26th Marine Regiment

26th Marine Regiment. The 26th Marine Regiment is a disbanded infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps. It was formed during World War II as part of the 5th Marine Division and saw its most intense combat during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Reactivated for the Vietnam War, the regiment was a key component of III Marine Amphibious Force and conducted extensive operations in the I Corps Tactical Zone.

History

The regiment was first activated on 14 January 1944 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, drawing personnel from other units and new recruits to form the core of the 5th Marine Division. Its initial training focused on amphibious warfare in preparation for the Pacific War. Following the Battle of Iwo Jima, the regiment redeployed to Hawaii for rest and refitting, and was in transit to participate in the planned invasion of Japan when Victory over Japan Day led to the cessation of hostilities. The regiment was deactivated on 5 February 1946 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. It was reactivated on 1 March 1966 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for service in the Vietnam War, where it operated primarily in the northern provinces of South Vietnam. The regiment was deactivated for the final time on 19 March 1970 at Camp Courtney on Okinawa.

Organization

As a standard Marine infantry regiment, it was composed of three infantry battalions: the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, and 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines. Each battalion contained three rifle companies and a weapons company. The regiment's headquarters and service company provided command, control, and logistical support. During World War II, it was an organic part of the 5th Marine Division. In Vietnam, it was often operationally controlled by the 3rd Marine Division while remaining administratively under the 5th Marine Division until the latter's departure, after which it reported directly to III Marine Amphibious Force.

Notable engagements

The regiment's defining battle was the Battle of Iwo Jima, where it landed on D-Day and fought for the entire campaign, suffering heavy casualties while securing key terrain including Motoyama Airfield No. 2 and engaging in brutal close-quarters combat. In the Vietnam War, the regiment was continuously engaged in major operations. It played a central role in the Battle of Khe Sanh, defending the combat base and surrounding hills against prolonged siege by the People's Army of Vietnam. Other significant actions included Operation Scotland II, Operation Napoleon/Saline, and Operation Dewey Canyon. The regiment also conducted countless patrols and smaller-scale actions throughout Quang Tri Province and Thua Thien Province.

Commanders

During World War II, the regiment was commanded by Colonel Chester B. Graham during its formative training and initial deployment. Colonel John R. Lanigan assumed command just prior to Iwo Jima and led the regiment through that battle. In Vietnam, notable commanding officers included Colonel John C. Studt during the early buildup period. Colonel David E. Lownds commanded during the critical opening phase of the Battle of Khe Sanh. Later commanders included Colonel James B. Ord, Jr. and Colonel Edward L. Foss.

Honors and awards

The regiment's service is recognized by the Presidential Unit Citation awarded for extraordinary heroism at Iwo Jima, with a second award for actions at Khe Sanh. It also received the Navy Unit Commendation for operations in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. Individual Marines of the regiment earned numerous high decorations, including the Medal of Honor. Recipients from the Iwo Jima campaign include Private First Class Douglas T. Jacobson and Corporal Hershel W. Williams. From the Vietnam era, Sergeant Walter K. Singleton was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions near Quang Tri.

Category:United States Marine Corps regiments Category:Military units and formations established in 1944