1st Battalion 4th Marines
Encyclopedia
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 1000 Marines and sailors. They fall under the command of the 1st Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division.
. From September 1924 to January 1927, the battalion was based in San Diego, California
. During that period elements of the battalion were assigned to guard the U.S. mail. From February 1927 to November 1941, the battalion served in China, where it was first addressed as “The China Marines,” and began using the Chinese dragon in different official and unofficial logos and mastheads. During November 1941, the battalion, with the entire 4th Marine Regiment, deployed from China to the Philippines.
found the battalion stationed at Olongapo in the Philippines. Ordered to Corregidor
, the battalion helped defend that strategic island from December 1941 to May 1942. The battalion was awarded two Presidential Unit Citation
s and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, but was also forced to burn its colors and surrender.
On 1 February 1944, a new 1/4 was activated by the redesignation of the 1st Raider Battalion
. For the remainder of World War II, the battalion fought at two of the bloodiest campaigns in the Pacific, the Battle of Guam and the Battle of Okinawa
. The battalion was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation
for Guam and Navy Presidential Unit Commendation for Okinawa. After the war, the battalion was part of the occupation forces in Japan. The battalion served in China in 1946. It spent the Korean War
stationed in Japan. In 1955 it was transferred to Hawaii and stayed there until May 1965.
near Chu Lai
. The Battalion was involved in many of the operations in I Corps (South Vietnam)
. In 1966 the unit was involved in Operation Prairie
. This operation was located west of Camp Carroll in the foot hills and mountains around the Rockpile
. Starting in 1967 the Battalion spent most of its time in and around Con Thien. Later they were involved in Operation Beacon Hill 1, Operation Desoto, Operation Deckhouse VI and Operation Prairie IV
. 1/4 took over the security of Camp Carroll
when the United States Army
moved its 175mm guns back from the Demilitarized Zone
(DMZ). They also provided security for the construction of the McNamara Line
. This was a strip of land 400 to 600 yards wide and 6 miles (9.7 km) long that ran between Con Thien
and Gio Linh
just below the DMZ. In the summer of 1968 1/4 was operating out of FSB Loon and FSB Robin about 8 miles (12.9 km) south of Khe Sanh. In September the battalion was moved north to FSB Winchester just west of the Razorback. Then again in October the 1/4 return to Vandergrift Combat Base near Ca Lu
and started patrolling areas around the base. In March 1969 the Battalion was involved in Operation Purple Martin. October 1 the battalion received orders to dismantle Vandergrift Combat Base. On October 22, 1969 1/4 left South Vietnam.
From October 1969 to 1977, the battalion served on Okinawa and participated in the rescue of SS Mayaguez
and the Southeast Asia
emergency evacuations. On 12 May 1975, a Khmer Rouge
gunboat seized an American ship, the SS Mayaguez in the Gulf of Thailand
and detained its crew. Elements of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines and the 9th Marine Regiment, were flown to an advanced staging of a joint US Task Force. They conducted a helo assault on the Cambodian island of Koh Tang
where the Mayaguez was being held. United States Air Force
helicopters landed Marines of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines
on Koh Tang
, where the crew was believed to be held. Marines from Company D, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines boarded the Mayaguez only to find it deserted. The Khmer Rouge released the Mayaguez crew who were picked up by a U.S. destroyer at sea. On 15 May, with the recovery of the ship and its crew, the Marines withdrew from Koh Tang Island. The American forces sustained total casualties of 15 killed, 3 missing in action (later declared dead), 49 wounded, and 23 other personnel killed in a related helicopter crash. Khmer Rouge casualties were unknown.
. In January 1989, they were transferred to the 1st Marine Division at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
. Following the August 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait
, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines was engaged in Western Pacific commitments as the ground combat element
of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
, and was rushed into the Persian Gulf
to assist in tactical operations that became Operation Desert Shield. During that time the unit assisted in Iraq-bound shipping interdiction while land-based units organized and began receiving shipborne supplies. The unit remained in-theater until December 1990, when it was ordered to the Philippine Islands for repairs to its amphibious ships. The unit redeployed to the Persian Gulf in January 1991 for Operation Desert Storm and remained until March, returning to MCB Camp Pendleton after ten months afloat.
