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{{short description|USMC infantry battalion based out of Camp Pendleton, California}}
{{Infobox Military Unit
{{More citations needed|date=January 2021}}
|unit_name=1st Battalion 4th Marines
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
|image= ]
{{Infobox military unit
|caption= 1/4 Insignia
| unit_name = 1st Battalion, 4th Marines
|dates= ], ]
| image = 1st_Battalion_4th_Marines_Insignia.png
|country=]
| caption = 1st Battalion, 4th Marines insignia
|allegiance=
| dates = April 1911 – present
|branch=]
| country = {{Flag|United States of America}}
|type= ]
| allegiance =
|role= Locate, close with and destroy the enemy with fire and maneuver
| branch = {{Flag|United States Marine Corps}}
|size=
| type = ]
|command_structure=]<br>]
| role = Locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, and repel the enemy's assault by fire and close combat.
|current_commander=
| size = 1,200
|garrison=]
| command_structure = ]<br/>]
|ceremonial_chief=
| garrison = ]
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|nickname= "The China Marines" | nickname = "The China Marines"
|patron= | patron =
|motto= Whatever it Takes | motto = "Whatever it Takes"
|colors= | colors =
|march= | march =
|mascot= | mascot =
| battles = ''']'''<br/>''']'''
|battles= ]<br>]<br>]<br>]
* ]
|notable_commanders=
* ]
|anniversaries=
* ]
''']'''
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
''']'''
* ]
* ]
* ]
| anniversaries =
| notable_commanders =
| current_commander = LtCol Jonathan Wagner
| ceremonial_chief =
| colonel_of_the_regiment =
}} }}


'''1st Battalion, 4th Marines''' (1/4) is an ] ] in the ] based out of ], ] consisting of approximately 800 Marines and sailors. They fall under the command of the ] and the ].
{{portalpar|United States Marine Corps|USMarineCorps.png}}
], 2013.]]


==Subordinate units==
'''1st Battalion 4th Marines''' (1/4) is an ] battalion in the ] based out of ] consisting of approximately 1000 Marines and Sailors. They fall under the ] and the ].


* Headquarters and Service Company
== Current units ==
*A Company (Alpha Company)

* Headquarters and Services Company *B Company (Bravo Company)
* Alpha Company *C Company (Charlie Company)
*D Company (Delta Company – not currently in use; company designation reserved for augmentation of a fourth rifle company into the battalion as needed)
* Bravo Company
* Charlie Company
* Weapons Company * Weapons Company


== History == ==History==


===Early years === === 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 ], where 1st Lieutenant ] was awarded the battalion's first ]. 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 ]. During 1926 to 1927 the battalion guarded mail in a variety of outposts throughout the Western U.S.<ref>https://www.1stmardiv.marines.mil/units/1st-marine-regt/1st-battalion-4th-marines/</ref>


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 ]. From September 1924 to January 1927, the battalion was based in ], ]. 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 ], 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 ], deployed from China to the ]. The period from February 1927 to November 1941 was the timeframe for the deployment of the battalion in ], which would leave an enduring mark on its history. This service in ] earned the battalion the title "]" 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 ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marine |first=Mega |date=2023-03-17 |title=Legacy of Valor: The Storied History of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines |url=https://www.shipmachineryparts.com/post/legacy-of-valor-the-storied-history-of-the-1st-battalion-4th-marines |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Marine |language=en}}</ref>


===World War II=== ===World War II===


The outbreak of ] found the battalion serving as part of the U.S. Forces ]. Ordered to the strategic island of ], the battalion fiercely defended their assigned sectors against overwhelming enemy forces. In the end, General ], ], 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.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}
] found the battalion stationed at ]. Ordered to ], the battalion helped defend that strategic island from December 1941 to May 1942. The battalion was awarded two ]s and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, but was also forced to burn its colors and surrender.


