27th Marine Regiment (United States)
| 27th Marine Regiment | |
|---|---|
|
27th Marine Regiment emblem | |
| Active | 1944 - 46; 1966 - 69 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Infantry |
| Part of | 5th Marine Division |
| Engagements |
World War II * Battle of Iwo Jima Vietnam War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Thomas A. Wornham |
The 27th Marine Regiment (27th Marines) is an inactivated infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps. They fought during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II and again for a short time during the Vietnam War.
Subordinate units
The regiment comprised three infantry battalions and one headquarters battalion:
| Battalions |
|---|
| Headquarters Battalion |
| 1st Battalion, 27th Marines (1/27) |
| 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines (2/27) |
| 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines (3/27) |
History
The 27th Marine Regiment was activated on January 10, 1944, as a result of the massive increase in the Marine Corps during World War II. The regiment first saw action during the Battle of Iwo Jima. During the course of the battle they suffered 566 killed, 1,706 wounded and had 4 Marines receive the Medal of Honor. After the surrender of Japan the regiment was inactivated on January 10, 1946.
The 27th Marines was again reactivated during the Vietnam War on January 1, 1966, but was mainly used as a pool for new replacements before they went overseas. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions were stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. The 1st Battalion was at Marine Corps Air Station at Kane'ohe Bay in Hawaii. During the Tet Offensive in 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson authorized an increase in U.S. troop strength in South Vietnam and the 27th Marines was one of the units sent. The 27th Marines became the first Marine regiment to fly into a combat zone. Their deployment overseas put a severe strain on manpower in the Marine Corps and they were returned to the United States before the close of 1968.
A homecoming parade was presented as a Memorial Ceremony downtown San Diego to the lives the regiment had given in Vietnam. The unit was then reassigned to MCB Camp Pendleton within the area of the base called Camp Margarita or the 33 Area.
Notable former members
- John Basilone, served with machineguns during World War II
- Jack Lummus, served with F Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines
- Thomas A. Wornham, served as Commanding Officer during the Battle of Iwo Jima
