A Brief History of the 3d Marines
by
Benis M. Frank
First Printing: 1961
Reprinted: 1963
Revised: 1968
Historical Branch, G-3 Division
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps
Washington, D. C. 20380
1958
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Original On-Line
Page Page
Preface 4
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 3D MARINES 1 5
Notes 29 34
Appendixes:
A Commanding Officers, 3d Marines, 1911-1961 35 40
B 3d Marines Medal of Honor Recipients 39 44
C Honors of 3d Marines 40 45
D Operations in Which Units of 3d Marines
Have Participated 42 47
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20380
Preface
"A Brief History of the 3d Marines" is a concise narrative of the
activities of that regiment since it was initially formed 57 years ago.
Official records and appropriate historical works were used in compiling this
chronicle, which is published for the information of those interested in the
history of those events in which the 3d Marines participated.
R. G. OWENS, JR.
Major General, U.S. Marine Corps
Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3
Reviewed and approved: 24 October 1968
DISTRIBUTION: DA
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 3D MARINES
By
Benis M. Frank
As was the case with many present-day Marine Corps combat units, the 3d
Marines first came into existence during the period of international unrest in
the early twentieth century. United States economic interests, the political
instability of several Latin American countries, and adherence to the
principles of the Monroe Doctrine were all motivating factors in the
determination of American diplomatic policy in those times, and led to the
assignment of Marine Corps units to duty in the Caribbean countries as
guarantors of United States foreign policy.
The 1st Provisional Brigade was organized in Philadelphia on 3 March
1911, ostensibly for special temporary foreign shore service in Cuba.<1> In
reality, this unit was intended as a deterrent to Mexican rebel forces
operating near the border of the United States.<2> As part of the brigade, a
3d Regiment was formed on 14 March 1911 by consolidating Marine detachments
from the various ships of the Atlantic Fleet then at anchor within Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba.<3> The regimental commander was Lieutenant Colonel Ben H. Fuller,
who later became the 15th Commandant of the Marine Corps (1930-1934).
Until 17 June 1911, the 3d Regiment was stationed at Camp Meyer, Deer
Point, Guantanamo Bay. Companies E, F, and H reverted to their original
assignments as ships' detachments on 10-11 June, while the rest of the
regiment's letter companies did so on 17 June, at which time the 3d Regiment
was disbanded.<4>
The rupture of diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico
set the stage for the next appearance of a 3d Regiment. Basic to this
severance of relations was revolutionary disorder in Mexico resulting in the
loss of American lives and the seizure of American property.<5>
The immediate cause for the landing of Marines came on 9 April 1914, when
the paymaster and crew of a whaleboat from
1
USS DOLPHIN were arrested by Mexican authorities at Tampico. Although these
men were shortly released with an oral apology by the Mexican commander, the
commander of the American fleet, Admiral Mayo, issued an ultimatum requiring
the Mexicans to apologize for and formally disavow the arrest, to promise that
the officer responsible for the arrest would be punished, and to publicly
hoist the American flag and render it a 21-gun salute.<6>
The Mexican authorities refused to comply with the ultimatum unless
Admiral Mayo returned a gun-for-gun salute to the Mexican flag, an impossible
demand since the United States did not recognize the incumbent government of
President Victoriano Huerta. A stand-off resulted, ending with the seizure of
Vera Cruz in order to cut off the supply of arms and munitions about to be
landed by a German merchantman. It was feared the munitions might be used by
Huerta against the United States.<7>
A provisional regiment, tentatively designated as the 3d, was formed on
21 April 1914 from Marine detachments of the ships that had converged on Vera
Cruz. Assigned to support the activities of the 2d Marine Regiment already
ashore, the 3d landed the same day it was formed.<8> Commanded by Major
Albertus W. Catlin, from USS ARKANSAS, the 3d Regiment policed the areas of
Vera Cruz occupied by Marines during the period 20-30 April.<9>
During the same period, another 3d Regiment was assembled at the
Philadelphia Navy Yard on 22 April 1914, under the command of Colonel Franklin
J. Moses. It departed for Vera Cruz on board SS MORRO CASTLE the next
day.<10> The Major General Commandant stated, "When conditions in Mexico
became grave, and action on the part of our government was contemplated,
arrangements were made by these Headquarters for the mobilization of as many
officers and men of the Corps as it was possible to detail."<11>
With the arrival of Colonel Moses' 3d Regiment at Vera Cruz on 30 April,
all Marine units, except Major Catlin's command, were placed under the
operational control of United States Expeditionary Forces, United States
Army.<12> Major Catlin's 3d Regiment was disbanded the same date, with its
personnel returning to their respective ships.<13> During its stay in Mexico,
Colonel Moses' command performed outpost and patrol duty and, at the same
time, improved sanitary and living conditions within its sector.<14>
2
Unable to gain either United States recognition or support from other
foreign powers, Huerta went into exile and was succeeded by one of his two
primary opponents, Venustiano Carranza. The latter appeared to be the lesser
evil as far as President Wilson was concerned, and plans were made for the
withdrawal of American forces from Mexico. Pancho Villa, Huerta's other
opponent, now began menacing the peace. Villa operated in the north of Mexico
threatening the border of the United States, but his activities did not affect
the planned withdrawal of the Marines from Vera Cruz.<15>
Colonel Moses died of pneumonia on 26 September, six days after being
evacuated to the hospital ship, USS SOLACE.<16> He was succeeded by Major
John H. Russell, Jr., who later became the 16th Commandant of the Marine Corps
(1934-1936). The 3d Regiment left Vera Cruz on 23 November, arrived at the
Philadelphia Navy Yard on 4 December, and was disbanded the following day.<17>
The 3d Regiment next appeared on 20 December 1916, when the Field and
Staff<18>, 1st Regiment was redesignated Field and Staff, 3d Provisional
Regiment in Santo Domingo City, Dominican Republic.<19> Marine Corps units
were first sent to that country in 1915 when the outbreak of a revolution in
the republic violated certain provisions of a treaty between the United States
and the Dominican Republic. As a result, the United States established a
military government in the republic on 29 November 1916.<20>
The provisional regiment was quickly enlarged to include nearly all of
the Marines stationed in the small provincial towns and the larger cities of
Azua, Barrahona, and Santo Domingo City, all in the southern part of the
republic. Marine duties in the early part of the occupation consisted of the
administration of military government and the disarming of nearly half of the
population.<21>
The control of banditry was the most onerous of the Marines' duties as
experiences in the Philippines and Haiti had proved earlier. During the
Dominican occupation period, the Marines became proficient constabulary
leaders and skilled military government administrators.<22>
Although few Marines considered their tour of duty in the Dominican
Republic as important as participation in the war in Europe, jungle
campaigning, with the ever-present threat of
3
malaria, dengue, and tropical sores, was as fraught with physical hardship as
was the European campaign. Constant patrolling, most of it on foot, could
only be conducted by small groups. The bandits operated in many independent
areas and Marine strength was seldom great enough to mount anything larger
than a 15-man patrol commanded by a lieutenant or sergeant. Since the enemy
utilized time-honored guerrilla tactics and knew the area well, he was able to
hit and run or slip away in the face of a larger punitive expedition. As a
result, Marines had to take the chance of baiting the enemy with small patrols
in the hope of whipping him if he attacked.<23> Despite the risk involved,
these baiting operations continued until the bandits were subdued and the
country pacified.<24>
Because the fundamental aim of the occupation was to bring peace to the
country and enable the Dominicans to govern themselves, a native constabulary,
the GUARDIA NACIONAL DOMINICANA, was formed on 1 May 1917. Trained and
officered in part by Marines of the 3d Provisional Regiment, the Guardia was
gradually able to assume the duties of protecting life and property and
suppressing banditry.<25>
With the end of World War I, the Commandant of the Marine Corps
recognized the efforts of those Marines who did not get to France when he
wrote "I can not let the occasion pass without making mention of the
thoroughly efficient manner in which officers and men stationed in Cuba,
Haiti, and Santo Domingo have performed the duties assigned them."<26> He
then went on to acknowledge the fact that many Marines who served in the
Caribbean had wanted to go to France and that a large percentage had enlisted
for that reason, concluding, "though in an unconspicuous and unsung manner,
they did their part in winning the war just as much as did those who were
fortunate enough to go to France."<27>
The Dominican Republic was divided into three military districts on 1
July 1919; Northern, Eastern, and Southern. Bandit activity, now with
political overtones, had increased in that year and it was decided to end it.
The 3d Provisional Regiment was assigned responsibility for the Southern
District, where the regimental commander was also the district commander.
During this period, a military training center was organized in Santo Domingo
City where both newly arrived Marines and old hands alike received standard
Marine Corps training as well as special schooling in occupation duties.
Increased banditry in
4
the Eastern District was the object of an expedition in 1919, with units of
the regiment assigned to assist the 15th Regiment in the venture.<28>
The sharp postwar decrease in the size of the Marine Corps and the
general lessening of tension in the Dominican Republic led to the gradual
withdrawal of Marines from that country. As a result, by 1920, the duties of
those troops which remained had increased considerably.<29> On 20 July 1920,
the designation "Provisional" was dropped from the regiment's title.<30>
Gradually, the GUARDIA, renamed POLICIA NATIONAL DOMINICANA, took over Marine
duties. In June 1922, in view of further strength reductions, the Commandant
of the Marine Corps directed a reorganization of the 2d Provisional Brigade
into two regiments, thereby forcing the rapid development and more intensive
training of the Policia.<31>
From the beginning of its operations in 1916, the brigade had a total of
467 contacts with bandits, during which 1,137 of them were killed or wounded,
while Marine casualties were 20 killed and 67 wounded.<32> Bad feeling on the
part of some Dominicans over Marine actions in the republic, as well as
similar criticism from certain segments of the American press, citizens, and
Congress, led to a United States Senate investigation during 1921-1922 from
which the Marines emerged vindicated.<33>
The 3d Regiment was disbanded at Santo Domingo City on 1 August 1922,
when, along with the 15th Regiment, its remaining units became part of the 1st
Regiment.<34>
In his final report to the Secretary of the Navy, the brigade commander
stated that "On November 29, 1916, military government by the United States
was proclaimed. The occupying force assumed control of a state rife with
revolution, banditry, ungoverned and mismanaged. We left a state enjoying
peace, and with a loyal and well-developed military force, with fine roads,
many schools, a fine military hospital, and, in short, with every promise for
a future of stable government under Dominican rule."<35>
While other Marine units served in Europe during World War I garnering
acclaim and adding luster to previous exploits of the Corps, the 3d Regiment
performed necessary but unpleasant duties in an uncomfortable area. Such
service helped
5
the United States make a major effort in the European conflict by relieving
Latin American pressures. The experiences of these "Banana War" veterans
provided the Marine Corps with basic doctrinal tenets which were to be of
inestimable value in the future, while they also added to the existing fund of
Marine Corps lore.