On 7 August 1942 the ], assigned to the 1st Marine Division, ] in the ] as the opening phases of the ] commenced. After Tulagi was captured, the Raiders were moved to Guadalcanal to defend ]. One of their most notable engagements was the "]", where the 1st Raiders scored a major victory over Japanese forces. For their heroic combat leadership, Colonel ] and Major ] were both awarded the Medal of Honor, the latter posthumously.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}
On February 1, 1944, a new 1/4 was activated by the redesignation of the ]. For the remainder of World War II, the battalion fought at two of the bloodiest campaigns in the Pacific, the ] and the ]. The battalion was awarded the ] for Guam and Navy Presidential Unit Commendation for Okinawa. After the war, the battalion was part of the occupation forces in ]. The battalion served in China in 1946. It spent the ] stationed in Japan. In 1955 it was transferred to ] and stayed there until May 1965.

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, ] and ]. Corporal ] 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.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}

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 ], participated in the ]. The battalion was deactivated in November 1947 and remained so until 1952. The battalion would spend the ] stationed in Camp Nara, Japan. In 1955, the battalion was transferred to ] and would serve in the 1st Marine Brigade.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}


===Vietnam War=== ===Vietnam War===


In the spring of 1965 the battalion deployed to combat in ]. From 1965 to 1969 the battalion engaged in numerous conventional and counter-insurgency operations in the ]. Some of the major operations that 1/4 was involved in were ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] would be fought from places such as the ], ], ] and ].
In May 1965, 1/4 deployed to the ]. During four years there, they fought in practically every Marine area of responsibility. As a result of its actions during operations such as Starlight and Hastings, the battalion shared with ] and ] in the award of the ] with Palm for “outstanding bravery.”

Corporal ] and Private First Class ] both heroically gave their lives in Vietnam and were posthumously awarded the ] for their brave actions.

In November 1969 the battalion was ] and would also serve off the coast of Vietnam. The battalion participated in the rescue of the ] in May 1975.<ref>{{cite book|last=Dunham|first=George R|title=U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Bitter End, 1973–1975 (Marine Corps Vietnam Operational Historical Series)|publisher=Marine Corps Association|year=1990|url=https://archive.org/details/TheBitterEnd|isbn=9780160264559|access-date=2018-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310211317/https://archive.org/details/TheBitterEnd|archive-date=2016-03-10|url-status=live|pages=240–1}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

=== 1980s ===
In 1977 the battalion moved to ], CA and remained there until 1989.

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|LPD-8}}, 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 ], 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.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}

===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 ]/].{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}

===War on Terror===
The terrorist's attacks on ] 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 ], 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 ]. The battalion fought its way through Iraq conducting combat operations in the cities of ], ], Ah Numinayah, Abu Garaf, Hasan Al Hamzah (where Bravo Company lost Private First Class, Juan G. Garza), Ah Shatrah, ] (Later Revolution City and Sadar City), Qalat Sakar, ], Al Hayy, and ].{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}

In May 2004, the battalion with the ], the battalion again returned to combat in Iraq for a 9-month deployment, which was highlighted by a ], after the fighting at Najaf cemetery, Bravo Company guarded Abu Ghanrib prison and supported ].{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}

In 2005 elements of the battalion supported ] 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.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}

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 ] conducting operations in ] region, centered around the cities of ], ], ]. 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.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}

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 ] and outlying districts. The battalion was one of the last infantry battalions of Marines to conduct combat operations in Iraq.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}

In May 2010 the battalion attached to the ] 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.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} Additionally, the battalion supported humanitarian relief operations in response to the ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Perry |first1=Tony |title=15th Marine Expeditionary Unit comes home |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-dec-20-la-me-marines-return-20101220-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=20 December 2010}}</ref>

In 2012 the battalion deployed to Okinawa, Japan as the ground combat element for the ]. The battalion successfully completed operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Highlights of this tour included exercises in Thailand, Korea and the Philippines.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}

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 ], 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, LAR{{clarify|What does this stand for?|date=October 2019}}Company, AAV{{clarify|What does this stand for?|date=October 2019}} Platoon, and CEB{{clarify|What does this stand for?|date=October 2019}} platoon.

