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

Streamer
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
Streamer
Years
1945,1966-67, 1968
1968
1945
1944-1945
1966-1974
1966-1974
1966-1974
1966-1974
Streamer
Additional Info
Iwo Jima, Vietnam, Khe Sanh
Vietnam
Iwo Jima
Pacific War
Vietnam War
Vietnam War
Vietnam 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. 

Taylor Hall  Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Quantico Virginia

Taylor Hall  Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Quantico Virginia

Corporal Terry Lee Smith Gymnasium Henderson Hall, Arlington, VA

‘Semper Fidelis’,

“Always Faithful”