Between the Wars
Under the provisions of an Act of Congress, approved 28 February 1925 and
effective 1 July of that year, a Marine Corps Reserve was organized with the
mission of providing a force of officers and enlisted men to serve as
reinforcements for the regular Marine Corps when an emergency required.<36>
Four reserve areas were established to parallel the four recruiting districts
already in existence, with regiments being organized in each area.<37> One of
these was the 3d Regiment, activated 1 December 1925 in the Western Reserve
Area at the Department of the Pacific in San Francisco.<38>
At first, the regiment consisted of a regiment headquarters and
headquarters company, a battalion headquarters and headquarters company, all
stationed in San Francisco, and 10 companies situated in San Francisco, Los
Angeles, Seattle, Spokane, Salt Lake City, and Denver.<39> Soon, however, the
outlying companies were disbanded and the 3d Regiment became no more than a
paper organization.<40> During the 3d's existence as a reserve unit, and
until its disbandment in 1937, it appeared variously as "3d Regiment," "3d
Reserve Marines," and "3d Reserve Regiment," even though a Marine Corps-wide
redesignation of units occurred in 1930 which changed the title "___ Regiment"
to "_____ Marines."
In his final report upon retirement, Major General Russell concluded that
the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve, with its elaborate brigade and regimental
headquarters organizations, was beyond the economic means of the Marine Corps.
As a result, these units were to be abolished by the end of 1934 and replaced
by a reorganized reserve, formed on a battalion basis by May 1935.<41> The 3d
Regiment remained on the rolls until December 1937, however, when it was
disbanded, and its personnel transferred to units in the 11th and 12th Reserve
Districts.<42>
6
World War II
Since the end of World War I, Marines had been deployed in the Caribbean,
the Pacific, and the Far East, with Marine Corps policy consistently demanding
a high state of training and preparedness. Expansion of existing units and
planning for the forming of new ones had begun prior to the entrance of the
United States into World War II on 7 December 1941. As part of this program,
the 3d Marines, Reinforced, was activated at New River, North Carolina on 16
June 1942.<43> Admiral Ernest J. King, Chief of Naval Operations, ordered the
regiment to American Samoa to serve with the Defense Force, Samoan Group as
relief for the 8th Marines.<44> This plan was implemented by the Commandant,
who directed that the regiment be reinforced with certain tactical and service
units.<45>
Built around a cadre of officers and enlisted men remaining at New River
after the 1st Marine Division had mounted out, the new regiment was quickly
brought up to strength by a daily influx of recruits arriving directly from
Parris Island. Because of its imminent departure from the United States, the
months of July and August were used to organize, equip, and train the raw
unit. A sense of urgency in these activities was heightened by the fact that,
with the landing of the 1st Marine Division on Guadalcanal, the greater
portion of the Marine Corps' trained and combat-ready units in the Pacific had
been committed.<46>
The regiment's immediate overseas transfer would serve the dual purpose
of increasing Marine strength in the Pacific and of giving the regiment an
opportunity to conduct its training under realistic jungle conditions in
Samoa. Accordingly, the 3d Marines left New River for San Diego on 23 August.
Loaded aboard the SS LURLINE, the regiment sailed for its first assignment in
World War II on 1 September.<47>
Upon arrival at Tutuila, American Samoa, on 14 September, the 3d Marines
reported to the Commanding General, Defense Force, Samoan Group for garrison
duty, serving as a unit of the 2d Marine Brigade.<48> Existing conditions
precluded a centralized bivouac and necessitated spreading the regiment over
the entire island. In turn, this required that training be carried out on an
individual and small unit basis rather than on battalion or even company
level.<49> Additionally, the regiment was hampered in its training by the
transfer of more than 1,000 officers and enlisted men to other organizations.
<50>
7
In November, the 3d Marines was given the mission of defending Tutuila,
the island on which it was based, and by February 1943, the regiment was
united to permit combined training. During the eight months it was on Samoa,
the 3d experienced some of the most intensive jungle warfare training ever
conducted by Marine Corps units. Practice in mountain climbing was a
particular innovation which was to pay off later in the Bougainville and Guam
operations.<51>
The 3d Marines was reorganized and incorporated as a unit of the 3d
Marine Division on 1 March 1943, temporarily being detached to duty with the
2d Marine Brigade.<52> When the brigade was disbanded later that month, the
regiment was reinforced and attached to the Samoan Defense Force.<53> The
unit was able to devote the entire month of April to intensive practice
amphibious landings. Each battalion made landings from the USS AMERICAN
LEGION in the vicinity of Safata Bay, Upolu, British Samoa.<54> Detached from
the Samoan Defense Force during the last week of May, the regiment sailed from
Pago harbor in five attack transports on the 23d to join the 3d Marine
Division, then grouping in and about Auckland, New Zealand.<55>
The 3d Marines enjoyed an advantage over the rest of the units of the
division in that its men were acclimated to the tropics and had undergone more
intensive combined training than most units had been able to conduct. In the
opinion of its commanding officer, its men, and the umpires and observers who
had seen it in training on Samoa, the 3d was considered combat-ready in all
respects.<56>
While on Tutuila, the Marines of the 3d had been subject to continual
rain, while facing a lack of modern conveniences and very little fresh food.
A number of officers and men, how-ever, had contracted filiriasis or mu-mu, a
mosquito-borne disease peculiar to Samoa and certain other Pacific islands,
and one which was to make inroads on the regiment's strength.<57> The hope
that a colder climate would reduce or eliminate the disease was not fulfilled,
and extensive evacuation of personnel to the United States continued after the
arrival of the regiment at Cambria Park, Papatoetoe, New Zealand in May.<58>
Combat training continued here for the 3d Marines, where it found
climate, terrain, and vegetation different from that on Samoa, with the one
point of similarity being the continual and heavy rainfall. At first,
training consisted of small-unit
8
tactics, but shortly progressing to battalion landing team and regimental
combat team levels. Here, much valuable experience was gained, since the
division was training together for the first time.<59>
The division was first inspected as a whole in June 1943 by its
commanding general, Major General Charles D. Barrett, who found it fit and
combat ready. The division then moved to Guadalcanal, a staging area prior to
its commitment to combat. Assembling from their 22 camps scattered throughout
New Zealand, the first echelons of the 3d Division began the move on 30 June.
The 3d Marines, the division's rear echelon, did not leave until 25 August,
rejoining the division at Coconut Grove Camp, Tetere Beach on arrival at
Guadalcanal to begin advanced training.<60>
Bougainville<61>
Designated Task Unit A-1, the now-reinforced 3d Marines was assigned the
six southern landing beaches in the vicinity of Cape Torokina, Empress Augusta
Bay for the Bougainville operation. In preparation for the landing, the
troops boarded four transports on 13 October, held rehearsals at Efate, New
Hebrides from the 16th to the 20th, and then stood off Espiritu Santo to await
the assembly of the rest of the invasion group constituting the Northern
Landing Force. By the 30th, various elements of the group were steaming
towards the rendezvous point off Guadalcanal for the final run towards
Bougainville. H-hour was set for 0730, 1 November 1943.
Assault elements of 2/3 <62> were the first to hit the beaches, and at
0730 a signal went up to indicate a successful landing. The initial waves of
the 2d and 3d Battalions reached the beaches with only light opposition from
Japanese rifles and machine guns. Heavy fire, however, was received by 1/3
before its assigned beach was gained. As that battalion's assault craft
rounded the northernmost tip of Puruata Island, its troops were caught in a
three-way cross-fire from Japanese emplacements on this island, Cape Torokina,
and Torokina Island. When the Marines were about 500 yards from the beach, an
enemy 75mm mountain gun, previously silent, opened up from the northwest
corner of the cape with telling effect.
One of the first casualties was the 1st Battalion command boat, which was
hit and sank, as did four other boats; 10 more
9
were severely damaged. Considerable confusion resulted as the rest of the
assault wave boats attempted evasive tactics to avoid the fire. In the end,
1/3 landed in an order almost completely reversed from that planned.
Bunker after bunker fell on Cape Torokina and control was quickly
regained. By evening, the battalion had occupied its initial beachhead line.
The position containing the mountain gun was eliminated by Sergeant Robert A.
Owens who, while directing the assault of his rifle team, crept up to the
emplacement, killed some of the enemy occupants and drove out the rest before
falling dead of wounds. It was later discovered that he had sufficiently
damaged the gun to prevent its further use, thereby undoubtedly saving
additional Marine lives. For this act, Sergeant Owens was posthumously
awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
On its beach, 3/3 received little opposition other than that offered by
the terrain. The beach in this sector was very steep, with jungle growing
down to the water. Additionally, rough surf, combined with the inexperience
of the coxswains, resulted in the broaching of many landing craft.
As the first patrols fanned out, it became evident that, except for two
avenues of approach to Cape Torokina, the division was hemmed in by swamp and
dense, rugged jungle. Beyond a narrow strip of beach, varying from 10 to 40
feet in width, the jungle terrain became swampy. Footing was extremely
difficult, with little or no trafficability for any type of vehicle but
amphibian tractors, which soon became the division's workhorses.
Expansion of the beachhead began at daybreak on the second day when 2/3
and 3/3, with 3/3 on the left, began to move through the swamps; 1/3 was
assigned as reserve for the 9th Marines on the division left flank.
Additionally, as it advanced, 3/3 was to locate a route for a supply road from
the beach to the Numa Numa Trail. Extension of the beachhead continued, so
that by 5 November, it had been pushed 5,000 yards inland and broadened to
about 10,000 yards along the beach.
The first major reaction from the enemy came early on 7 November when
Japanese troops landed from destroyers in the Laruma River area and attacked
Marine positions deployed on the division left flank. At this time, 1/3 was
moving into its assigned reserve area, but it was quickly thrown into the
10
fray instead. As the battalion passed through 3/9's lines and attacked, heavy
close-in fighting ensued during which a second Medal of Honor was won
posthumously by a Marine of the 3d Regiment. Advancing through thick jungle
undergrowth, Sergeant Herbert J. Thomas' squad was hit by enemy machine gun
fire. Thomas, intending to knock out the Japanese with a hand grenade,
positioned his men to charge after the grenade had exploded. He hurled the
grenade, but it caught in some vines and fell back amongst the Marines.
Thomas threw himself upon it to smother the explosion with his body and died a
few seconds later.
