MARINE DEFENSE BATTALIONS

With the rapid expansion of the Japanese Empire throughout the Pacific basin and its imminent threat on U.S. interests and naval installations, the Marine Corps formed Defense Battalions commencing in 1939.

The role of these battalions was to provide for the defense of advance naval bases to include anti-aircraft and coastal defense. The battalions were equipped with anti-aircraft batteries to defend against air raids, coastal defense guns to defend against naval bombardment and machine guns to repel landing forces. Prior to the United States' entrance into World War II, 9 defense battalions had been formed and were posted at Wake Island (1st Defense Battalion), American Samoa (2nd, 7th and 8th Defense Battalions), Midway Island (3rd, 4th and 6th Defense Battalions), Iceland (5th Defense Battalion), and Guantanamo Bay (9th Defense Battalion).

As the the United States went on the offensive in the Pacific during 1943, the defense battalions roles were modified to defending key installations and territory seized by assault forces during the Pacific's "island hopping campaign". Along with a change in the role, light tanks and field artillery were added to their equipment inventories. Twenty defense battalions were eventually formed and these battalions participated in nearly every land battle, both Army and Marine Corps, in the Pacific Theater. These units were among the first that were disbanded at the end of World War II.

HISTORY OF THE MARINE CORPS ARTICLES

BATTLE OF TINIAN - 27 July 1944

The Ushi Point Airfield becomes operational on Tinian. The airfield was captured two days earlier by elements of the 2nd Marine Division who handed it over to a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (Seabees). Assist by Marine Engineers, the Seabees quickly repaired the runway and damaged facilities to allow air operations to begin while Marines continued fighting to secure the remainder of the island.

The Seabees continued working on the runaway, expanded it to allow the U.S. Army Air Corps bombers to establish their principal base of operations in the Central Pacific. On August 6, 1945 the B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" loaded with "Little Boy" departed Tinian en route to Hiroshima.

THIS DAY IN MARINE CORPS HISTORY

THIS DAY IN MARINE CORPS HISTORY: 27 July

"The First Recruits" by Col Charles Waterhouse, USMCR (Ret)

Significant Marine events on this date included a meeting in Martinique, raising the flag over Puerto Rico, island-hopping battles in the Pacific, plus a look at the Corps' 1st Commandant.

THIS DAY IN MARINE CORPS HISTORY: 27July

THIS DAY IN MARINE CORPS HISTORY

1st MAW F-8 "Crusader" conducting a close air support mission in South Vietnam, 1966.

Significant events on the day in the Corps' history include:

• Expansion of Marine Corps aviation

• The activation of the 23rd Marines

• Participation in the Solomon Islands Campaign

• OPERATION TALLY HO

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U.S. Marine Corps History: July 20th

"Flying is hours and hours of boredom sprinkled with a few seconds of sheer terror."

-Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, USMC World War II ace and Medal of Honor recipient

Since its founding in 1775 the Marine Corps has served this nation "from the sea". From manning "the fighting tops" of the frigate navy through the bloody "island hopping campaign" of World War II, Marines have served as the nation's amphibious force in readiness.

A theme of this day in the Corps' history is Marine aviation. Included are its pre-World War II expansion, an action of the Marine component of the Cactus Air Force in the Central Pacific and supporting an U.S. Air Force operation over North Vietnam.

The Air Combat Element is an integral component of Marine Air Ground Task Forces (MAGTF). Its roles include; assault support to ground combat and support elements of the MAGTF, anti-air warfare, offensive air support, electronic warfare, control of aircraft and missiles, and aerial reconnaissance. Additionally, Marines provide squadrons and detachments to serve on aircraft carriers as part of the Navy's Carrier Air Wings.

U.S. MARINE CORPS HISTORY: JULY 20TH

THIS DAY IN MARINE CORPS HISTORY

Today's Marine is the descendant of a proud line of warriors dating back to the founding of the Continental Marines by the Continental Congress on the 10th of November, 1775. Their slogans of "First to Fight" and "The Few, The Proud, The Marines" give credit to their history and traditions. These traditions have been passed along from generation to generation from seasoned veterans to the newcomers. "The Marine Hymn" is the oldest official song within the U.S. Armed Forces. Every item on U.S. Marine Corps dress and services uniforms have a historical and traditional significance. Preparedness is their heritage.

This is a snapshot of the Corps' history which focuses on the events of the 13th of July. In addition to the events, background material and photographs are included to give a look at the bigger picture and location of occurrence. "Tell it to the Marines"...

Bombardment of San Juan del Norte

Marine Barracks 8th & I "The Oldest Post in the Corps"

Marines escorting civilians to safety. More than 20,000 non-combatants died during the Battle for Saipan.

There a few fighting forces more famous than the United States Marine Corps. This is a concise look at the activities of July 13th which added to their heritage and unique history.

TELL IT TO THE MARINES: July 13th In U.S. Marine Corps History

July 13th in U.S. Marine Corps History

THIS DATE IN USMC HISTORY

Events on this date in Marine Corps history included the Seizure of California, an intervention in China, the Occupation of Iceland, the World War II Battle for Saipan and Operation Hastings during the Vietnam Conflict.

"Landing at Monterrey" by Col. Charles Waterhouse, USMCR (ret)

Members of the 6th Marine Regiment in Iceland

THIS DATE IN MARINE CORPS HISTORY

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT PFC HAROLD AGERHOLM, USMC

During the Battle of Saipan, a pre-dawn banzai attack by 3000 Japanese troops on July 7, 1944 over-runs the U.S. Army's 105th Infantry Regiment and slams into the artillery batteries of the 10th Marine Regiment. The 6 hour fight, much of it being hand-to-hand combat, ends with the destruction of the Japanese forces at a cost of 1,000 U.S. casualties. This was a last-ditch effort by the Japanese defenders as the island was secured by U.S. forces 2 days later with little resistance.

A 10th Marine Regiment 75mm pack howitzer crew in Saipan

PFC Harold Agerholm was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on this date during the Battle for Siapan.

MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION