First Marine Division
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| First Marine Division | |
|---|---|
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| Unit name | First Marine Division |
| Native name | 1st Marine Division |
| Caption | Shoulder sleeve insignia |
| Dates | 1st February 1941–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Marine division (United States) |
| Role | Expeditionary warfare, amphibious warfare, combined arms |
| Size | Division (~20,000) |
| Garrison | Camp Pendleton, San Diego County, California |
| Nickname | "The Old Breed", "First Team" |
| Motto | "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" |
| Colors | Scarlet and Gold |
| Decorations | Presidential Unit Citation (United States), Navy Unit Commendation, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation |
| Current commander | Lieutenant General Michael E. Langley |
First Marine Division
The First Marine Division is a principal ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and a core formation of the United States Marine Corps. Organized as a Marine division (United States), it has served in major 20th- and 21st-century conflicts including the World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and operations in Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). The division is noted for amphibious assaults, combined-arms maneuver, and sustained ground combat.
History
Activated before World War II at Quantico, Virginia and formalized on 1 February 1941, the division trained for expeditionary and amphibious operations alongside the United States Navy and United States Army. In the Pacific Theater the division fought at Guadalcanal Campaign, Battle of Cape Gloucester, Battle of Peleliu, and Battle of Okinawa, cooperating with units such as the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and elements of the Seabees. Postwar, the division deployed to Korea in 1950 during the Korean War and participated in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and the Inchon Landing as part of X Corps operations. During the Vietnam War, the division engaged in operations around Chu Lai, Da Nang, and Quang Tri Province, integrating with III Marine Amphibious Force and counterinsurgency campaigns. In the 1990s the division elements joined Operation Desert Storm and later supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting urban combat, stabilization, and training for partner forces.
Organization
The division is structured as a combined-arms headquarters commanding infantry, artillery, armor, reconnaissance, and support formations. Core subordinate commands include the 1st Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Regiment, 7th Marine Regiment, 11th Marines (artillery), 1st Tank Battalion (historically), 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, and combat service support groups such as 1st Combat Logistics Regiment. The division headquarters coordinates with I Marine Expeditionary Force staff, III Marine Expeditionary Force for Pacific operations, and attached aviation elements like the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing when organized as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Liaison and joint integration are routine with the United States Navy, United States Army Pacific, and allied formations including Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Armed Forces.
Campaigns and operations
Major World War II campaigns include the amphibious seizure of Guadalcanal, the assault on Cape Gloucester, the bloody fight at Peleliu, and the occupation of Okinawa. In Korea the division spearheaded operations at Inchon, fought withdrawal actions at Chosin Reservoir, and held positions along the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Vietnam War operations encompassed Operation Starlite, Operation Hastings, and major actions at Khe Sanh and Hue during the Tet Offensive. Elements participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1990–1991, then in the 2000s the division led combat and stability operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom and counterinsurgency rotations to Helmand Province and Kandahar in Afghanistan. The division has also conducted humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions with partners including United Nations agencies and the American Red Cross in the Pacific basin.
Unit honors and awards
The division and its subordinate units have received numerous unit decorations, including multiple Presidential Unit Citation (United States) awards for actions in World War II and Korea, Navy Unit Commendation ribbons for Vietnam service, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for Korean War valor. Individual Marines have earned decorations while serving with the division such as the Medal of Honor (United States), Navy Cross, Silver Star, and Bronze Star Medal. Campaign streamers on the division colors reflect participation in major operations across the Pacific, Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia, the Persian Gulf, and the Global War on Terror.
Notable commanders and personnel
Prominent commanders and members associated with the division include Major General William H. Rupertus, Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller (served earlier in the Corps but associated through contemporaneous campaigns), General Raymond G. Davis, Major General Oliver P. Smith, Lieutenant General Lewis J. Fields, General Alfred M. Gray Jr., and modern leaders such as General James Mattis who served in Marine units and later commanded joint formations. Distinguished enlisted and officers from the division have included Medal of Honor recipients from Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Chosin Reservoir, whose citations are preserved by the National Archives and Naval History and Heritage Command.
Traditions and insignia
Traditions emphasize amphibious legacy, esprit de corps, and the nickname "The Old Breed" popularized in memoirs and histories by veterans of Pacific fighting. The division shoulder sleeve insignia, scarlet-and-gold colors, and unit march reflect lineage tracing to pre‑World War II Marine expeditionary forces. Ceremonial practices align with Marine Corps Birthday observances and regimental reunions; battle anniversaries commemorate engagements such as Guadalcanal and Chosin Reservoir. Unit museums and memorials are maintained at Camp Pendleton and regional sites including the Marine Corps Museum collections.
Equipment and capabilities
As a Marine division, it fields infantry battalions equipped with M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, supported by machine guns and mortars, combined with artillery battalions operating M777 howitzer systems and precision munitions. Armor and mechanized elements have been equipped with M1 Abrams, Light Armored Vehicle (United States), and tactical vehicles such as the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement. Aviation support is provided through integration with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing or attached squadrons flying CH-53E Super Stallion, AH-1Z Viper, MV-22 Osprey, and UH-1Y Venom. Intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, unmanned systems, engineering, logistics, and cyber/electronic warfare enablers allow expeditionary operations across littoral, urban, and mountainous environments. The division maintains interoperability with United States Navy amphibious shipping, Marine Corps Logistics Command, and allied force modernizing efforts.
Category:United States Marine Corps divisions