In 1992 1/4 deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
with the Amphibious Ready Group. During this deployment the battalion participated in Operation Provide Relief
assisting providing humanitarian assistance for the people of Somalia
. The 11th MEU left Somalia following the arrival of Pakistan
i peacekeepers. In 1994, 1/4 returned to Africa as part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
where they were tasked with providing several on-call missions, including the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), Non-combatant Evacutaion Operation
(NEO), and airfield seizure while in support of the United States Liaison Office relocation from Mogadishu
to Nairobi
, Kenya
. In addition, the Marines and Sailors of the 15th MEU provided relief and airlift support for relief operations in Rawanda.
in July 2001. The 13th MEU earned its Special Operations Capable (SOC) certification in November, after completing the SOC Exercise early in the predeployment cycle. 1st Battalion, 4th Marines deployed with the 13th MEU a month and a half ahead of its scheduled mid-January departure date in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
. In executing the Nahr Diyala River crossing as part of the assault on Baghdad, 1/4 executed the first amphibious assault in the Marine Corps since the Korean War. After Baghdad was captured, 1/4 relocated to Al Hillah, where it remained until it returned to Camp Pendleton.
In May 2004 1/4 departed aboard the as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
. In July, the battalion began conducting operations near the Iraqi cities of An Najaf and Ad Diwaniyah. In August 1/4 engaged in battalion level combat in Najaf, including the battle for the Wadi al-Salaam cemetery and several engagements with Muqtada al-Sadr’s
Mahdi Militia
. The battalion also participated in operations in Kufa in August, and Operation Phantom Fury
in Fallujah
in November.
In September 2005, the battalion participated in Hurricane Katrina
relief efforts in Louisiana
and Mississippi
. Following Special Operations Capable qualification, BLT 1/4 deployed aboard the , the , and the in February 2006.
1/4 deployed to Al Qaim, Iraq from April-Nov 2007. The battalion was established as a task force upon arrival in country and would grow to over 4200 Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Iraqi Soldiers and Police. Task Force 1/4 operated out of 12 battle positions spread across 3500 square miles (9,065 km²) of terrain and was partnered with the Iraqi 3rd Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, the 1st and 3rd Battalions of the 3rd Brigade, two Iraqi Border Defense Battalions, and over 1500 Iraqi Police. Task Force 1/4 was assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2 (2nd Marines) and the 2nd Marine Division throughout this deployment.
The battalion deployed to Iraq again around September of 2008 through march 2009 in Fallujah. The battalion was spread out around the city tasked to control and monitor the flow of personnel and vehicle traffic in and out of the city. Multiple vehicle and foot traffic checkpoints and scanners were established and the issuing of identification cards for civilians took place as well.
Between May of 2010 to December of 2010, 1/4 deployed with the 15th MEU. They trained and exercised with several allied nations throughtout the deployment.
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMERWITH THREE BRONZE STARS - WORLD WAR II
GUADALCANAL – 1942
OKINAWA – 1945
VIETNAM - 1965 – 1967
IRAQ - 2003
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER (ARMY)WITH ONE BRONZE OAK LEAF CLUSTER - WORLD WAR II
PHILIPPINES – 1941 – 1942
PHILIPPINES – 1942
JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION SOMALIA - 1992
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER WITH THREE BRONZE STARS - WORLD WAR II
GUAM – 1944
VIETNAM - 1968
SOUTHWEST ASIA - 1990 – 1991, 1994
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER WITH TWO BRONZE STARS
VIETNAM -1967
SOUTHWEST ASIA EVACUATIONS - 1975, 2000
MARINE CORPS EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER WITH TWO BRONZE STARS
YANGTZE SERVICE STREAMER CHINA SERVICE STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN STREAMER WITH ONE SILVER AND TWO BRONZE STARS
WORLD WAR II VICTORY STREAMER
NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE STREAMER WITH “ASIA”
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER WITH THREE BRONZE STARS
KOREAN SERVICE STREAMER
ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
VIETNAM SERVICE STREAMER WITH TWO SILVER STARS
SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER WITH TWO BRONZE STARS
IRAQ CAMPAIGN STREAMER
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM SERVICE STREAMER
PHILIPPINE DEFENSE STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER
VIETNAM CROSS OF GALLANTRY WITH PALM STREAMER
VIETNAM MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION CIVIL ACTIONS STREAMER
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Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
in the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base of the United States Marine Corps and serves as its prime amphibious training base...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
consisting of approximately 1000 Marines and sailors. They fall under the command of the 1st Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division.
