21st Marine Regiment (United States)
| 21st Marine Regiment | |
|---|---|
|
21st Marines insignia | |
| Active | 1942 —45 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Infantry regiment |
| Engagements |
World War II * Battle of Bougainville * Battle of Guam * Battle of Iwo Jima |
The 21st Marine Regiment (21st Marines) was an infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps. Activated for service in World War II, they fought in the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima. They fell under the 3rd Marine Division and were inactivated after the end of the war on December 20, 1945.<ref name="Rottman>Rottman, Gordon L. (2002). U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle – Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. p. 174. ISBN 0-313-31906-5.</ref>
Subordinate units
The regiment was composed of three infantry battalions and one headquarters battalion:
| Battalions |
|---|
| Headquarters Company 21st Marines |
| 1st Battalion 21st Marines (1/21) |
| 2nd Battalion 21st Marines (2/21) |
| 3rd Battalion 21st Marines (3/21) |
History
The 21st Marine Regiment was activated on July 14, 1942 at Camp Elliot, San Diego, California but was actually organized at New River, North Carolina.[1] Many of the first members of the regiment came from the 6th Marine Regiment. They were assigned to the 3rd Marine Division, however from January to June 1943 they were an independent regiment. During the war, the regiment took part in the Battle of Bougainville, Battle of Guam and the Battle of Iwo Jima. Following the Japanese surrender, 21st Marines moved to Guam where they were inactivated on December 20, 1945.[2]
Notable members
- Hershel W. Williams - Medal of Honor recipient
See also
References
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