5th Marine Regiment

5th Marine Regiment is one of the most storied infantry regiments of the United States Marine Corps. Part of the 1st Marine Division, it is currently based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California. The regiment's history spans over a century, with its motto "Retreat, Hell!" originating from the Battle of Belleau Wood during World War I.

History

The regiment was first activated in June 1917 at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in preparation for American entry into World War I. It deployed to France as part of the American Expeditionary Forces and fought with distinction in the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne offensive. After the war, the regiment was deactivated before being reborn in 1934, conducting peacetime training and participating in interventions during the Banana Wars. It was permanently assigned to the 1st Marine Division in 1941, just prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, and has remained a core component of that division through every major conflict since.

Organization

The regiment is organized into three infantry battalions and one headquarters company. 1st Battalion, 5th Marines and 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines are line infantry battalions, while 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines serves as the 1st Marine Division's dedicated provost battalion. The regiment falls under the command of the 1st Marine Division, which is part of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. This structure allows the battalions to be task-organized with supporting elements from the 1st Marine Logistics Group and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing to form a Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Notable campaigns and battles

The regiment's battle honors are extensive, beginning with its pivotal role at Belleau Wood in 1918. In World War II, it participated in the Guadalcanal campaign, the bloody Battle of Peleliu, and the Battle of Okinawa. During the Korean War, it was instrumental in the Battle of Inchon, the recapture of Seoul, and the epic Battle of Chosin Reservoir. In the Vietnam War, it operated in the I Corps region, seeing heavy combat in operations like Operation Starlite and the Battle of Hue. More recently, it deployed for combat operations during the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the War in Afghanistan.

Unit awards and decorations

The regiment has been recognized with numerous unit citations for extraordinary heroism. It has been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation three times for actions on Guadalcanal, at the Chosin Reservoir, and in Vietnam. It has also received the Navy Unit Commendation on multiple occasions, including for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The regiment's streamers include those for the World War I Victory, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

Notable members

Many distinguished Marines have served with the regiment. Early commanders included Wendell C. Neville, who later became the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Merritt A. Edson, a Medal of Honor recipient famed for his leadership on Guadalcanal, commanded the 1st Battalion. Oliver P. Smith, who commanded the regiment and later the 1st Marine Division at the Chosin Reservoir, was known for his steadfast leadership. Other notable individuals include John H. Glenn Jr., who served with the regiment in Korea before becoming a NASA astronaut and U.S. Senator, and James L. Jones, a former regiment commander who later served as Commandant of the Marine Corps and National Security Advisor.

Category:United States Marine Corps regiments Category:Military units and formations established in 1917