Subordinate units
- Headquarters and Service CompanyHeadquarters and Service CompanyA Headquarters and Service Company is a company sized military unit, found at the battalion level and higher in the United States Marine Corps. In identifying a specific headquarters unit, it is usually referred to by its abbreviation as H&S...
- Alpha Company
- Bravo Company
- Charlie Company
- Delta Company
- Weapons CompanyWeapons companyA weapons company, sometimes called a manoeuvre support company is a company-sized military unit attached to an infantry battalion to support the rifle companies of the battalion...
Early years
Although originally activated in April 1911 as part of the 4th Marine Regiment, the battalion considers August 1, 1922 as its official birthday. This was when it was first addressed as the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, in the Dominican RepublicDominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
. From September 1924 to January 1927, the battalion was based in San Diego, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. During that period elements of the battalion were assigned to guard the U.S. mail. From February 1927 to November 1941, the battalion served in China, where it was first addressed as “The China Marines,” and began using the Chinese dragon in different official and unofficial logos and mastheads. During November 1941, the battalion, with the entire 4th Marine Regiment, deployed from China to the Philippines.
World War II
World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
found the battalion stationed at Olongapo in the Philippines. Ordered to Corregidor
Battle of Corregidor
The Battle for Corregidor was the culmination of the Japanese campaign for the conquest of the Philippines. The fall of Bataan on 9 April 1942 ended all organized opposition by the U.S...
, the battalion helped defend that strategic island from December 1941 to May 1942. The battalion was awarded two Presidential Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation (US)
The Presidential Unit Citation, originally called the Distinguished Unit Citation, is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941...
s and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, but was also forced to burn its colors and surrender.
On 1 February 1944, a new 1/4 was activated by the redesignation of the 1st Raider Battalion
Marine Raiders
The Marine Raiders were elite units established by the United States Marine Corps during World War II to conduct amphibious light infantry warfare, particularly in landing in rubber boats and operating behind the lines...
. For the remainder of World War II, the battalion fought at two of the bloodiest campaigns in the Pacific, the Battle of Guam and the Battle of Okinawa
Battle of Okinawa
The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg, was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945...
. The battalion was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Unit Commendation
The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944...
for Guam and Navy Presidential Unit Commendation for Okinawa. After the war, the battalion was part of the occupation forces in Japan. The battalion served in China in 1946. It spent the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
stationed in Japan. In 1955 it was transferred to Hawaii and stayed there until May 1965.
Vietnam War
In the spring of 1965 1st Battalion 4th Marines deployed to South VietnamSouth Vietnam
South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
near Chu Lai
Chu Lai
Chu Lai is a sea port, urban and industrial area in Dung Quat Bay, Núi Thành district, Quang Nam province of Vietnam. The city is served by Chu Lai Airport.-Vietnam War:...
. The Battalion was involved in many of the operations in I Corps (South Vietnam)
I Corps (South Vietnam)
The I Corps Tactical Zone was a corps of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam , the army of the nation state of South Vietnam that existed from 1955 to 1975. It was one of four corps which the ARVN oversaw. This was the northernmost region of South Vietnam, bordering North Vietnam...