By nightfall of 7 November, the enemy attack was blunted. A Marine
assault on the following day advanced the left flank of the perimeter 1,500
yards. This was followed by an air attack on the 9th, after which all enemy
activity to the west ceased. Control of the sector was passed to the 148th
Infantry of the U. S. Army 37th Division, and 1/3 returned to a reserve role
in its regiment's sector.
On the 16th, the 3d Battalion broke out of the jungle and connected the
road it had constructed with the Numa Numa Trail, thereby assuring continued
supply support of the front lines from the beach. Patrols on 17-18 November
were aggressively opposed by the Japanese. A sketch of positions found on the
body of an enemy officer killed in ambush by a 3/3 patrol indicated that
strong defenses were being prepared on the Numa Numa and East-West Trails.
The 3d Battalion was ordered to attack these positions on the morning of the
19th.
Supported by light tanks, the battalion moved out, and bypassing the Numa
Numa Trail roadblock, hit the enemy on his flank. By 21 November, 1/3 and 3/3
occupied critical terrain in the Piva Forks area, thereby cutting Japanese
supply and communications lines. Now released from the Army control it had
been under since 8 November, the 2d Battalion advanced east under fire to
attack the strongly defended enemy outpost on the East-West Trail. After
reducing the Japanese position, 2/3 continued on across the east branch of the
Piva River to seize Cibik Ridge, named in honor of the 2/3 platoon leader
whose unit took the ground. This hill mass permitted observation of the
entire Empress Augusta Bay area and dominated both the East-West Trail and the
Piva Forks region.
While Cibik's platoon on the ridge was being reinforced at the same time
it was resisting enemy attempts to regain the position, the rest of 2/3
discovered the enemy east of the Piva
11
River organized in considerable strength. The battalion commander decided to
disengage and pull back through the line built up by the 1st Battalion. After
a difficult withdrawal, 2/3 moved to a reassembly area. The Japanese
attempted a double envelopment of 1st Battalion lines, necessitating immediate
recommitment of 2/3. Fortunately for the Marines, the Japanese followed
obvious approach routes and were wiped out by well-emplaced machine guns sited
for just such an eventuality.
Artillery was the keystone of the attack on 24 November, when seven
battalions, four from the 12th Marines and three from the 37th Infantry
Division, fired some 5,600 rounds of 75mm and 105mm high explosive shells into
an area 800 yards square within 20 minutes. The Japanese retaliated with
heavy artillery fire which caused some of the heaviest casualties sustained by
the 3d Marines to that date. Except for limited Japanese patrol activity,
most of the enemy were driven east of the Torokina River at the successful
conclusion of this Marine attack.
The action which raged in this area until 25 November was known as the
Battle of Piva Forks. Some of the most vicious close combat yet experienced
in the Pacific occurred here. This battle marked the temporary decline of
serious Japanese opposition to the Marine occupation and development of the
Empress Augusta Bay beachhead.
In recognition of battle casualties, sickness, and utter exhaustion
suffered by their men, the rifle battalions of the 3d were allowed to rest and
reorganize. The regiment, whose troops had been committed for 27 consecutive
days, exchanged sectors with the 9th Marines on 26 November. A composite
battalion from the 3d Marines Weapons Company, Scout Company, several
headquarters companies, and available service troops was organized and
assigned a position in the lines which it occupied from 28 November until 3
December. With the exception of the Scout Company which remained on line, the
various units of the 3d then returned to normal duties. From 28 November
until 22 December, the 3d Marines occupied the extreme southern flank of the
division line where its patrols had several sharp skirmishes with the
Japanese. The regiment was relieved on the line 21-22 December, reverting to
I Marine Amphibious Corps (IMAC) reserve. On Christmas Day, the 3d returned
to 3d Marine Division control and embarked for Guadalcanal.
Later estimates indicated that not less than 1,696 of the
12
enemy had been killed by the 3d Marines, while the regiment suffered 98 killed
in action, 17 missing and later presumed dead, and 383 wounded. In addition,
417 of the 1,331 non-battle casualties were caused by filariasis. It was
later discovered that some of the combat fatigue patients were actually
debilitated by that disease. In a period of 52 days, Marines of the 3d faced
and defeated three formidable obstacles: Japanese forces, deep swamp, and
dense jungle. Back on Guadalcanal, they soon began preparations for their
next combat action, Guam.
GUAM <63>
The 3d Marine Division, as part of I Marine Amphibious Corps, was to
invade Kavieng in the Bismarck Archipelago in April 1944, so the 3d Marines
began intensive training in jungle fighting, tank-infantry tactics, assault on
fortified positions, and street fighting. During these preinvasion
preparations, the newly reconstituted 4th Marines seized Emirau without
opposition on 20 March. Capture of the airfield here was the last in a series
of steps taken to encircle and isolate Rabaul, which thereby cancelled the
need for the Kavieng landing. Revised strategic planning called for the
assault and capture of Japanese holdings in the Marianas.
As part of the overall strategy, and in coordination with Marine landings
on Saipan and Tinian, the 3d Marines was to take part in the recapture of
Guam, lost to the Japanese on 10 December 1941. Final invasion rehearsals
were held on the beaches of Cape Esperance, Guadalcanal, during the latter
part of May 1944. The Marines then headed for Kwajalein where the assault
troops shifted from APAs to LSTs containing the amphibian tractors in which
they would actually launch the assault.
The Guam task force, initially designated as a floating reserve for the
forces attacking Saipan-Tinian, sailed for that area on 12 June. Originally,
the Guam landing was planned for 18 June or three days after the Saipan
invasion. This date was first postponed and then cancelled, and the major
elements of the task force returned to Eniwetok. By this time, the regiment
had spent some 20 days afloat and was to have only a brief respite ashore
before it re-embarked for the 21 July assault on Guam.
Beaches assigned to the 3d Marine Division lay between two points of land
which jutted into the ocean. The 3d Marines
13
3D Marines in Guam, 21 July - 10 Aug 1944
14
landed on the left, their mission to secure Chonito Cliff, Adelup Point, and
the commanding terrain extending to the right of the cliff area. Landing at
0833, the 1st and 3d Battalions received intense mortar and artillery fire.
By noon, 3/3 had cleared Chonito Cliff, but 1/3, so badly mauled initially on
Bougainville, again sustained heavy casualties in its assault of Bundschu
Ridge, named prior to the landing for Captain Geary A. Bundschu, Company A
commander. Captain Bundschu's company was assigned the taking of the ridge,
where he later lost his life. Enemy mortar fire created more casualties on
3/3's beach in one day than were experienced by the whole division on
Bougainville.
As the first day wore on, the 3d Marines met stiffer opposition over
increasingly difficult terrain. Both factors slowed the regiment's progress
which, in turn, retarded the advance of the rest of the division. The only
battalion to overcome its opposition on D-day, or W-day as it was called for
this invasion, was 3/3 which pushed to Adelup Point on the left, supported in
the advance by tanks and amphibian tractors. The 2d Battalion reached high
ground in its zone, but failed to gain its initial objective the first day.
On the right, 1/3 twice attempted to seize a spur projecting between the
regiment's two landing beaches, but failed each time. This key feature was
finally taken by 2/3 on 23 July, and the regiment was now able to advance.
The combined total of regimental casualties to that date, 615 killed, wounded
and missing, attest to the heavy fighting which confronted the 3d Marines.
It was during these first hectic and murderous days that two men of the
regiment fought in a manner which merited their being awarded Medals of Honor.
During the first night ashore, 21-22 July, Private First Class Luther Skaggs,
a 3/3 mortar section squad leader, assumed command when his section leader
became a casualty. Skaggs led the section forward under heavy fire and
positioned it in order that it might deliver effective fire on the Chonito
Cliffs. After a grenade shattered the lower part of one leg, he quickly
improvised a tourniquet for it, and remained in his position for eight hours
while continuing to direct the fight to annihilate the enemy. For the
inspiration he gave to his men, courageous leadership, and heroic example, he
was given his nation's highest award.
In the second case, Private Leonard F. Mason, an automatic rifleman with
2/3, was advancing along a narrow gully with his platoon, when it was held up
by the fire of two Japanese machine
15
guns. On his own initiative, Mason climbed out of the gully, moved along
parallel to it and towards the rear of the Japanese positions and cleared them
out despite receiving repeated wounds from rifle and machine gun fire. He
killed five of the enemy and wounded another before rejoining his platoon to
report the results of his action. Mason then permitted himself to be
evacuated, but he later succumbed to his wounds.
On 25 July, the badly mauled 1st Battalion, 3d Marines reverted to
division reserve when 2/9 was attached to the 3d Marines to pass through the
lines and continue the drive. The attack progressed favorably all along the
front as all three battalions, supported by tanks, artillery, and mortars,
pushed ahead to the high ground overlooking the Mt. Tenjo road. Numerous
caves, well-defended by the enemy, had to be blown out as 2/9 met the bulk of
the Japanese resistance and suffered heavy casualties.
During the night of 25-26 July, after an exhaustive artillery and mortar
preparation, the enemy began to counterattack all along the Marine line. The
Japanese were driven back with heavy losses, but small groups infiltrated the
lines only to be systematically mopped up on the morning of the 26th. Although
it was not known at the time, the backbone of Japanese resistance on Guam had
been broken.
At this point, intelligence sources indicated that the Japanese were
disposed along the Fonte-Chachao-Tenjo ridge line barring the approach to
Agana, capital of Guam, and the northern-most reaches of the island.
Accordingly, an attack was begun on these positions on 27 July. The Agana
tableland was reached 30 July, and preparations were made for a drive to the
north which entailed the capture of the city.
Agana was seized without opposition on the 31st, but the road outlets
from the capital were heavily mined and casualties were numerous. That night,
31 July - 1 August, assault troops of the 3d Marines set up perimeter defenses
north of the city.
Terrain of another sort was now faced as the regiment advanced northward
through swamps and extremely dense jungle, which made keeping contact with
adjacent units difficult. By 7 August, 3d Marine casualties were 171 dead,
761 wounded, and 26 missing. The Marines had buried 1,872 of the enemy.
The most serious hindrance to a speedy advance was the
16
mining of the roads by the Japanese. Instead of the stubborn fighting that
had been expected by the Marines, the enemy offered only minor resistance
including considerable artillery harassment.
The northern beaches were reached by 1800, 10 August, the date on which
the corps commander announced that all organized resistance on Guam had ended.
This did not mean that all of the enemy had given up, for aggressive
patrolling and mopping-up continued during the rest of August and September.
This proved to be excellent on-the-job combat training in small-unit
operations for the newly arriving replacements.