In March 2017, the battalion was deployed to Syria to provide artillery support with their ]s for forces seeking to eject ] forces from ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Luis |title=Marines arrive in Syria to provide artillery support in fight against ISIS; The Marines will provide artillery support to local forces |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/marines-arrive-syria-provide-artillery-support-fight-isis/story?id=46006062 |website=] |access-date=April 27, 2022 |date=March 8, 2017 |quote=(alternate source: www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2017/03/08/marines-have-arrived-in-syria-to-fire-artillery-in-the-fight-for-raqqa)}}</ref>

In late July 2020, personnel from the unit, attached to ], were training with their ]s near ] off the coast of ]. A mishap resulted in the loss of eight Marines and one Sailor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-marine/massive-search-under-way-off-california-for-8-missing-u-s-marines-one-dead-idUSKCN24W1QG|work=Reuters|title=Seven Marines, one Navy sailor remain missing after mishap off California coast|date=31 July 2020|access-date=13 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/9816c0b6abcf7773f77b6caceb0f7356|work=AP|title=U.S. Marines ID all 9 people killed in sea-tank sinking|date=3 August 2020|access-date=13 October 2020}}</ref> In October of that same year, the commanding general of ], 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.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://taskandpurpose.com/news/marine-corps-relief-michael-regner|work=Task&Purpose|title=Marine commander fired over deadly amphibious assault vehicle mishap off California coast in July|date=13 October 2020|access-date=13 October 2020}}</ref>

In January 2021, Battalion Landing Team 1/4, as part of the 15th MEU provided security ashore in Somalia and quick reaction force support from the sea during the execution of USAFRICOM Operation OCTAVE QUARTZ.

==Medal of Honor recipients==

===Dominican Republic recipients===
*Brigadier General ] received the ] for his actions in Guayacanas on 3 July 1916. First Sergeant Winans, at that time, drove back entrenched enemy forces during the line of march.
*First Lieutenant ] received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the ] on 29 November 1916. Williams over took a prison against hostile forces at ] while commanding only a dozen men.


===World War II recipients===
From October 1969 to 1977, the battalion served on ] and participated in the rescue of ] and the ] emergency evacuations. On May 12, 1975, a ] gunboat seized an American ship, the SS Mayaguez in the ] and detained its crew. Elements of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, and the ], were flown to an advanced staging of a joint US Task Force. They conducted a helo assault on the Cambodian island of ] where the Mayaguez was being held. ] helicopters landed Marines of BLT 2/9 on Koh Tang Island off the Cambodian coast 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 Tank 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. Khymer Rouge casualties were unknown.
*Corporal ] received the ] for his actions during the ], 16 April 1945.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/wwII-a-f.html |title=Medal of Honor Recipients – WWII |access-date=2008-06-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616211621/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/wwII-a-f.html |archive-date=16 June 2008 |website=]}}</ref>
*Major ] received the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroic conduct during action during the ] in the ]. For extraordinary courage and heroic conduct above and beyond the call of duty as ] of Company C during the enemy Japanese attack on Henderson Field.
*Major General ] for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the 1st Marine Raider Battalion during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on the night of 13–14 September 1942.


=== Post Vietnam years === ===Vietnam War recipients===
*Corporal ] 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 ] Headquarters, ], Vietnam against heavy enemy attack.
*Private First Class ] received the Medal of Honor posthumously for actions while participating in Operation Beacon Hill 1, 26 March 1967. PFC Dickey threw himself upon a grenade, absorbing with his body the full and complete force of the explosion.<ref>], "Medal of Honor Recipients – Vietnam", Available online at http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/vietnam-a-l.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101108071015/http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/vietnam-a-l.html |date=8 November 2010 }} Cited 18 September 2009.</ref>


==Notable members==
From 1977 to 1989, 1/4 was stationed at the ]. In January 1989, they were transferred to the ], ]. Following the August 1990 Iraqi invasion of ], 1st Battalion, 4th Marines belonged to the ] and was engaged in Western Pacific commitments. Ultimately, the battalion did deploy to the Kuwait Theater of Operations.
*], B Company Commander during the ]
*], U.S. Representative for Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District; 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary candidate
*], Author and Navy Cross recipient
*], Professional Wrestler and Actor


===Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps===
As part of the ], the battalion participated in three real world operations. ] provided humanitarian relief to the people of ]. After this the battalion moved off the coast of ] where they were tasked with providing several on-call missions, including TRAP, NEO, and airfield seizure. All these missions were in support of the United States Liaison Office relocation from ] to ], ].
* The 9th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps ] (retired) served in 1st Battalion 4th Marines, Alpha Company, from June 1967 to June 1968 in Republic of Vietnam.
* The 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps ] (retired) served in 1st Battalion 4th Marines, Bravo and Charlie Company, from March 1981 to August 1983 onboard MCAGCC Twenty-nine Palms California.
* The 13th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps ] (retired) served in 1st Battalion 4th Marines, Alpha Company, from August 1968 to June 1969 in Republic of Vietnam.
* The 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps ] served in 1st Battalion 4th Marines, Bravo Company, from November 1981 to August 1984 onboard MCAGCC Twenty-nine Palms, California.


==Battalion honors==
=== Global War on Terror ===
During its history, the 1st Battalion 4th Marines has received these honors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.i-mef.usmc.mil/DIV/1MAR/1BN4/honors.asp |website=1st Battalion, 4th Marines |title=Battalion Honors |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514021825/http://www.i-mef.usmc.mil/DIV/1MAR/1BN4/honors.asp |archive-date=14 May 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
The battalion became the ground combat element of ] 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 ].
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]-3 ]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;] (Army)-1 Bronze ]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]-2 Bronze Stars
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]-1 Bronze Star
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]-1 Bronze star
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]-1 Bronze Star
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]-1 Bronze Star
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]-1 ], 2 Bronze Stars
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]-Asia Device
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]-2 Bronze Stars
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]-3 Bronze Stars
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]-1 Bronze Star
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]
*]&nbsp;&nbsp;]


==See also==
==== Operation Iraqi Freedom ====


*]
In January of 2003 1st Battalion, 4th Marines deployed as part of Amphibious Task Force West directly to Kuwait to stage for ], which commenced on March 20th. The battalion fought engagements near ], Al Shatrah, and ], on its push toward ]. In executing the Nahr Diyala River crossing as part of the assault on Baghdad, 1/4 executed the first ] in the Marine Corps since the Korean War. After Baghdad was captured, 1/4 relocated to ], where it remained until it returned to Camp Pendleton.
*]
*]


==Notes==
In May 2004 1/4 departed aboard the ] as part of the ]. In July, the battalion began conducting operations near the Iraqi cities of ] and ]. In August 1/4 engaged in battalion level combat in Najaf, including the battle for the Wadi al-Salaam cemetery and several engagements with ] ]. The battalion also participated in operations in Kufa in August, and ] in ] in November.
{{reflist}}


==References==
=== Other assignments ===
{{Marine Corps}}


;Bibliography
In September, the battalion participated in ] relief efforts in ] and ]. Following Special Operations Capable qualification, BLT 1/4 deployed aboard the ] in February 2006.
{{Refbegin}}
*{{Cite book
| title = Hold High the Torch – A History of the 4th Marines
| url = https://archive.org/details/holdhightorchhis00unit
| last1 =Condit
| first1 =Kenneth W.
| last2 = Turnbladh
| first2 = Edwin T.
| publisher = ]
| year = 1960
| location = Washington D.C.
}}
{{Refend}}


== External links == ==External links==
*
*
*
*


{{US Marine Corps navbox}}
{{1stMarDiv}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:1st Battalion, 4th Marines}}
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 15:35, 23 December 2024

USMC infantry battalion based out of Camp Pendleton, California
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1st Battalion, 4th Marines
1st Battalion, 4th Marines insignia
ActiveApril 1911 – present
Country United States of America
Branch United States Marine Corps
TypeInfantry
RoleLocate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, and repel the enemy's assault by fire and close combat.
Size1,200
Part of1st Marine Regiment
1st Marine Division
Garrison/HQMarine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Nickname(s)"The China Marines"
Motto(s)"Whatever it Takes"
EngagementsDominican campaign
World War II

Vietnam War

Global War on Terror

Commanders
Current
commander		LtCol Jonathan Wagner
Military unit

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.