. In 1966 the unit was involved in Operation Prairie
Operation Prairie
Operation Prairie was a military operation in northern South Vietnam. Its job was to eliminating North Vietnamese Army forces south of the DMZ....
. This operation was located west of Camp Carroll in the foot hills and mountains around the Rockpile
Rockpile
Rockpile were a British rock and roll group of the late 1970s and early 1980s, noted for their strong rockabilly and power pop influences, and as a foundational influence on new wave...
. Starting in 1967 the Battalion spent most of its time in and around Con Thien. Later they were involved in Operation Beacon Hill 1, Operation Desoto, Operation Deckhouse VI and Operation Prairie IV
Operation Prairie IV
Operation Prairie IV was an operation conducted by the United States Marine Corps in the area around Con Thien, South Vietnam known as Leatherneck Square from April 20, 1967 until May 17, 1967. During the course of the fighting Marine casualties were 164 killed 1,240 wounded while the NVA...
. 1/4 took over the security of Camp Carroll
Camp Carroll
Camp Carroll was a United States Marine Corps artillery base during the Vietnam War. It was located at , 8 km southwest of the town of Cam Lo. Camp Carroll was also at the centroid of a large arc of the strategic Highway 9 corridor south of the DMZ, which made it a key facility.-History:The...
when the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
moved its 175mm guns back from the Demilitarized Zone
Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone
The Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone was established as a dividing line between North and South Vietnam as a result of the First Indochina War.During the Second Indochina War , it became important as the battleground demarcation separating North Vietnamese territory from South Vietnamese territory.-...
(DMZ). They also provided security for the construction of the McNamara Line
McNamara Line
The McNamara Line was an unofficial name for a series of defensive barrier projects initiated by the United States between 1966 and 1968 during the Vietnam War to prevent infiltration of South Vietnam by NVA forces located in North Vietnam and Laos.- History :Various schemes had been proposed in the...
. This was a strip of land 400 to 600 yards wide and 6 miles (9.7 km) long that ran between Con Thien
Con Thien
Con Thien , was a United States Marine Corps combat base located near the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone about 3 km from North Vietnam...
and Gio Linh
Gio Linh
Gio Linh is a rural district of Quang Tri province in the North Central Coastal region of Vietnam. Gio Linh borders Vinh Linh to the north, Dong Ha to the south. The planned Quang Tri Airport will be constructed in this district. As of 2003 the district had a population of . The district covers...
just below the DMZ. In the summer of 1968 1/4 was operating out of FSB Loon and FSB Robin about 8 miles (12.9 km) south of Khe Sanh. In September the battalion was moved north to FSB Winchester just west of the Razorback. Then again in October the 1/4 return to Vandergrift Combat Base near Ca Lu
Ca Lu
Ca Lu was a United States Marine Corps base located at on Highway or Route 9, near Krông Klang, Đa Krông District, western Quảng Trị Province, South Vietnam....
and started patrolling areas around the base. In March 1969 the Battalion was involved in Operation Purple Martin. October 1 the battalion received orders to dismantle Vandergrift Combat Base. On October 22, 1969 1/4 left South Vietnam.
From October 1969 to 1977, the battalion served on Okinawa and participated in the rescue of SS Mayaguez
SS Mayagüez
SS Mayaguez was a U.S.-flagged container ship that attained notoriety for its 12 May 1975 seizure by Khmer Rouge forces of Cambodia, which resulted in a confrontation with the United States at the close of the Vietnam War....
and the Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
emergency evacuations. On 12 May 1975, a Khmer Rouge
Khmer Rouge
The Khmer Rouge literally translated as Red Cambodians was the name given to the followers of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, who were the ruling party in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, led by Pol Pot, Nuon Chea, Ieng Sary, Son Sen and Khieu Samphan...
gunboat seized an American ship, the SS Mayaguez in the Gulf of Thailand
Gulf of Thailand
The Gulf of Thailand , also known in to Malays as Teluk Siam literally meant Gulf of Siam, is a shallow arm of the South China Sea.-Geography:...