A few Japanese, who were reluctant to surrender, continually harassed
Marine patrols and the natives as they raided villages and supply dumps in
search of food. Attempts were made in suspected areas to gain the enemy
soldiers' surrender through psychological warfare leaflet drops and loud
speaker broadcasts. The island commander then directed a complete sweep of
northern Guam, beginning on 24 October, in which all remaining Japanese forces
were to be sought out, captured, or destroyed. By the end of the month, 617
additional Japanese had been killed and 85 had been captured. The 3d Marines
returned to its bivouac area to prepare for the next operation. It was
necessary, too, to continue daily patrolling as scatterings of Japanese still
roamed the jungles.
Iwo Jima<64>
On 5 November 1944, the 3d Marines, constituted as Regimental Combat Team
3, was designated floating reserve for the Iwo Jima operation. From that date
until the actual boarding of ships on 16 February 1945, an intensive training
program went on, emphasizing the training of old hands as well as new
replacements.
Many hours were devoted to individual and small-unit training, reduction
of fortified positions, combined tank-infantry and artillery-infantry tactics,
and, since the regiment was to be in reserve, passage of lines. Training and
rehearsal for the invasion was carried out on Guam with the intensity of
training being such that one battalion commander recommended later that no
20-mile hike be again ordered for any unit prior to its embarkation for
combat. He stated that approximately 20 percent of his command was
incapacitated with
17
foot ailments and the aftereffects of heat prostration when it boarded ship.
The 3d Marines, prepared to land on order, arrived off the island of Iwo
Jima on 27 February. Only reinforcing elements, such as teams from the 3d
Joint Assault Signal Company and replacement draft personnel, were detached
and landed. Regimental medical officers teamed with ships' doctors to treat
an estimated 250-450 casualties from the units ashore. The bulk of Combat
Team 3 remained on the transports off Iwo Jima until 5 March, when it returned
to Guam, landing on the 8th.
Morale of the battle-tested 3d Marines was excellent, and, undoubtedly,
there was great disappointment at not having participated in the victory
ashore. Both Major General Harry Schmidt, commander of V Amphibious Corps,
and Major General Graves B. Erskine, 3d Marine Division commander, had
requested the release and commitment of the regiment as early as 28 February.
The Commanding General, Expeditionary Troops, Lieutenant General Holland M.
Smith, felt, however, that Iwo could be captured with the troops already
ashore and that another regiment would only further aggravate the already
crowded beach-head conditions.
Joined by the rest of the 3d Division returning from Iwo Jima, the 3d
Marines spent some time in housekeeping details before beginning combat
preparations once again. Men who had completed nearly 27 months overseas or
had participated in three campaigns were returned to the United States, while
new replacements were phased into the various units of the 3d Division. The
stay of the new men with the division was short-lived, however, as the 1st and
6th Marine Divisions on Okinawa had greater need for their services.
Guam was still far from being a peaceful tropic paradise as numerous
Japanese were still roaming about the island. In April 1945, the 3d Marines,
supported by artillery, began an eight-day sweep of the southern portion of
the island, which resulted in 14 enemy dead and several captured. Of interest
is the fact that some 500 Japanese were able to evade capture and did not
surrender until well after peace was announced.
As training efforts intensified, old equipment was refurbished and new
was issued. Certain aspects of the training indicated that the impending
operation was to be on a large scale and in wide-open terrain. The 3d awaited
orders as news was
18
received of air raids on the Japanese home islands and of the success of the
Okinawa campaign. Miyako Jima, in the Sakashima Gunto, southwest of Okinawa,
was expected to be the landing area, but that operation was cancelled and the
men of the regiment were given a five-day rest before another round of
training began.
New orders were received directing an assault on the Japanese homeland
itself. By 10 August, however, Japanese capitulation was a virtual certainty,
and the division stood ready for possible orders to occupation duty. In
addition to schooling for this type of assignment, a division-wide recreation
program was inaugurated to keep morale high, for the troops had been on Guam
since the previous year.
The 1st Battalion, 3d Marines arrived on Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands
on 10 October to receive the surrender of the Japanese forces on the island
and to destroy their extensive defenses. The 3d Battalion was not through
with the former enemy, either, for on 10 December it began a five-day sweep of
Guam.
Immediately after the Japanese surrender ceremonies in Tokyo Bay, plans
were made to send combat veterans home and the remaining troops to China. The
3d Marines headquarters sailed from Guam on 1 December, arriving in San Diego
on the 15th. This group debarked and went to Camp Pendleton to become part of
the Marine Training and Replacement Command. After participating in some of
the heaviest fighting in the Pacific, the 3d Marines was disbanded on 13
January 1946.
The 3d Marines in North China<65>
Following the end of hostilities in the Pacific, American units were
directed to "assist the Chinese Nationalist Government in occupying key areas
(of China) in receiving the enemy surrender and repatriating Japanese troops,
and in liberating and rehabilitating Allied internees and prisoners of war."
<66> Accordingly, Marine divisions of III Marine Amphibious Corps began
landing in North China on 30 September 1945.
A combination of the rapid Marine Corps troop demobilization, which
decreased the strength and combat efficiency of Marine units in China, and the
worsening state of affairs between the Chinese Nationalists and Communists
required the
19
reorganization of Marine elements in that area. One of the steps taken was
the activation of a new organization at Tsingtao in May 1947, Fleet Marine
Force, Western Pacific (FMFWesPac), which was to be part of the overall Marine
command in China. In addition to the continual mission of furnishing security
for the American naval installations in Tsingtao, the situation required
Marines to provide emergency protection for American lives and property in
Tientsin, Nanking, and Shanghai.
As part of the tightening-up and reorganization of FMFWesPac, the 3d
Battalion, 4th Marines was redesignated 3d Marines on 1 October 1947.<67>
This new 3d Marines, comprising a reinforced BLT, continued the amphibious
training program of the 4th Marines. A full-scale amphibious landing
exercise, with simulated naval gunfire and air support, was conducted in the
Tsingtao Bay area at the end of October.
United States involvement in China, during the period 1946-1948, was
marked by constant harassment of Marines by the Chinese Communists during the
latter's rapid and successful advance against Chinese Nationalist forces. The
Department of State felt that the situation had so deteriorated, in midsummer
1948, it recommended the evacuation of both American military personnel and
civilians. By December, most United States nationals and military dependents
had left China. Approximately 2,500 Americans remained in Shanghai, which was
to become the center of future evacuation proceedings.
In early December 1948, the 9th Marines arrived in Tsingtao and then
moved on to Shanghai on the 16th of the month to assist in the evacuation of
civilians. In Tsingtao, by 3 February, all elements of the 3d Marines, with
the exception of Company C assigned to shore patrol duties, were aboard ship.
Company B of the regiment was transferred to the 1st Marines to sail for the
United States on 8 February with the major portion of FMFWesPac command group.
By mid-March, with the fall of Tsingtao imminent, there was no further
need for the presence of the 3d Marines in the city, and on 17 March, the
regiment sailed for Shanghai to relieve the 9th Marines, leaving only its
shore patrol company in Tsingtao. Before the 9th Marines left Shanghai on 30
March, it transferred its Company C to the 3d Marines which redesignated it
Company B. Their Shanghai task completed, the 3d Marines returned to Tsingtao
on 29 April. With the exception of Company C which remained in its Tsingtao
shore patrol assignment,
20
the 3d sailed for the United States on 6 May 1949.<68>
Company C, which had boarded cruisers on 3 May, continued its shore
patrol assignment in Tsingtao until relieved by Company C, 7th Marines on 14
May. Two days later, it sailed for the United States to rejoin its parent
unit. The 3d Marines was stationed at Camp Pendleton and maintained that
designation until redesignated Headquarters and Service Company, 5th Marines
on 1 October 1949.<69>
Regenesis of the 3d Marines<70>
The invasion of South Korea in 1950 fulfilled the portents of the
1946-1948 Chinese Communist victories on the Chinese mainland. Marine
readiness was exemplary and units were quickly deployed to Korea. As part of
the Marine Corps-wide expansion, a 3d Marine Brigade was formed at Camp
Pendleton in 1951 and, on 20 June, the 3d Marines was activated as part of the
brigade.<71>
During July and August, the three infantry battalions of the regiment
were formed. Training was begun immediately despite the fact that the
regiment supplied cadres for other units of the brigade. In January 1952, the
brigade became the 3d Marine Division, FMF.<72> By February, the 3d Marines
was near full strength and prepared for its first major maneuver, LEX BAKER-1,
a training exercise which began at Camp Pendleton and ended with an amphibious
landing at Aliso Beach.<73> During the course of 1952, the regiment conducted
several major exercises, and an amphibious landing demonstration at Seattle's
Lake Washington during that city's centennial "Seafair" celebration in
August.<74>
Another facet of Marine Corps expansion was the formation of the 1st
Provisional Marine Air-Ground Task Force at the Marine Corps Air Station,
Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. In January 1953, the 3d Battalion, 3d Marines went
to Hawaii as the infantry unit for the new force, while the other two
battalions of the 3d prepared for AIRLEX II in the Mojave Desert.
Finally, the regiment was again together when all three infantry
battalions were united at Kaneohe on 10 July. The 3d Division went to Japan
from Camp Pendleton in August, and was joined later that month by the 3d
Marines which set up quarters at Camp Fuji-McNair in the area of Mount
Fujiyama.
21
During the period of its stay in Japan, the regiment conducted many field
and landing exercises.<75> Operation FLAGHOIST, for example, held in March
1954, consisted of a division landing on Iwo Jima. During the Suez crisis in
late 1956, BLT 3/3 was alerted for possible employment in the Suez Canal area,
but it only cruised in the Southeast Asian waters, "showing the flag" in
Borneo's Brunei Bay, Bombay, Karachi, and Singapore, and then returned to
Japan.
Prelude to Vietnam<76>
The 3d Marines remained in Japan until 16 March 1957, then displaced to
Camp Sukiran on Okinawa, arriving five days later. During the 1950s, whenever
American lives and properties were threatened because of political upheavals
in the various countries of the Far East, units of the 3d Marines were alerted
and sometimes deployed to critical areas. For approximately a month, December
1957-January 1958, the regiment served as an afloat landing force on board
ships steaming in the vicinity of Indonesia, while that country was in the
throes of civil strife. Later in 1958, during the Lebanese crisis, BLT 3/3
was slated for deployment to the Middle East. The transports carrying the
reinforced battalion reached the Indian Ocean before being ordered back to
Okinawa. When Laos was threatened in 1960, elements of the regiment were
deployed with the Seventh Fleet from August to November. This was just the
first in a series of crisis actions during this decade leading to American
involvement in Vietnam.
As the Far East situation worsened, the 3d Marines, together with other
3d Marine Division and FMFPac air and ground organizations, conducted a
continuing round of training and maneuvers to maintain a combat-ready stance.
