USMC 2nd Battalion 4th Marines History

Introduction to the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines

The 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, also known as the “Magnificent Bastards,” is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps. The battalion is part of the 4th Marine Regiment, which is based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The 2nd Battalion 4th Marines has a rich and storied history, with roots dating back to the early 20th century. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, from its activation to its current status as a premier infantry battalion in the Marine Corps.

Early Years (1911-1941)

The 2nd Battalion 4th Marines was activated on April 8, 1911, at Puget Sound, Washington, as part of the 4th Marine Regiment. During its early years, the battalion was stationed in various locations, including the Philippines, China, and Hawaii. In 1924, the battalion was relocated to Shanghai, China, where it remained until 1941. During this period, the battalion was involved in several expeditionary and humanitarian missions, including providing security for American interests and evacuating civilians from conflict zones.

World War II (1941-1945)

On December 7, 1941, the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines was stationed in Shanghai, China, when the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The battalion was immediately deployed to the Philippines, where it played a key role in the defense of the islands against the Japanese invasion. In 1942, the battalion was involved in the Battle of Corregidor, where it fought bravely against overwhelming Japanese forces. Although the battalion was eventually forced to surrender, its actions during the battle earned it a reputation for courage and tenacity. The battalion was reactivated in 1944 and went on to participate in several major battles, including the Battle of Guam and the Battle of Okinawa.

Korean War (1950-1953)

During the Korean War, the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines was stationed in Japan, where it was part of the 1st Marine Division. In 1950, the battalion was deployed to Korea, where it played a key role in several major battles, including the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The battalion’s actions during the war earned it several awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation.

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

The 2nd Battalion 4th Marines was deployed to Vietnam in 1965, where it was part of the 3rd Marine Division. During its time in Vietnam, the battalion was involved in several major battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima and the Battle of Khe Sanh. The battalion’s actions during the war earned it several awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation. In 1970, the battalion was relocated to Okinawa, Japan, where it remained until 1976.

Cold War (1976-1990)

During the Cold War, the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines was stationed in various locations, including Okinawa, Japan, and Hawaii. The battalion was involved in several exercises and operations, including the Cold War-era deployments to the Western Pacific. In 1985, the battalion was relocated to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, where it remains to this day.

Gulf War and War on Terror (1990-2011)

In 1990, the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines was deployed to Saudi Arabia, where it participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. The battalion’s actions during the war earned it several awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation. In 2004, the battalion was deployed to Iraq, where it participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The battalion’s actions during the war earned it several awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation.

Recent History (2011-Present)

In 2011, the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines was deployed to Afghanistan, where it participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. The battalion’s actions during the war earned it several awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation. Today, the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines remains stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, where it continues to train and prepare for future deployments and operations.

👍 Note: The 2nd Battalion 4th Marines has a long and storied history, and this blog post only scratches the surface of its many accomplishments and achievements.

In summary, the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines has a rich and storied history, with roots dating back to the early 20th century. From its activation in 1911 to its current status as a premier infantry battalion in the Marine Corps, the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines has played a key role in several major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the War on Terror. The battalion’s actions during these conflicts have earned it numerous awards and accolades, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation.