1st Battalion, 26th Marines
1st Battalion, 26th Marines | |
---|---|
Country | United States of America |
Branch | United States Marine Corps |
Type | Infantry regiment |
Role | Locate, close with and destroy the enemy with fire and maneuver |
Size | 1000 |
Part of | Inactive |
Engagements | World War II |
The 1st Battalion, 26th Marines (1/26) is an inactive infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. They were part of the 26th Marine Regiment and 5th Marine Division and fought during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. They were activated again for the Vietnam War but were deactivated after the war and remain inactive today.
History
Vietnam War
On 1 March 1966 the 26th Marine Regiment was activated at
On 4 May 1967 the battalion was flown from Phu Bai to
From 21 January 1968 the 26th Marines were
At the beginning of 1969 the battalion was responsible for security on the northern approaches to Da Nang including the Hải Vân Pass.[4]: 81 On 1 April the battalion joined the SLF Alpha as the BLT.[4]: 303 On 5 May SLF Alpha launched Operation Daring Rebel.[4]: 307 From 26 May to 10 June the battalion participated in Operation Pipestone Canyon.[4]: 176–8 On 27 June SLF Alpha launched Operation Bold Pursuit which continued until 6 July.[4]: 307 From 10 to 20 July SLF Alpha conducted Operation Mighty Play.[4]: 307–8 The battalion rejoined Operation Pipestone Canyon on 20 July.[4]: 176–84 On 8 August the battalion reembarked on ships and on 7 September began Operation Defiant Stand which continued until 18 September.[4]: 308–9 The battalion then ended its BLT duties and moved ashore replacing the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines which became the BLT.[4]: 310 On 21 September 1969 the 5th Marine Division was deactivated however the 26th Marines were assigned to the 1st Marine Division.[4]: 356
At the beginning of 1970 the 26th Marines were responsible for the defense of the northern and western approaches to Da Nang.
Notable former members
- Robert Hugo Dunlap, recipient of the Medal of Honor
- Jacklyn H. Lucas, recipient of the Medal of Honor
- Edward J. Miller, later Lieutenant general
- Bob Parsons, rifleman during the Vietnam War
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Shulimson, Jack (1982). U.S. Marines in Vietnam: An Expanding War, 1966 (PDF). History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
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- ^ a b c d e Cosmas, Graham. U.S. Marines In Vietnam: Vietnamization And Redeployment, 1970-1971 (PDF). USMC Military History Division. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.