In the period 1960-1965, assignment as the Special Landing Force (SLF) of the
Seventh Fleet was rotated amongst the infantry battalions and supporting units
of the division. During this time also, joint training operations/landings
were held with other military forces of the Southeast Asia Treaty
Organization. In the fall of 1963, when the Cuban Missile Crisis threatened
the security of the free world, 2/3 deployed with the 5th Marine Expeditionary
Brigade (MEB) through the Panama Canal and trained at Vieques, Puerto Rico,
until relieved and returned to Okinawa. Beginning 3 March 1964, the 3d
Marines participated in the joint 3d Marine Division Republic of China Marine
Corps Exercise BACKPACK on Taiwan. This was the last major exercise the
regiment, as a whole, took
22
part in before its deployment to Vietnam.
Following the assignment of Marine helicopter squadrons to Vietnam in a
support capacity, a requirement arose for the subsequent assignment of
infantry units as a security force for the choppers and their personnel. One
of the units so deployed was D/1/3, which arrived in Vietnam in March 1964.
Vietnam Operations<77>
The Gulf of Tonkin Crisis of August 1964 may be said to have led almost
directly to the large-scale assignment of Marine Corps units to Vietnam. This
event was a major factor in effectuating certain American contingency plans,
one of which activated the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) and resulted
in the alert of two battalions of The 3d MEB, 3/3 and 1/9. For planning
purposes, the ground component of the 9th MEB consisted of BLTs 1/3 and 3/9,
and the Seventh Fleet SLF, BLT 2/3 and HMM-364.
As the immediacy of the Gulf of Tonkin Crisis lessened, a stand-down was
ordered for the units slated for the Vietnam landing. Contingency planning
did not end there, however, for the everchanging situation in Vietnam itself
required constant revision of the plans already prepared. Stepped-up Vietcong
terror tactics employed against American military installations in
January-February 1965 provided the rationale for implementation of these
contingency plans and, together with other units, the 9th MEB was deployed to
Vietnam as a result. Initial elements of the brigade landed at Da Nang on 8
March 1965. (See map.)
The first infantry increment of 9th MEB to arrive at Da Nang was BLT 3/9,
which made an administrative landing at 0903. At 1305, lead elements of 1/3
arrived by plane from Okinawa; D/1/3, the security company, met and rejoined
the battalion at the airfield. In the beginning, the 9th MEB mission was
strictly defensive in nature, and directly related to the security of the Da
Nang Airbase. The Marine Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR), comprised an
unpopulated area of approximately eight square miles which included the
airfield and high ground to the west. The mission of 1/3 was to defend the
airfield against infiltration and all other enemy attacks, expected to be
mounted in anything from squad to battalion level. On 8 April 1965, 1/3
relieved 3/9, which had occupied forward defense positions in the TAOR.
23
An element of 3d MEB, BLT 2/3 had been conducting maneuvers during
initial Marine landings in Vietnam, and before its commitment there. Upon
receipt of orders, it embarked in the ships of a Navy task group on 4 April,
and then steamed to a point 50 miles off Da Nang, where it was to remain until
directed to land. Meanwhile, the rest of 3d MEB, consisting of 3/4, RLT-3
headquarters, and elements of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, similarly boarded
shipping which then joined the ships carrying 2/3; the brigade then awaited
further orders. Several days later these arrived, and BLT 2/3 landed in
Vietnam on 10-11 April in what was described as a smooth, professional
movement. The 3d Marines commander, Colonel Edwin B. Wheeler, arrived in
country on the 7th, the date on which the rest of his headquarters was
boarding amphibious shipping at Okinawa. On 13 April, RLT-3 came under the
operational control of 9th MEB, and a week later it was redesignated 3d
Marines (-) (Reinforced), in what was primarily an administrative
reorganization for the purpose of setting up a task groupment.
Before discussing the deployment of 3/3 to the Republic of Vietnam (RVN),
a few observations are in order concerning the structuring of Marine task
organization in the Vietnam war. What happened is a constant source of
confusion and amazement to the individual familiar with the Marine task
organization in World War II and the Korean War. Then, each regiment
maintained its own identity within the division to which it belonged, i. e.,
the 3d Marines was an infantry regiment in the 3d Marine Division. With but
few exceptions, all organic units of the regiment remained under the
administrative and operational control of the parent unit. Because Vietnam
became primarily a battalion or, even more so, a company and platoon leader's
war, one or more battalions or companies of one infantry regiment were often
found fighting under the operational control of another regiment. Or,
conversely, it often happened that, for a period of time, an infantry regiment
had operational control of a number of units, none of which were its own, and
which could enlarge the regiment to brigade-size. For example, during one
point in the fighting on 24 April-13 May 1967 near Khe Sanh for Hills 861, 881
North, and 881 South, the 3d Marines (Reinforced) had operational control over
2/3, 3/3, 1/9, 2/9 (-), 3/9 (-), and 1/26 (-), representing a total of 15
infantry companies from 6 different battalions. It also had the support of
four artillery firing batteries, one of which was from an Army battalion.
True, the nature of the terrain and course of this fighting dictated this
particular task organization, but this example was not the exception, for it
happened very often amongst Marine
24
units in Vietnam. In view of the above, one can more readily accept the fact
that 3/3 landed at Chu Lai on 12 May 1965 under the operational control of the
4th Marines, and never did return to parent control until 30 October 1966.
Upon setting up and occupying positions from the north to the
south-central sector of the Da Nang perimeter, the 3d Marines' mission was to
eliminate the Viet Cong from within the assigned TAOR, and, in doing so, help
restore the faith and confidence of the South Vietnamese population in its
legally established government. The TAOR originally assigned to the 9th MEB
comprised approximately eight square miles; before the 3d Marines left Da Nang
in October 1966, the regimental TAOR had been expanded until it comprised 252
square miles, accounting for more than one-third of the 675 square miles in
the Da Nang enclave. The regimental front extended a distance of 32 road
miles from Hai Van Pass in the north to Dai Loc in the south.
Besides control of operations in its own TAOR, the regiment additionally
had control of the Da Nang Airfield Defense Battalion (12 April-22 July 1965)
and the battalion responsible for defending the Hue-Phu Bai enclave (12 April
1965-3 March 1966). During the 3d Marines stay in Da Nang, the successive
regimental commanders at one time or another exercised operational and/or
administrative control over a number of different infantry battalions from
other Marine regiments, an Army airborne battalion, as well as their own
organic units. At the same time that it was deeply committed in a combat
situation, the 3d Marines became equally involved in the conduct of a civic
action program, which contributed greatly to the pacification effort in its
area.<78>
Very often the battalions of the 3d Marines were assigned individual
missions, or missions under control of other regiments, when they were not
under operational control of the parent regiment. As evidence of this,
Appendix D provides a list of operations in which these battalions were
involved from the date of their arrival in country to February 1968.
In October 1966, the 3d Marines headquarters deployed to the Operation
PRAIRIE area, immediately south of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The first
regimental element to depart Da Nang was Command Group Alpha, which on 9
October began an air and surface movement north to a position on "Artillery
Plateau," 12 miles west of Dong Ha in the new regimental TAOR. On 17 October,
this position was designated Camp Carroll, in honor of the late
25
Captain Joseph J. Carroll, who had been killed in action a short time earlier
while leading Company K, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, in an assault on Hill 484,
five miles northwest of the plateau. The official dedication of the camp took
place on 10 November 1966, the 191st Birthday of the Marine Corps.
Regimental Command Group Bravo, which had remained in Da Nang during the
initial stages of the deployment, completed its displacement northward on 14
October, and on the 17th, the regimental commander took over responsibility
for operational control of the battalions deployed in the TAOR. Additionally,
he became camp commander of the supporting arms complex located on the
plateau.
The mission of the 3d Marines in the PRAIRIE area was to conduct
reconnaissance in force operations to detect, attack, and destroy enemy forces
and to ensure the security of supporting units and installations within the
assigned TAOR. This area of operations, encompassing 79 square miles,
includes major North Vietnamese Army infiltration routes and such noteworthy
terrain features as the "Rockpile," Hill 400, and Hill 484. The Operation
PRAIRIE area extended from a line two miles south of the DMZ to the Ba Long
Valley. Here, for the period the regiment remained in this area, the
successive commanders of the 3d Marines have been responsible for beating back
continuous enemy attacks and infiltration attempts to the south.
As noted earlier, the infantry battalions of the 3d Marines arrived in
Vietnam on varying dates in 1965 and were not necessarily placed under
operational control of the parent regiment for some time. The following
chronology, when read in conjunction with the operations listed in Appendix D,
will indicate how the battalions have been employed and to what degree they
were committed in Vietnam. The comment, "Rotated to Okinawa," following
certain dates means that a battalion was withdrawn from combat and sent to the
Ryukyus for a short period of rest, rehabilitation, and training.
1st Battalion
8Mar-31Aug65 Operations in Vietnam
1Sep-17Nov65 Rotated to Okinawa
18Nov65-12Feb67 Operations in Vietnam
13Feb-3Apr67 Rotated to Okinawa
4Apr67-2Jan68 SLF
3Jan68- Operations in Vietnam
26
2d Battalion
10Apr-17Nov65 Operations in Vietnam
18Nov-21Dec65 Rotated to Okinawa
22Dec65-26Feb66 SLF
27Feb66-8Mar67 Operations in Vietnam
9Mar-13Apr67 Rotated to Okinawa
14Apr-30Nov67 SLF
1Dec67- Operations in Vietnam
3d Battalion
12May65-30Aug66 Operations in Vietnam
1Sep-26Oct66 Rotated to Okinawa
27Oct66- Operations in Vietnam
Vietnam Innovations
Originally formed by the 3d Marines in the Da Nang TAOR in December 1965,
Combined Action Companies provided a means by which the regiment could pacify
semi-cleared areas without committing an excessive number of combat units.
Primarily, this program was based on the introduction of Marine volunteers who
lived in Vietnamese hamlets and worked with Vietnamese Popular Forces under
the operational control of the Marine commander in the area. The combined
action program has proved successful in almost every area in which it was
established, and is closely allied with the civic action program also
instituted by Marine units.
Initially, in the Da Nang area, the regimental headquarters company began
a civic action program in the Khanh Son hamlet, where the Marines provided
food, medical assistance, animal husbandry supervision, improvements and
direction in local construction, and the teaching of English to some 557
natives. During its early days in Vietnam, the 1st Battalion administered to
the needs of approximately 10,000 people living in 15 separate hamlets. A
major civic action project undertaken by 1/3 was assistance given to a
children's hospital located in its own command post area. Similarly, the
other battalions became as deeply involved with their own civic action
programs as they were with combat operations. As the regiment and its
battalions were deployed elsewhere in Vietnam, they began programs of local
rehabilitation and civic action almost immediately. The dividends in terms of
local pacification and cooperation with the
27
Vietnamese were readily apparent. The continuing war to win the hearts and
minds of the people has been as successful and as important as the 3d Marines
combat record.