and detained its crew. Elements of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines and the 9th Marine Regiment, were flown to an advanced staging of a joint US Task Force. They conducted a helo assault on the Cambodian island of Koh Tang
Koh Tang
Koh Tang is an island off the coast of Preah Sihanouk Province in the Gulf of Thailand. The island is approximately 43 km southwest off the coast of Cambodia...
where the Mayaguez was being held. United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
helicopters landed Marines of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines
2nd Battalion 9th Marines
The 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Formed during World War I, the unit played an instrumental role in the defeat of the Japanese forces in the Battles of Guam and Iwo Jima during the World War II...
on Koh Tang
Koh Tang
Koh Tang is an island off the coast of Preah Sihanouk Province in the Gulf of Thailand. The island is approximately 43 km southwest off the coast of Cambodia...
, where the crew was believed to be held. Marines from Company D, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines boarded the Mayaguez only to find it deserted. The Khmer Rouge released the Mayaguez crew who were picked up by a U.S. destroyer at sea. On 15 May, with the recovery of the ship and its crew, the Marines withdrew from Koh Tang Island. The American forces sustained total casualties of 15 killed, 3 missing in action (later declared dead), 49 wounded, and 23 other personnel killed in a related helicopter crash. Khmer Rouge casualties were unknown.
Post Vietnam years
From 1977 to 1989, 1/4 was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine PalmsMarine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center , also known as 29 Palms, is a United States Marine Corps base. It was a census-designated place officially known as Twentynine Palms Base located adjacent to the city of Twentynine Palms in southern San Bernardino County, California. As of the 2000...
. In January 1989, they were transferred to the 1st Marine Division at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base of the United States Marine Corps and serves as its prime amphibious training base...
. Following the August 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines was engaged in Western Pacific commitments as the ground combat element
Ground combat element
In the United States Marine Corps, the Ground combat element is the land force of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force . It provides power projection and force for the MAGTF.-Role within the MAGTF:...
of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced...
, and was rushed into the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
to assist in tactical operations that became Operation Desert Shield. During that time the unit assisted in Iraq-bound shipping interdiction while land-based units organized and began receiving shipborne supplies. The unit remained in-theater until December 1990, when it was ordered to the Philippine Islands for repairs to its amphibious ships. The unit redeployed to the Persian Gulf in January 1991 for Operation Desert Storm and remained until March, returning to MCB Camp Pendleton after ten months afloat.
In 1992 1/4 deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced...
with the Amphibious Ready Group. During this deployment the battalion participated in Operation Provide Relief
Operation Provide Relief
Operation Provide Relief was part of United Nations endorsed effort called The Unified Task Force to secure and facilitate humanitarian relief for the people of Somalia, an effort that was assisted by the UN UNOSOM I mission beginning in 1991 in light of a severe famine, initiated and exacerbated...
assisting providing humanitarian assistance for the people of Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
. The 11th MEU left Somalia following the arrival of Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
i peacekeepers. In 1994, 1/4 returned to Africa as part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel...
where they were tasked with providing several on-call missions, including the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), Non-combatant Evacutaion Operation
Non-combatant Evacuation Operation
A non-combatant evacuation operation or NEO is an operation conducted to evacuate civilians from another country, generally due to a deteriorating security situation.-United States:...
(NEO), and airfield seizure while in support of the United States Liaison Office relocation from Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
to Nairobi
Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi County. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyirobi, which translates to "the place of cool waters". However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun" and is...
, Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
. In addition, the Marines and Sailors of the 15th MEU provided relief and airlift support for relief operations in Rawanda.
Global War on Terror
The battalion became the ground combat element of 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced...
in July 2001. The 13th MEU earned its Special Operations Capable (SOC) certification in November, after completing the SOC Exercise early in the predeployment cycle. 1st Battalion, 4th Marines deployed with the 13th MEU a month and a half ahead of its scheduled mid-January departure date in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Operation Iraqi Freedom
In January 2003, 1/4 deployed as part of Amphibious Task Force West directly to Kuwait to stage for Operation Iraqi Freedom, which commenced on 20 March. The battalion fought engagements near An Nasiriyah, Al Shatrah, and Al Kut, on its push toward BaghdadBaghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Governorate. The population of Baghdad in 2011 is approximately 7,216,040...
