The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1) is a unit of the United States Marine Corps and is the most decorated battalion in the Marine Corps. The battalion, also known as "The First of the First," is part of the 1st Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division. The unit's history dates back to 1914, and it has participated in numerous conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the War on Terror.
Unit History and Lineage
The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines was activated on March 1, 1914, at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as the 2nd Advance Base Regiment. The unit was later redesignated as the 1st Regiment on April 17, 1914. During World War I, the regiment deployed to France, where it participated in several battles, including the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Battle of Soissons. The regiment’s performance during these battles earned it the nickname “The First of the First.”
World War II and the Korean War
During World War II, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines participated in several campaigns, including the Battle of Guadalcanal, the Battle of Cape Gloucester, and the Battle of Peleliu. The unit was also part of the Allied forces that occupied Japan after the war. In the Korean War, the battalion was part of the 1st Marine Division and participated in several battles, including the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
The unit's performance during these conflicts earned it numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the French Croix de Guerre. The battalion's motto, "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy," reflects its commitment to defending its country and its allies, while also acknowledging the fierce determination of its enemies.
| Campaign | Award |
|---|---|
| World War I | French Croix de Guerre |
| World War II | Presidential Unit Citation |
| Korean War | Navy Unit Commendation |
Modern Era and Current Operations
In recent years, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines has participated in several operations, including the War on Terror and the Iraq War. The unit has deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, where it has conducted counterinsurgency operations and trained local security forces. The battalion has also participated in several exercises and training operations, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise and the Unit Readiness Exercise (URE).
Unit Organization and Structure
The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines is organized into several companies, including Headquarters and Service Company, Alpha Company, Bravo Company, Charlie Company, and Delta Company. The battalion is equipped with a variety of weapons and equipment, including the M4A1 carbine, the M249 machine gun, and the M240 machine gun. The unit is also supported by several attachments, including artillery, engineers, and logistics personnel.
The battalion's organization and structure are designed to support its mission of conducting amphibious assaults and other operations in support of national objectives. The unit's companies are trained to work together to achieve common goals, and the battalion's leadership is committed to developing the skills and abilities of its personnel.
- Headquarters and Service Company: provides administrative and logistical support to the battalion
- Alpha Company: conducts infantry operations and provides security for the battalion
- Bravo Company: conducts infantry operations and provides security for the battalion
- Charlie Company: conducts infantry operations and provides security for the battalion
- Delta Company: conducts infantry operations and provides security for the battalion
What is the motto of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines?
+The motto of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines is “No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy.”
What are some of the awards and decorations earned by the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines?
+The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines has earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the French Croix de Guerre.
