26th Marine Regiment (United States)
| 26th Marine Regiment | |
|---|---|
|
26th Marine Regiment emblem | |
| Country |
 United States of America |
| Branch |
 United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Infantry |
| Part of |
5th Marine Division (WWII) 5th Marine Division then 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions once it returned to CONUS (Vietnam) |
| Garrison/HQ | Deactivated |
| Nickname(s) | "The Professionals" |
| Engagements |
World War II * Battle of Iwo Jima Vietnam War * Battle of Khe Sahn |
The 26th Marine Regiment (26th Marines) is an inactivated infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps. The 26th Marines were activated in 1944 and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II and were activated again on March 1, 1966 and fought in the Battle of Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War.
Subordinate units
The regiment was composed of three infantry battalions and one headquarters company:
| Battalions |
|---|
| Headquarters Company 26th Marines |
| 1st Battalion 26th Marines (1/26) - Seabrook |
| 2nd Battalion 26th Marines (2/26) |
| 3rd Battalion 26th Marines (3/26) |
History
Vietnam
In mid-May 1967, following the conclusion of The Hill Fights, the 26th Marines took over responsibility for the area around Khe Sanh from the 3rd Marines.[1] The 26th Marines conducted Operation Ardmore a search and destroy mission in the Khe Sanh area from 17 July-31 October 1967. At the conclusion of Operation Ardmore the Marines commenced Operation Scotland, the defense of Khe Sanh Combat Base and search and destroy missions against North Vietnamese Army (NVA) infiltration.[2] From 21 January 1968 the 26th Marines were under siege at Khe Sanh until the conclusion of Operation Pegasus on 14 April 1968 and were replaced by the 1st Marines on 15 April 1968.[3] The 26th Marines was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions during the Battle of Khe Sanh.
The 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines participated in Operation Kingfisher around Con Thien from 7–11 September 1967.[4]
The 1st and 3rd Battalions, 26th Marines participated in Operation Mameluke Thrust from May-June 1968.[5]
The 1st Battalion, 26th Marines participated in Operation Allen Brook from 26 May to 6 June 1968.[6]
Unit awards
A unit citation or commendation is an award bestowed upon an organization for the action cited. Members of the unit who participated in said actions are allowed to wear on their uniforms the awarded unit citation. The 26th Marine Regiment has been presented with the following awards:
| Streamer | Award | Year(s) | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with two Bronze Stars | 1945, 1966–67, 1968 | Iwo Jima, Vietnam, Khe Sanh |
 |
Navy Unit Commendation Streamer | 1968 | Vietnam |
 |
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Streamer one Bronze Star | 1945 | Iwo Jima |
 |
World War II Victory Streamer | 1944–1945 | Pacific War |
 |
National Defense Service Streamer | 1966–1974 | Vietnam War |
 |
Vietnam Service Streamer | ||
 |
Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Streamer | ||
 |
Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Streamer | ||
See also
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to 26th Marine Regiment (United States). |
References
- Shulimson, Jack (1997). U.S. Marines in Vietnam: 1968 The Defining Year. History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. ISBN 0-16-049125-8.
- Telfer, Gary I. (1984). U.S. Marines in Vietnam: Fighting the North Vietnamese 1967. History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. ISBN 978-1482538878.
- About the 26th Marines Insignia
- 26th Marine Regiment
- 26th Marines Association
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