U.S. 6th Marine Regiment
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| 6th Marine Regiment | |
|---|---|
 6th Marines Insignia |
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| Active | July 11, 1917 - August 13, 1919 September 15, 1921 - March 15, 1925 March 26, 1927 - March 21, 1929 September 1, 1934 - October 1, 1947 October 17, 1947 - October 1, 1949 October 17, 1949 - present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Type | Infantry Regiment |
| Role | Locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver or repel the enemy's assault with fire and close combat. |
| Part of | 2nd Marine Division 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune |
| Nickname | 6th Marines |
| Motto | Keep Moving |
| Battles/wars | World War I * Battle of Belleau Wood World War II * Battle of Guadalcanal * Battle of Tarawa * Battle of Saipan * Battle of Tinian * Battle of Okinawa Operation Desert Storm Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom |
The 6th Marine Regiment is an infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The regiment falls under the 2nd Marine Division and the II Marine Expeditionary Force.
Contents |
[edit] Subordinate units
The Regiment is comprised of three infantry battalions and one headquarters battalion:
- Headquarters Battalion 6th Marines (HQ/6)
- 1st Battalion 6th Marines (1/6)
- 2nd Battalion 6th Marines (2/6)
- 3rd Battalion 6th Marines (3/6)
[edit] History
[edit] World War I
The Sixth Marines were first organized at Quantico, Virginia, on July 11, 1917. Under the command of James Harbord, in June 1918 the Sixth Marines, together with the 5th Marine Regiment and Sixth Machine Gun Battalion, launched the famous attack against German forces entrenched at the Battle of Belleau Wood. In recognition of the "Brilliant courage, vigor, spirit, and tenacity of the Marines," the French Government awarded the citation of the Croix de Guerre with Palms.
Later, for the heroic action in Soisson and Champagne Sectors, the Marines were twice cited for their valor in battle. As a result of these actions, the Sixth Marines Regiment was awarded the Fourragere. With the signing of the armistice ending World War I in November, 1918, the Sixth Marines continued to serve as part of the Occupational Forces in Germany.
During the 1920's the Sixth Marines served on expeditionary duties in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and China.
[edit] World War II
When the U.S. entered World War II in December 1941, the regiment was deployed to Iceland. On January 4, 1943, it landed on Guadalcanal. In November, 1943, the Regiment received the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions during the invasion of Tarawa. Later, in June 1944, the regiment landed in the Battle of Saipan and subsequently participated in heavy fighting on Tinian and Okinawa.
[edit] Post-war years
The Regiment returned to the United States and joined the Second Marine Division in 1949. Since that time, it has frequently deployed units to the Mediterranean and Caribbean areas. When trouble broke out in Lebanon in July 1958, the Third Battalion, and Sixth Marines landed within fifteen hours after receipt of orders. Early in the Cuban Missile Crisis, the 2nd Battalion landed at Guantanamo Bay to supplement the defense of the naval base. In 1965, the Regiment landed to protect American lives and property in the Dominican Republic during Operation Powerpack]].
In 1983, 2nd Battalion 6th Marines participated in the Multinational Peacekeeping Force in Beirut, Lebanon. December 1989 saw elements of the Sixth Marines in Panama for Operation Just Cause. From September 1990 to April 1991 the regiment was deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm where it conducted the breach of Iraqi lines and captured thousands of prisoners.
[edit] Global War on Terrorism
During the first part of 2004, Headquarters Company 6th Marines deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
[edit] Honors and Awards
- Presidential Unit Citation Streamer
- World War II Tarawa - 1943
- Navy Unit Commendation Streamer
- Southwest Asia 1990-1991
- World War I Victory Streamer With One Silver Star
- Army Of Occupation Of Germany streamer
- Yangtze Service Streamer
- Marine Corps Expeditionary Streamer With Three Bronze Stars
- China Service Streamer
- American Defense Service Streamer With One Bronze Star
- European - African - Middle Eastern Campaign Streamer
- Asiatic - Pacific Campaign Streamer With One Silver And One Bronze Star
- World War II Victory Streamer
- Navy Occupation Service Streamer With "Asia" And "Europe"
- National Defense Service Streamer With Two Bronze Stars
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer With Two Bronze stars
- South West Asia Service Streamer With Two Bronze Stars
- French Croix De Guerre With Two Palms And One Gilt star