Conclusion
The 3d Marines has made Marine Corps history during its participation in
actions ranging from the "Banana Wars" to the amphibious operations in World
War II, and now in Vietnam. Throughout its existence the regiment's officers
and enlisted Marines have performed their duties in a manner which has brought
honor to the 3d Marines, to the Marine Corps, and to our nation. In its
present status as a highly professional and combat-tried organization, the 3d
Marines continues the successes of its past performances.
28
NOTES
<1> CMC, Annual Report....in "Annual Reports of the Navy Department for
Fiscal Year" 1911 (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1912),
p. 530, hereafter "CMC Rpt" with year.
<2> Army and Navy Journal, v. 48, no. 41 (19Jun11), p. 124.
<3> "Muster Rolls," 3d Regt, Mar11 (Unit Diary Section, Personnel
Department, HQMC), hereafter "Muster Rolls" with unit, month, and year.
<4> "Muster Rolls," 3d Regt, Jun11.
<5> Thomas A. Bailey, "A Diplomatic History of the American People" (New
York: Appleton-Century Crofts, Inc., 1947, 3d ed., rev. and enl.),
p. 606ff, hereafter Bailey, "Diplomatic History."
<6> Ibid.
<7> Ibid.
<8> Clyde H. Metcalf, "A History of the United States Marine Corps" (New
York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1939), p. 302ff, hereafter Metcalf, "USMC
Hist."
<9> "Muster Rolls," MarDet, USS ARKANSAS, Apr14.
<10> "Muster Rolls," Field and Staff, 3d Regt, Apr14.
<11> CMC Rpt, 1914, p.470.
<12> "Muster Rolls," 3d Regt, Apr14.
<13> "Muster Rolls," for Marine Detachments of the following United States
naval vessels: USS ARKANSAS, USS FLORIDA, USS LOUISIANA, USS MICHIGAN,
USS MINNESOTA, USS NEW HAMPSHIRE, USS NEW JERSEY, USS SOUTH CAROLINA,
USS UTAH, AND USS VERMONT, Apr14.
<14> "CMC Rpt," 1914, p. 304; Metcalf, "USMC Hist," p. 304.
<15> Bailey, "Diplomatic History," pp. 607-608.
29
<16> "Muster Rolls," 3d Regt, Sep14.
<17> "Muster Rolls," 3d Regt, Dec14.
<18> "Field and Staff" was the term used to designate Marine regimental
headquarters' organizations in this period."
<19> "Muster Rolls," 3d ProvRegt, Dec16.
<20> Robert C. Kilmartin, "Indoctrination in Santo Domingo," "Marine Corps
Gazette," v. 7, no. 4 (Dec22), p. 378.
<21> Metcalf, "USMC Hist," p. 354ff.
<22> Charles J. Miller, "Diplomatic Spurs," Marine Corps Gazette, v. 19, no. 1
(Feb35), p. 46.
<23> CO, 3d ProvRegt ltr to CMC, dtd 14May19, Subj: Reports Certain
Gallant Service in Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo AreaOpFile, HistBr,
HQMC).
<24> Metcalf, "USMC Hist," p. 358.
<25> Ibid., p. 361.
<26> "CMC Rpt," 1919, p. 2638.
<27> Ibid.
<28> CG, 2d ProvBrig ltr to CMC, dtd 19Oct20, Subj: Report of Activities of
2d Brig, U.S. Marines, for the year ending June 30th, 1920 (Santo Domingo
AreaOpFile, HistBr, HQMC).
<29> Metcalf, "USMC Hist," p. 365.
<30> "Muster Rolls," 3d Regt, Jul20.
<31> CG, 2d ProvBrig ltr to SecNav via CMC, dtd 18Jul24, Subj: Report of
activities in the accomplishment of the mission of the 2dBrig, U.S.
Marine Corps during the incumbency of BrigGen Harry Lee, USMC,
Commanding from August 9th, 1921 to July 18, 1924, in the Dominican
Republic (2d ProvBrig File, HistBr, HQMC).
30
<32> CG, 2d ProvBrig rpt to CMC dtd 21Aug22, Subj: Report of Activities of
the 2dBrig, U.S. Marines, Dominican Republic for the Year Ending June
30th, 1922 (2d ProvBrig File, HistBr, HQMC).
<33> U. S. Congress. Senate. "Inquiry into the Occupation and Administration
of Haiti and Santo Domingo." 2 volumes. (Washington, 1921-1922).
<34> "Muster Rolls," 1st Regt, Aug22.
<35> CG, 2d ProvBrig ltr to SecNav via CMC, dtd 18Ju124, op. cit.
<36> James J. Meade, "The Marine Corps Reserve," "Marine Corps Gazette," v.
10, no. 3 (Dec25), p. 165.
<37> Marine Corps Order #13, Series of 1925 (Legal Branch, HAMC).
<38> "CMC Rpt," 1926, pp. 16-17.
<39> "Muster Rolls," 3d Regt, Dec25.
<40> "Muster Rolls," 3d Regt, Dec26.
<41> "Final Report of the CMC," quoted in "Marine Corps Gazette," v. 20, no. 4
(Nov36), p. 20.
<42> "Muster Rolls," 3d Regt, Dec37.
<43> "Muster Rolls," 3d Mar, Rein, Jun42.
<44> CominCh/CNO plan for the Transfer of the Third Marine Regiment,
Reinforced, to Samoan Area for Garrison Duty (Short title-OPIUM) dtd
16Jun42 (Samoan AreaOpFiles, B6-2, HistBr, HQMC).
<45> CMC order AO-283-pjd, Subj: Transfer of 3d Marines, Reinforced and
other Marine Corps Units to South Pacific (OPIUM), dtd 25Jul42 (Samoan
AreaOpFiles, B6-2, HistBr, HQMC).
<46> 1stLt Robert A. Aurthur and 1stLt Kenneth Cohlmia, "The Third Marine
Division," LtCol Robert T. Vance, ed. (Washington: Infantry Journal
Press, 1948), p. 7, hereafter Aurthur and Cohlmia, "3d MarDivHist."
31
<47> "Muster Rolls," 3d Mar, Aug-Sep42.
<48> "Muster Rolls," 3d Mar, Sep42.
<49> Aurther and Cohlmia, "3d MarDivHist," p. 7.
<50> Defense Force, Samoan Group Unit Report, no. 6 for period 1-31Oct42
(Samoan AreaOpFiles, A1-5, HistBr, HQMC), hereafter "SamDefForUR" with
date of period covered.
<51> Aurthur and Cohlmia, "3d MarDivHist," p. 8.
<52> CG, Defense Force, Samoan Group Order dtd 14Feb43 (Samoan AreaOpFile,
B6-2, HistBr, HQMC).
<53> "Muster Rolls," 3d Mar, Mar43.
<54> "SamDefForUR," 1-30Apr43.
<55> "Muster Rolls," 3d Mar, May43.
<56> ComTransDiv 8 ltr to ComPhibForSoPac, dtd 12May43, Subj: Training - 3d
Marines (Samoa AreaOpFile, HistBr, HQMC).
<57> Aurthur and Cohlmia, "3d MarDivHist," pp. 8-9.
<58> "Muster Rolls," 3d Mar, May43.
<59> Authur and Cohlmia, "3d MarDivHist," p. 33ff.
<60> "Muster Rolls," 3d Mar, Aug43.
<61> Unless otherwise noted, the material in this section is derived
from: Henry I. Shaw, Jr. and Maj Douglas T. Kane, "Isolation of
Rabaul: History of U. S. Marine Corps Operations in World War II,"
v. II (Washington: HistBr, G-3 Div, HQMC, 1963), ch 3, "Assault
of Cape Torokina," pt III, "Northern Solomons Operations." Maj John
N. Rentz, "Bougainville and the Northern Solomons "(Washington:
HistSec, Div PubInfo, HQMC, 1948); 3d MarDiv Rpt on Bougainville,
dtd 21Mar44 (Bougainville AreaOpFile, HistBr, HQMC); Combat Report
of the 3d Marines, Reinforced, in the Bougainville Campaign,
1Nov-25Dec43, dtd 20Jan44 (Bougainville AreaOpFile, HistBr, HQMC).
32
<62> In Marine Corps usage, the "2d Battalion, 3d Marines," for example,
may be expressed as "2/3." Both terms are utilized throughout the
remainder of this account.
<63> Unless otherwise noted, the material in this section is derived from
Maj O. R. Lodge, The Recapture of Guam (Washington: HistBr, G-3Div,
HQMC, 1954); Aurthur and Cohlmia, "3d MarDivHist;" Special Action Report
of Combat Team 3 dtd 13Aug44, encl of 3d MarDiv SAR (Guam AreaOpFiles,
HistBr, HQMC).
<64> Unless otherwise noted, the material in this section is derived from:
3d Marines Action Report, dtd 17Apr45 (Iwo Jima AreaOpFiles, HistBr,
HQMC); LtCol Whitman S. Bartley, "Iwo Jima: Amphibious Epic"
(Washington, HistBr, G-3 Div, HQMC, 1954); Aurthur and Cohlmia, 3d
MarDivHist.
<65> Unless otherwise noted, the material in this section is derived from
Benis M. Frank and Henry I. Shaw, Jr., "Victory and Occupation: History
of U. S. Marine Corps Operations in World War II," v. V (Washington:
HistBr, G-3 Div, HQMC, 1968), pt V, "North China Marines."
<66> Ibid.
<67> "Muster Rolls," 3d Mar, Oct47.
<68> "Muster Rolls," 3d Mar, May49.
<69> "Muster Rolls," 3d Mar, Oct49.
<70> Unless otherwise noted, the "Triad" (Third Marine Division Newspaper
published in Japan and later in Okinawa) is the source for material
in this section.
<71> 3d MarBrig HistDiary dtd 4Aug51 (Unit Historical Report File, HistBr,
HQMC).
<72> "Unit Diary," 3d Mar, Jan52.
<73> "Unit Diary," 3d Mar, Feb52.
<74> "Unit Diaries," 3d Mar, Jan-Aug52.
<75> For a summary of exercises held by the regiment, see "List of Marine
Corps Operations, 1955-1960," (Historical Numerical File 120868, HistBr,
HQMC).
33
<76> Unless otherwise noted, the material in this section is derived from:
CO, 3d Mar ltr to CMC, dtd 1Dec66, Subj: Updating of "A Brief History
of the 3d Marines"; "Triad;" "Muster Rolls," 3d Mar; 3d Mar CommdCs,
for period Jan66 to present.
<77> Ibid. Maj Jack Cahill and Mr. Jack Shulimson, "U. S. Marine Corps
Operations in South Vietnam, 1Jan-30Jun65," MS, HistBr, G-3 Div, HQMC,
1968 (S).
<78> For further information concerning 3d Marines conduct of the civic
action program in Vietnam, see Capt Russel H. Stolfi, USMCR "U. S.
Marine Corps Civic Action Efforts in Vietnam---March 1965-March 1966"
(Washington: HistBr, G-3 Div, HQMC, 1968), passim.
34
APPENDIX A
COMMANDING OFFICERS, 3D MARINES, 1911-1961
Introduction
Since 1911, there have been a number of regimental organizations in the Marine
Corps bearing the designation "Third Regiment" or "Third Marines." The
following list enumerates the Commanding Officers of all of these regiments.
A series of asterisks indicates that the unit was disbanded and that a newly
activated regiment follows. Absence of asterisks between regimental headings
indicates a redesignation. Single asterisks are placed before the names of
those commanding officers who later became Commandants of the Marine Corps.
3d Regiment, 1st Provisional Brigade
NOTE: Organized from Marine Detachments of the fleet at Guantanamo Bay for
duty in Cuba.
Maj George C. Thorpe 14 Mar 1911 - 14 Mar 1911
*LtCol Ben H. Fuller 15 Mar 1911 - 17 Jun 1911
* * * * * * * * * *
3d Regiment, 1st Marine Brigade
NOTE: Organized from Marine Detachments of the fleet anchored at Vera Cruz
for duty there.
Maj Albertus W. Catlin 22 Apr 1914 - 30 Apr 1914
* * * * * * * * * *
3d Regiment, 1st Marine Brigade
NOTE: Organized at Philadelphia for duty in Mexico.
Col Franklin J. Moses 23 Apr 1914 - 20 Sep 1914
*Maj John H. Russell, Jr. 21 Sep 1914 - 14 Oct 1914
LtCol Charles G. Long 15 Oct 1914 - 4 Dec 1914
35
3d Provisional Regiment, 2d Provisional Brigade
NOTE: 1st Regiment was redesignated 3d Provisional Regiment in Santo Domingo
City, Dominican Republic on 20 December 1916. Provisional designation dropped
July 1920.
Col Theodore A. Kane 20 Dec 1916 - 31 Dec 1916
Maj Hiram I. Bearrs 1 Jan 1917 - 20 Mar 1917
*LtCol John H. Russell, Jr. 21 Mar 1917 - 18 Apr 1917
LtCol William McKelvy 19 Apr 1917 - 27 May 1917
LtCol George C. Thorpe 28 May 1917 - 19 Oct 1917
LtCol William McKelvy 20 Oct 1917 - 16 Dec 1917
(promoted to Col 21 Nov 1917)
LtCol George C. Thorpe 17 Dec 1917 - 1 Feb 1918
Col Philip M. Bannon 2 Feb 1918 - 20 Nov 1918
Col Carl Gamborg-Andresen 21 Nov 1918 - 24 Apr 1920
LtCol Edward A. Greene 25 Apr 1920 - 1 Aug 1920
LtCol Charles B. Taylor 2 Aug 1920 - 25 Aug 1920
Maj Charles S. McReynolds 26 Aug 1920 - 12 Sep 1920
LtCol Henry C. Davis 13 Sep 1920 - 23 Jun 1922
LtCol Edward B. Manwaring 24 Jun 1922 - 20 Jul 1922
Col Carroll C. Carpenter 21 Jul 1922 - 1 Aug 1922
3d Regiment, Western Reserve Area
NOTE: Designated by Marine Corps Order #13, Series of 1925.
Maj William C. Wise, Jr. 1 Dec 1925 - 31 Aug 1927
1stLt Edward B. Moore 1 Sep 1927 - 18 Sep 1927
Maj Lowry B. Stephenson 19 Sep 1927 - 27 Aug 1929
Capt Joseph M. Swinnerton 28 Aug 1929 - 28 Oct 1929
LtCol Fred D. Kilgore 29 Oct 1929 - 20 Nov 1929
Maj Julian P. Wilcox 21 Nov 1929 - 15 Oct 1930
MajGen Logan Feland 16 Oct 1930 - 5 Jul 1931
LtCol William C. Wise, Jr. 6 Jul 1931 - 31 Mar 1933
Maj Raymond R. Wright 1 Apr 1933 - 7 Dec 1934
LtCol William C. Wise, Jr. 8 Dec 1934 - 31 Mar 1935
LtCol William B. Sullivan 1 Apr 1935 - 29 Sep 1935
LtCol David L. S. Brewster 30 Sep 1935 - 14 Jun 1936
Maj John B. Wilson 15 Jun 1936 - 15 Jun 1937
LtCol Matthew H. Kingman 16 Jun 1936 - 29 Jun 1937
LtCol Charles I. Murray 30 Jun 1937 - 1 Dec 1937
36
3d Marines, Reinforced
NOTE: Activated at Marine Corps Base, New River, North Carolina, 16 Jun 1942.
Col Oscar R. Cauldwell 16 Jun 1942 - 28 Feb 1943
* * * * * * * * * *
3d Marines, Reinforced, 3d Marine Division
Col Oscar R. Cauldwell 1 Mar 1943 - 14 Sep 1943
Col George W. McHenry 15 Sep 1943 - 16 Dec 1943
Col Walter A. Wachtler 17 Dec 1943 - 27 Dec 1943
LtCol George Van Orden 28 Dec 1943 - 21 Jan 1944
Col William C. Hall 22 Jan 1944 - 28 Jul 1944
Col James A. Stuart 29 Jul 1944 - 30 Mar 1945
LtCol Newton B. Barkley 1 Apr 1945 - 22 Apr 1945
Col Lester S. Hamel 23 Apr 1945 - 12 Oct 1945
Col Prentice S. Geer 13 Oct 1945 - 23 Oct 1945
LtCol Ewart S. Laue 24 Oct 1945 - 13 Jan 1946
3d Marines, Fleet Marine Force, Western Pacific
NOTE: 3d Battalion, 4th Marines was redesignated 3d Marines on 1 October in
Tsingtao, China.
Col Jaime Sabater 1 Oct 1947 - 1 Apr 1948
LtCol Frederick L. Wieseman 2 Apr 1948 - 17 Aug 1948
(promoted to Col 9 Aug 1948)
Col Walfried M. Fromhold 18 Aug 1948 - 24 Oct 1948
LtCol Thomas J. Colley 25 Oct 1948 - 15 Apr 1949
LtCol Robert O. Bowen 16 Apr 1949 - 28 Apr 1949
LtCol William J. McKennan 29 Apr 1949 - 25 Jul 1949
LtCol Raymond L. Murray 26 Jul 1949 - 1 Oct 1949
3d Marines, 3d Marine Brigade
NOTE: Reactivated as part of 3d Marine Brigade at Camp Joseph H. Pendleton
on 12 June 1951.
LtCol John J. Gormley 12 Jun 1951 - 15 Jul 1951
Col Michael S. Currin 16 Jul 1951 - 31 Dec 1951
37
3d Marines, 3d Marine Division
Col Michael S. Currin 1 Jan 1952 - 14 Mar 1952
Col John G. Bouker 15 Mar 1952 - 1 Aug 1952
Col Robert H. Williams 2 Aug 1952 - 27 Mar 1954
LtCol Eugene H. Strayhorn 28 Mar 1954 - 1 Apr 1954
Col Parker R. Colmer 2 Apr 1954 - 3 Jul 1954
LtCol Cecil W. Shuler 3 Jul 1954 - 26 Jul 1954
Col Robert E. Hill 27 Jul 1954 - 28 Feb 1955
Col Edmund M. Williams 1 Mar 1955 - 20 Jun 1955
LtCol Robert E. Snider 21 Jun 1955 - 11 Aug 1955
Col Merrill M. Day 12 Aug 1955 - 28 Feb 1956
Col Willard C. Fiske 1 Mar 1956 - 15 May 1956
Col John P. Stafford 16 May 1956 - 25 Aug 1956
LtCol Earl A. Cash 26 Aug 1956 - 27 Aug 1956
Col John G. Bouker 28 Aug 1956 - 31 Aug 1957
Col William S. McCormack 1 Sep 1957 - 3 May 1958
Col Richard Nutting 4 May 1958 - 10 Oct 1958
Col Jess P. Ferrill, Jr. 11 Oct 1958 - 20 May 1959
Col George B. Kantner 21 May 1959 - 3 Oct 1959
Col Louis C. Griffin 4 Oct 1959 - 10 Dec 1959
LtCol James C. Short 11 Dec 1959 - 29 Jan 1960
Col Walter Holomon 30 Jan 1960 - 9 Sep 1960
Col Theodore F. Beeman 10 Sep 1960 - 3 Mar 1961
LtCol Arthur L. Adams 4 Mar 1961 - 26 Mar 1961
Col Charles A. Rigaud 27 Mar 1961 - 6 Jul 1961
Col Albert F. Lucas 7 Jul 1961 - 10 Apr 1962
Col Edward H. Hurst 11 Apr 1962 - 10 Apr 1963
CoI Spencer B. Pratt 11 Apr 1963 - 3 Apr 1964
LtCol Lawrence L. Graham 4 Apr 1964 - 19 May 1964
Col Virgil W. Banning 20 May 1964 - 31 Jul 1964
Col Edwin B. Wheeler 1 Aug 1964 - 22 May 1965
LtCol David H. Brooks 23 May 1965
Col Frank E. Garretson 24 May 1965 - 11 Jun 1965
Col Edwin B. Wheeler 12 Jun 1965 - 11 Aug 1965
Col Norman R. Nickerson 17 Aug 1965 - 23 Nov 1965
Col Thell H. Fisher 24 Nov 1965 - 15 Apr 1966
Col Harold A, Hayes, Jr. 16 Apr 1966 - 18 Aug 1966
Col Edward E. Hammerbeck 19 Aug 1966 - 12 Dec 1966
Col John P. Lanigan 13 Dec 1966 - 17 May 1967
Col James R. Stockman 18 May 1967 - 25 Aug 1967
Col Joseph E. Loprete 26 Aug 1967 -
38
APPENDIX B
3D MARINES MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS
*Sgt Robert A. Owens 1 Nov 1943 Bougainville, B.S.I.
*Sgt Herbert J. Thomas 7 Nov 1943 Bougainville, B.S.I.