. In executing the Nahr Diyala River crossing as part of the assault on Baghdad, 1/4 executed the first amphibious assault in the Marine Corps since the Korean War. After Baghdad was captured, 1/4 relocated to Al Hillah, where it remained until it returned to Camp Pendleton.
In May 2004 1/4 departed aboard the as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of a command element, a reinforced...
. In July, the battalion began conducting operations near the Iraqi cities of An Najaf and Ad Diwaniyah. In August 1/4 engaged in battalion level combat in Najaf, including the battle for the Wadi al-Salaam cemetery and several engagements with Muqtada al-Sadr’s
Muqtada al-Sadr
Sayyid Muqtadā al-Ṣadr is an Iraqi Islamic political leader.Along with Ali al-Sistani and Ammar al-Hakim of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, Sadr is one of the most influential religious and political figures in the country not holding any official title in the Iraqi government.-Titles:He is...
Mahdi Militia
Mahdi Army
The Mahdi Army, also known as the Mahdi Militia or Jaish al-Mahdi , was an Iraqi paramilitary force created by the Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in June 2003....
. The battalion also participated in operations in Kufa in August, and Operation Phantom Fury
Operation Phantom Fury
The Second Battle of Fallujah was a joint U.S., Iraqi, and British offensive in November and December 2004, considered the highest point of conflict in Fallujah during the Iraq War. It was led by the U.S...
in Fallujah
Fallujah
Fallujah is a city in the Iraqi province of Al Anbar, located roughly west of Baghdad on the Euphrates. Fallujah dates from Babylonian times and was host to important Jewish academies for many centuries....
in November.
In September 2005, the battalion participated in Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
relief efforts in Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
and Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
. Following Special Operations Capable qualification, BLT 1/4 deployed aboard the , the , and the in February 2006.
1/4 deployed to Al Qaim, Iraq from April-Nov 2007. The battalion was established as a task force upon arrival in country and would grow to over 4200 Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Iraqi Soldiers and Police. Task Force 1/4 operated out of 12 battle positions spread across 3500 square miles (9,065 km²) of terrain and was partnered with the Iraqi 3rd Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, the 1st and 3rd Battalions of the 3rd Brigade, two Iraqi Border Defense Battalions, and over 1500 Iraqi Police. Task Force 1/4 was assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2 (2nd Marines) and the 2nd Marine Division throughout this deployment.
The battalion deployed to Iraq again around September of 2008 through march 2009 in Fallujah. The battalion was spread out around the city tasked to control and monitor the flow of personnel and vehicle traffic in and out of the city. Multiple vehicle and foot traffic checkpoints and scanners were established and the issuing of identification cards for civilians took place as well.
Between May of 2010 to December of 2010, 1/4 deployed with the 15th MEU. They trained and exercised with several allied nations throughtout the deployment.
World War II recipients
- Corporal Richard E. BushRichard E. Bush-See also:*List of Medal of Honor recipients*List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II-External links:...
received the Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for his actions during the Battle of OkinawaBattle of OkinawaThe Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg, was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945...
, April 16, 1945.
Vietnam War recipients
- Corporal Larry L. MaxamLarry L. MaxamCorporal Larry Leonard Maxam was a United States Marine who posthumously received the United States' highest military honor — the Medal of Honor — for heroism in the Vietnam War in February 1968,-Biography:...
was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on 2 February 1968 while participating in Operation Kentucky. Cpl Maxam single-handedly defended half of the perimeter of Cam Lo District Headquarters, Quảng Trị ProvinceQuang Tri ProvinceQuảng Trị is a province on the North Central Coast of Vietnam, north of the former imperial capital of Huế.-Geography:Located in North Central Vietnam, Quang Tri Province is surrounded by Quang Binh Province on the north, Thua Thien-Hue Province on the south, Savannakhet Province of Laos on the...
