Citation Streamer four times and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer three times.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Vietnam War
Corporal Larry Eugene Smedley, Delta Company /1/7, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for action that took place on December 20, 1967 and Private First Class Ralph Dias, Delta Company, 1/7, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for action that took place in November 1969. In 1998, Robert R. Ingram was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton for his actions on March 28, 1966 while he was assigned as a Navy hospital corpsman in B Company, 1/7.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Vietnam War
On 19 February 1970, in the Son Thang massacre just southwest of Danang, a five-man patrol from the Battalion executed five women and eleven children. One member of the team was convicted of premeditated murder, but served less than a year in prison


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Gulf War
The 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, was the first unit to man defensive positions in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield in August 1990. The Battalion was an integral member of Task Force Ripper. As Desert Shield became Desert Storm, 1/7 participated in the diagonal thrust to the perimeter of Kuwait City, spearheading the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq. 1/7 returned to Twentynine Palms in California, in March 1991.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Somalia
On 11 December 1992, the first elements of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, arrived at Mogadishu, Somalia for Operation Restore Hope. 1/7 operations were conducted in Baidoa, Bardera, Oddur, Afgoye and Mogadishu. The Battalion relieved Task Force Mogadishu for occupation of the Stadium Complex in Mogadishu on 25 January 1993. The following night, Lance Corporal Anthony Botello was killed while on point, during a night patrol in the city. Botello was the only other Marine besides Pfc. Domingo Arroyo (3rd Battalion 11th Marines) to be killed in action in Somalia. 1/7 turned over their mission and area of operations in Mogadishu to the 10th Baluch Battalion on 24 April 1993 and returned to Twentynine Palms.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Operation Iraqi Freedom
In January 2003, 1/7 was deployed on Operation Iraqi Freedom. It crossed the Kuwaiti border into Iraq on 18 March; its first mission was to seize the strategically prominent oil pumping and control station in Az Zubayr. This station was so important because more than 50% of Iraq's oil was controlled by it. 1/7 saw significant combat action on its way to Baghdad and in the streets of the Iraqi capital. On 23 April, 1/7 turned over control of their sector to the U.S. Army and took up positions in the city of An Najaf. After countless extensions, the Battalion returned to Twentynine Palms, on 5 October 2003.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Operation Iraqi Freedom
In August 2004, 1/7 deployed once more, but this time to Western Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. There the Battalion conducted security operations in the cities and roadways along the Euphrates River and Syrian border to include Husaybah, Karabilah, Sadah, Ubaydi, Al Qa'im, Haditha, Hit and Haqlania. Involved in combat operations on a daily basis, 1/7 personnel conducted mounted and dismounted urban patrols, cordon knocks, Main Supply Route (MSR) security, sweep operations, and border security to clear the battalion's Area of Operation (AO) of enemy insurgents.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Operation Iraqi Freedom
In March 2006, 1/7 again deployed to Iraq and operated near the Iraqi-Syrian border, conducting dismounted urban patrols, weapons cache sweeping and vehicle checkpoints. It returned in September 2006.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Operation Iraqi Freedom
1/7 returned to Western Al Anbar in August 2007. Assigned to AO Hīt, "Task Force 1/7" conducted thousands of combat patrols and weapon cache sweeps. TF 1/7 found over 22,000 pieces of ordnance during the deployment and captured over 200 suspected terrorists and criminals. TF 1/7 was partnered with two Iraqi infantry battalions and two police districts. The training and development of the Iraqi units was so successful that the city of Hit was the first city within the Al Anbar Province to be returned to Iraqi control. The Battalion returned to Twentynine Palms in March 2008.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Operation Iraqi Freedom
In February 2009, 1/7 returned to the Al Anbar province. Assigned to Fallujah and Al-Karmah, it was tasked to maintain security in the area with close cooperation with Iraqi police, the Iraqi Army and Provincial Security Forces. Upon departing the region in August and September 2009, 1/7 turned over the AO to Iraqi control before returning to the United States.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Operation Enduring Freedom
In March 2012, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines deployed to Sangin District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations and support the transition of authority from U.S. forces to the Afghan National Security Forces. The Battalion returned in October 2012.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Operation Enduring Freedom
In March 2014, 1/7 again deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The Battalion retrograded from Sangin district on 5 May 2014, and turned over security responsibility of the area to the Afghan National Army. 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, was the final Marine Corps unit to occupy FOB Sabit Qadam and the surrounding area in Sangin District. During the Battalion’s approximately seven-month-long deployment, the "First Team" was responsible for a number of successful missions throughout Helmand province.


1st Battalion, 7th Marines, History, Operation Enduring Freedom
"They should be proud of what they contributed to the campaign," said Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo. "They have been involved in everything from the northern Helmand retrograde from Sangin, which was historic for the Marine Corps but also for 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, because of their previous deployment there. They were involved in the central Helmand liftoff to support our U.K. brothers as they picked up and moved out of Lashkar Gah. They were involved in elections prep from both the primary elections and the runoff elections." Unfortunately, amidst the battalion’s success came two devastating incidents.