PFC Luther Skaggs 21-22 Jul 1944 Guam, Mariana Islands
*PFC Leonard F. Mason 22 Jul 1944 Guam, Mariana Islands
Sgt Robert E. O'Malley 18 Aug 1965 Republic of Vietnam
*SSgt Peter S. Connor 25 Feb 1966 Republic of Vietnam
(*) Indicates posthumous awards.
39
APPENDIX C
HONORS OF 3D MARINES
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
Guam Campaign 21 Jul 1944 - 10 Aug 1944
Vietnam Service 12 Apr 1965 - 15 Sep 1967
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION
Bougainville Campaign 1 Nov 1943 - 22 Dec 1943
Assault and seizure of
the Van Tung Peninsula 18 - 23 Aug 1965
MEXICAN SERVICE STREAMER
21 Apr 1914 - 23 Apr 1914
DOMINICAN CAMPAIGN STREAMER
Nov - 4 Dec 1916
EXPEDITIONARY STREAMER
Dominican Republic 5 Dec 1916 - 5 Apr 1917
12 Nov 1918 - 1 Aug 1922
VICTORY STREAMER WORLD WAR I W/1 BRONZE STAR
Santo Domingo 4 Apr 1917 - 11 Nov 1918
ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN STREAMER W/4 SILVER BANDS
Bougainville Operation
Occupation and Defense of 1 Nov 1943 - 15 Dec 1943
Cape Torokina
Consolidation of the 15 Dec 1943 - 25 Dec 1943
Northern Solomons
Marianas Operation
Capture and Occupation of Guam 21 Jul 1944 - 15 Aug 1944
40
Iwo Jima Operation
Assault and Occupation of Iwo Jima 19 Feb 1945 - 5 Mar 1945
VICTORY STREAMER WORLD WAR II
16 Jun 1942 - 28 Dec 1945
CHINA SERVICE STREAMER
1 Oct 1947 - 6 May 1949
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE STREAMER W/1 BRONZE STAR
27 Jun 1950 - 27 Jul 1954
31 Dec 1960 -
KOREAN SERVICE STREAMER
15 Aug 1943 - 27 Jul 1954
VIETNAM SERVICE STREAMER
Vietnam Defense Campaign 1 Apr 1965 - 24 Dec 1965
Vietnamese Counteroffensive 25 Dec 1965 - 30 Jun 1966
Campaign
Vietnamese Counteroffensive 1 Jul 1966 - 30 Jun 1967
Campaign, Phase II
No Name Established 1 Jul 1967 - (date to be
announced)
41
APPENDIX D
<1>
OPERATIONS IN WHICH UNITS OF 3D MARINES HAVE PARTICIPATED
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<1> This table indicates only those Vietnam operations in which the infantry
battalions of the 3d Marines participated. The inclusive dates shown are for
the period of battalion involvement. In many cases, an infantry regiment
other than the 3d Marines had operational control over the battalion(s), a
situation which is noted in the "Remarks" column.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATION DATES LOCATION UNITS REMARKS/NATURE
OF OPERATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STARLIGHT 17-25Aug65 Vicinity Ban 3/3 Amphibious assault
Thong OpCon 7th Mar
PIRANHA 6-8Sep65 Cap Batanga 3/3 Amphibious assault
area OpCon 7th Mar
RED SNAPPER 22-25Oct65 Da Nang-Phu Bai 2/3 Search and clear
area with ARVN units
HARVEST MOON 8-20Dec65 Da Nang-Chu Lai 3/3 Search and destroy
area
MALLARD 10-17Jan66 Vicinity Song Vu 1/3 Search and destroy
Gia River, SW
of Da Nang
DOUBLE
EAGLE I 28Jan-19Feb66 Quang Tin BLT 2/3 Search and destroy
Province (SLF B) w/4 USMC
battalions
DOUBLE
EAGLE II 19Feb-1Mar66 Quang Tin BLT 2/3 Search and destroy
Province (SLF B) w/4 USMC
battalions
42
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATION DATES LOCATION UNITS REMARKS/NATURE
OF OPERATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK/
THUA THIEN 27Feb-3Mar66 Vicinity Phu 3/3 Search and destroy
Bai air with USMC/ARVN
facility battalions
ORANGE 1-11Apr66 Thuong Duc Tan 1/3 Support of initial
area SW of installation of
Da Nang SpecFor camp
LIBERTY 2-29Jun66 Da Nang perimeter 2/3 Clearing operation
to expand Da Nang
perimeter
MACON 6-14Jul66 25 mi S of Da Nang 1/3, Search and clear
3/3 operation OpCon
9th Marines
HASTINGS 15Jul-10Aug66 Cam Lo area S of DMZ 1/3 Spoiling operation
under OpCon TF
DELTA
ALLEGHANY 19-29Aug66 Dong Lam Mountains 2/3 Reconnaissance in
and Song Vu Gia force/search
Valley and destroy
KERN 20-25Oct66 25 mi SW of Da Nang 2/3 Reconnaissance in
force
PRAIRIE I-IV 30Oct66- Area immediately S 1/3, Overlapping
31May67 of DMZ 2/3, search and
3/3 destroy
operations in
which all
battalions of 3d
Mar involved
individually
during period
BEACON STAR 22-26Apr67 Quang Tri BLT 2/3 Amphibious assault/
Province (SLF B) search and
(TF 79.5) destroy
43
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATION DATES LOCATION UNITS REMARKS/NATURE
OF OPERATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEACON STAR 26Apr-12May67 Quang Tri BLT 2/3 Reaction Force/
(PH II) Province/Khe (SLF B) search and
Sanh area (TF 79.5) destroy
BEAVER CAGE 28Apr-12May67 Quang Nam BLT 1/3 Amphibious
Province (TF 79.4) assault/search
(SLF A) and
destroy
BEAU 18-26May67 Quang Tri BLT 1/3 This operation
CHARGER Province (SLF A) mounted in
(HICKORY I) southern (TF 79.4) conjunction
half of DMZ with BELT TIGHT
(HICKORY I), an
amphibious
assault search
and destroy, in
which were
involved 6 USMC
infantry
battalions,
including 3/3
BELT TIGHT 20-25May67 Quang Tri BLT 2/3 See above
(HICKORY I) Province (SLF B)
southern half
of DMZ
CIMRARRON 1Jun-2Jul67 DMZ S into Dong 3/3, Search and destroy
Ha/Dong Ma 3d Mar
mountains OpCon
BEAR BITE 2-12Jun67 Quang Tri/Thua BLT 1/3 Amphibious
(COLGATE) Thien (SLF A) assault/search
Provinces and destroy in
support of ARVN
Operation LAM SON
63
44
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATION DATES LOCATION UNITS REMARKS/NATURE
OF OPERATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEACON 18Jun-2Jul67 Quang Nam/Quang BLT 2/3 Amphibious/heliborne
TORCH Tin Provinces (SLF B) assault, search
Provinces and destroy
MARYLAND 25-28Jun67 14 mi SE of Hue BLT 1/3 Search and destroy
(SLF A) under OpCon 4th
Mar
BEAR CLAW 2-14Jul67 Quang Tri BLT 1/3 This operation
(BUFFALO) Province (SLF A) conducted in
S of DMZ conjunction with
BEAVER TRACK
BLT 2/3) and
BUFFALO (3/3)
BEAVER TRACK 2-14Jul67 Quang-Tri BLT 2/3
(BUFFALO) Province (SLF B)
S of DMZ
BEAR CHAIN 20-27Jul67 Quang Tri BLT 2/3 Amphibious assault/
Province (SLF B) search and
destroy
HICKORY II 14-16Jul67 N Quang Tri BLT 1/3, Search and destroy
Province 2/3 with ARVN
division
KINGFISHER 16Jul-31Oct67 In DMZ 3/3
BEACON 21-30Jul67 Thua Thien BLT 1/3 Amphibious
GUIDE Province (SLF A) assault/search
and destroy
KANGAROO 1-4Aug67 Quang Tri BLT 2/3 Amphibious
KICK Province (SLF A) assault/search
and destroy
BEACON GATE 7-15Aug67 Quang Tri BLT 1/3 Amphibious
Province (SLF A) assault/search
and destroy
45
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATION DATES LOCATION UNITS REMARKS/NATURE
OF OPERATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COCHISE 11-28Aug67 Thong Binh-Tam 1/3 Search and destroy
Ky-Hiep Duc under Op Con TF
triangle 30 TF X-RAY
mi S of Da Nang
BELT DRIVE 27Aug-5Sep67 Quang Tri BLT 2/3 Amphibious assault/
Province (SLF B) search and destroy
BEACON 31Aug-3Sep67 Thua Thien BLT 1/3 Amphibious assault/
POINT Province (SLF A) search and destroy
FORTRESS 17-17Sep67 Quang Tri BLT 2/3 Amphibious assault/
SENTRY Province (SLF B) search and destroy
BALLISTIC 22-28Sep67 Quang Nam BLT 1/3 Amphibious-heliborne
CHARGE Province (SLF A) assault/search
(SHELBYVILLE) and destroy with 2
infantry
battalions
MEDINA 11-20Oct67 15 km S of Quang 1/3 Search and destroy
Tri City under OpCon 3d Mar
FORMATION 17-24Oct67 Thua Thien BLT 2/3 Amphibious assault/
LEADER Province (SLF B) search and destroy
KNOX 24Oct-4Nov67 20 mi NW of BLT 2/3 Search and destroy
Da Nang (SLF B) under OpCon 7th
Mar
GRANITE 26Oct-6Nov67 18 mi W of Hue BLT 1/3 Search and destroy
(SLF A) under OpCon 4th
Mar
LANCASTER 1Nov67- Central Quang 3/3 (-) Search and destroy
(continuing) Tri Province, under OpCon 3d Mar
vicinity
Rockpile, Ca Lu,
Camp Carroll
46
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATION DATES LOCATION UNITS REMARKS/NATURE
OF OPERATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENTUCKY 1Nov67- Dong Ha-Gio BLT 1/3 Search and destroy
(Continuing) Linh-Con (SLF A), under OpCon 9th
Thien-Cam elements Mar
Lo area 3/3
FOSTER 13-30Nov67 24 km SW of BLT 2/3 Search and destroy
Da Nang (SLF B) under OpCon 7th
Mar
BALLISTIC 24-27Nov67 Quang Tri BLT 1/3 Amphibious assault/
ARC Province (SLF A) search and destroy
JUNCTION 14Dec67 only 9 mi SSE of 2/3
Da Nang
OSCEOLA I 2-20Jan68 S and SW Quang 1/3 Search and destroy
Tri City under OpCon 1st
Mar
OSCEOLA II 21Jan-16Feb68 S and SW Quang 1/3 Search and destroy
Tri City under OpCon 1st
Mar
47