, Vietnam against heavy enemy attack.
- Private First Class Douglas E. DickeyDouglas E. DickeyPrivate First Class Douglas Eugene Dickey was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroism during Operation Beacon Hill 1, on March 26, 1967, while serving as a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, 3rd Marine...
received the Medal of Honor posthumously for actions while participating in Operation Beacon Hill 1, March 26, 1967. PFC Dickey threw himself upon a grenade, absorbing with his body the full and complete force of the explosion.
Notable former members
- Justin LeHewJustin LeHewJustin D. LeHew is a highly decorated United States Marine serving in the War on Terror. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on 23 and 24 March 2003 during the initial 2003 invasion of Iraq. He was hand picked to spearhead the rescue operation and recovery of the U.S...
: Recipient of the Navy CrossNavy CrossThe Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for action during the Battle of NasiriyahBattle of NasiriyahThe Battle of Nasiriyah was one of the first major battles of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Heavy fighting took place in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah between Iraqi forces and U.S. Marines over control of key bridges over the Euphrates River and the Saddam Canal.The battle began early on 23...
in 2003. Recipient of the Bronze Star with Combat VValor deviceThe Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor...
for heroic actions during the Battle of Najaf (2004)Battle of Najaf (2004)The Battle of Najaf was fought between United States and Iraqi forces on one side and the Islamist Mahdi Army of Muqtada al-Sadr on the other in the Iraqi city of Najaf in August 2004.-Background:...
.
Battalion Honors
During its history, the 1st Battalion 4th Marines has received these honorsPRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMERWITH THREE BRONZE STARS - WORLD WAR II
GUADALCANAL – 1942
OKINAWA – 1945
VIETNAM - 1965 – 1967
IRAQ - 2003
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER (ARMY)WITH ONE BRONZE OAK LEAF CLUSTER - WORLD WAR II
PHILIPPINES – 1941 – 1942
PHILIPPINES – 1942
JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION SOMALIA - 1992
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER WITH THREE BRONZE STARS - WORLD WAR II
GUAM – 1944
VIETNAM - 1968
SOUTHWEST ASIA - 1990 – 1991, 1994
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION STREAMER WITH TWO BRONZE STARS
VIETNAM -1967
SOUTHWEST ASIA EVACUATIONS - 1975, 2000
MARINE CORPS EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER WITH TWO BRONZE STARS
YANGTZE SERVICE STREAMER CHINA SERVICE STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN STREAMER WITH ONE SILVER AND TWO BRONZE STARS
WORLD WAR II VICTORY STREAMER
NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE STREAMER WITH “ASIA”
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER WITH THREE BRONZE STARS
KOREAN SERVICE STREAMER
ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
VIETNAM SERVICE STREAMER WITH TWO SILVER STARS
SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE STREAMER WITH TWO BRONZE STARS
IRAQ CAMPAIGN STREAMER
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM SERVICE STREAMER
PHILIPPINE DEFENSE STREAMER WITH ONE BRONZE STAR
PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION STREAMER
VIETNAM CROSS OF GALLANTRY WITH PALM STREAMER
VIETNAM MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION CIVIL ACTIONS STREAMER
See also
- China MarinesChina MarinesThe term China Marines originally referred to those United States Marines from the 4th Marine Regiment who were stationed in Shanghai, China during 1927 - 1941 to protect American citizens and their property in the Shanghai International Settlement during the Chinese Revolution and the Second...
- Organization of the United States Marine CorpsOrganization of the United States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is organized within the Department of the Navy, which is led by the Secretary of the Navy . The most senior Marine officer is the Commandant of the Marine Corps, responsible for organizing, recruiting, training, and equipping the Marine Corps so that it is ready for...
- List of United States Marine Corps battalions
External Links
- BLT 1/4's official website (Archived 25 September 2009)