3rd Battalion 26th Marines

(Vietnam History)

The 3rd Battalion 26th Marine Regiment served with distinction in World War II and in the Vietnam War. Unit awards of the 26th Marine Regiment are presented below..

Unit Awards for the 26th Marine Regiment

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Award

Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with two Bronze Stars

Navy Unit Commendation Streamer

Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Streamer one Bronze Star

World War II Victory Streamer

National Defense Service Streamer

Vietnam Service Streamer

Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Streamer

Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Streamer

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Years

1945,1966-67, 1968

1968

1945

1944-1945

1966-1974

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Additional Info

Iwo Jima, Vietnam, Khe Sanh

Vietnam

Iwo Jima

Pacific War

Vietnam War

3/26 in Vietnam Highlights

The battalion was activated on 28 May 1966 under the command of Major William A Thompson.

After training at Camp Pendleton, CA and in the Philippines 3/26 arrived in Vietnam on 11 December 1966.

The battalion was originally under the Operational Control (OPCON) of the 3rd Marine Division. In May 1968 3/26 was reassigned to be OPCON to the 1st Marine Division.

3/26 departed Vietnam on 19 March 1970 and returned to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro CA where they were greeted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The deadliest month in the battalion history was September 1967 when 3/26 operated in the northern I Corps near C2 and Con Thien.

The battalion never had a KIA in the month of October.

Significant 3/26 History

3/26 fought in two wars – World War II and the Vietnam War. In WW II the battalion saw action at Iwo Jima. 3/26 was in Vietnam from December 1966 through March 1970. Two 3/26 Marines, one from World War II and one from Vietnam (both from India Company), were recipients of the Medal of Honor. You may read their citations on a separate page. There are two buildings – one a gymnasium and one a barracks – that are named for Marines from 3/26.