The Third Battalion Seventh Marines, also known as the "3/7," is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. It is part of the 1st Marine Division and is based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. The battalion has a long and storied history, dating back to World War I, and has seen action in some of the most significant conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Iraq War.
History of the Third Battalion Seventh Marines
The Third Battalion Seventh Marines was activated on June 12, 1917, at Parris Island, South Carolina, as part of the 7th Marine Regiment. The battalion saw its first action during World War I, participating in the Allied intervention in Russia in 1918. After the war, the battalion was deactivated and reactivated several times, serving in various locations around the world, including China and the Caribbean. During World War II, the 3⁄7 played a key role in the Pacific Theater, participating in battles such as Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu.
Korean War and Vietnam War
During the Korean War, the Third Battalion Seventh Marines was part of the 1st Marine Division and saw action in some of the war’s most intense battles, including the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its heroism during the war. In the 1960s and 1970s, the 3⁄7 served in Vietnam, participating in numerous combat operations and earning several awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
| Campaign | Dates | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| World War I | 1918 | World War I Victory Medal |
| World War II | 1942-1945 | Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation |
| Korean War | 1950-1953 | Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation |
| Vietnam War | 1965-1971 | Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry |
Key Points
- The Third Battalion Seventh Marines is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps.
- The battalion has a long and storied history, dating back to World War I.
- The 3/7 has seen action in some of the most significant conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Iraq War.
- The battalion is part of the 1st Marine Division and is based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California.
- The 3/7 has earned numerous awards and decorations for its heroism in combat, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Modern Era
In the 1990s and 2000s, the Third Battalion Seventh Marines continued to serve in various locations around the world, including the Middle East and the Pacific. The battalion participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, earning several awards and decorations for its service. In 2010, the 3⁄7 deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as part of the surge of U.S. forces into the country. The battalion saw intense combat during its deployment, earning the Navy Unit Commendation and the Afghan Campaign Medal.
Training and Operations
Today, the Third Battalion Seventh Marines is a highly trained and effective infantry battalion, capable of conducting a wide range of military operations. The battalion is trained in amphibious warfare, desert warfare, and urban warfare, and is equipped with the latest technology and equipment. The 3⁄7 is part of the 1st Marine Division and works closely with other units in the division to conduct exercises and operations. The battalion is also involved in various community outreach and engagement programs, aimed at building relationships with local communities and promoting the values of the Marine Corps.
What is the mission of the Third Battalion Seventh Marines?
+The mission of the Third Battalion Seventh Marines is to conduct infantry operations in support of the 1st Marine Division and the Marine Corps as a whole. The battalion is trained to conduct a wide range of military operations, including amphibious warfare, desert warfare, and urban warfare.
What awards and decorations has the Third Battalion Seventh Marines earned?
+The Third Battalion Seventh Marines has earned numerous awards and decorations for its heroism in combat, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Where is the Third Battalion Seventh Marines based?
+The Third Battalion Seventh Marines is based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California.
In conclusion, the Third Battalion Seventh Marines is a highly trained and effective infantry battalion with a long and storied history. The battalion has seen action in some of the most significant conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries and has earned numerous awards and decorations for its heroism in combat. Today, the 3⁄7 continues to serve as part of the 1st Marine Division, conducting exercises and operations around the world and building relationships with local communities.