Marine takes aim at a target during a sustainment training exercise in Djibouti, 2013.

Subordinate units

  • Headquarters and Service Company
  • A Company (Alpha Company)
  • B Company (Bravo Company)
  • C Company (Charlie Company)
  • D Company (Delta Company – not currently in use; company designation reserved for augmentation of a fourth rifle company into the battalion as needed)
  • Weapons Company

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 mail in a variety of outposts throughout the Western U.S.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1980s

In 1977 the battalion moved to Twentynine Palms, CA and remained there until 1989.

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 (LPD-8), 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.

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.

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. 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 Baghdad.

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.

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.

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, Anah. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In January 2021, Battalion Landing Team 1/4, as part of the 15th MEU provided security ashore in Somalia and quick reaction force support from the sea during the execution of USAFRICOM Operation OCTAVE QUARTZ.

Medal of Honor recipients

Dominican Republic recipients

World War II recipients

  • Corporal Richard E. Bush received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa, 16 April 1945.
  • Major Kenneth D. Bailey received the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroic conduct during action during the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. For extraordinary courage and heroic conduct above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Company C during the enemy Japanese attack on Henderson Field.
  • Major General Merritt A. Edson for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the 1st Marine Raider Battalion during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on the night of 13–14 September 1942.

Vietnam War recipients

  • Corporal Larry L. Maxam 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 Province, Vietnam against heavy enemy attack.
  • Private First Class Douglas E. Dickey received the Medal of Honor posthumously for actions while participating in Operation Beacon Hill 1, 26 March 1967. PFC Dickey threw himself upon a grenade, absorbing with his body the full and complete force of the explosion.

Notable members

Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps

  • The 9th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Leland D. Crawford (retired) served in 1st Battalion 4th Marines, Alpha Company, from June 1967 to June 1968 in Republic of Vietnam.
  • The 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Harold G. Overstreet (retired) served in 1st Battalion 4th Marines, Bravo and Charlie Company, from March 1981 to August 1983 onboard MCAGCC Twenty-nine Palms California.
  • The 13th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Lewis G. Lee (retired) served in 1st Battalion 4th Marines, Alpha Company, from August 1968 to June 1969 in Republic of Vietnam.
  • The 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Micheal Barrett served in 1st Battalion 4th Marines, Bravo Company, from November 1981 to August 1984 onboard MCAGCC Twenty-nine Palms, California.

Battalion honors

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

See also

Notes

  1. https://www.1stmardiv.marines.mil/units/1st-marine-regt/1st-battalion-4th-marines/
  2. Marine, Mega (17 March 2023). "Legacy of Valor: The Storied History of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines". Marine. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  3. Dunham, George R (1990). U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Bitter End, 1973–1975 (Marine Corps Vietnam Operational Historical Series). Marine Corps Association. pp. 240–1. ISBN 9780160264559. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2018.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. Perry, Tony (20 December 2010). "15th Marine Expeditionary Unit comes home". Los Angeles Times.
  5. Martinez, Luis (8 March 2017). "Marines arrive in Syria to provide artillery support in fight against ISIS; The Marines will provide artillery support to local forces". ABC News. Retrieved 27 April 2022. (alternate source: www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2017/03/08/marines-have-arrived-in-syria-to-fire-artillery-in-the-fight-for-raqqa)
  6. "Seven Marines, one Navy sailor remain missing after mishap off California coast". Reuters. 31 July 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  7. "U.S. Marines ID all 9 people killed in sea-tank sinking". AP. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  8. "Marine commander fired over deadly amphibious assault vehicle mishap off California coast in July". Task&Purpose. 13 October 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  9. "Medal of Honor Recipients – WWII". United States Army Center of Military History. Archived from the original on 16 June 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2008.
  10. United States Army Center of Military History, "Medal of Honor Recipients – Vietnam", Available online at http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/vietnam-a-l.html Archived 8 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine Cited 18 September 2009.
  11. "Battalion Honors". 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. Archived from the original on 14 May 2009.

References

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.

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