How about a story of pride, devotion, and loyalty? We are standing before a symbol of Marine Corps excellence. This is the 1st Battalion 7th Marines. This battalion nicknamed “First Team” has a legacy etched in bravery.
The 1st Battalion 7th Marines was born on April 1, 1921 in San Diego. Its story is one of repeated activation, deactivation, and reflagging. It wasn’t until January 1, 1941 that it truly took its current form.
Just over a year later, 1/7 deployed to the Pacific Theater during World War II. It saw its first action on Guadalcanal. Under Lieutenant Colonel Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, the battalion showed incredible valor. They held their ground against seasoned Japanese attackers.
It was here that Sergeant John Basilone earned the Medal of Honor. He defended his exposed position against a comprehensive Japanese assault. He used only a machine gun. The “First Team” continued to distinguish itself throughout the war. They fought at Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, and Okinawa.
After World War II, 1/7 assisted in repatriating defeated Japanese military personnel in China. The battalion was then sent to Camp Pendleton. There, it was deactivated on March 5, 1947.
But duty called again. In response to the North Korean invasion of South Korea, 1/7 was reactivated. On September 21, 1950, 1/7 landed at Inchon. They fought their way to and from the Chosin Reservoir. Lieutenant Colonel Raymond C. Davis received the Medal of Honor. He earned it for his fighting at the Chosin Reservoir.
Between the Korean War and 1965, 1/7 maintained combat readiness at Camp Pendleton and Okinawa. In August 1965, 1/7 was called to service in South Vietnam. Under Lieutenant Colonel James P. Kelly, the “First Team” participated in operations. They included Starlite, Piranha, Mameluke Thrust, and Oklahoma Hills.
The unit earned the Presidential Unit Citation Streamer four times. They also earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer three times. Corporal Larry Eugene Smedley and Private First Class Ralph Dias received the Medal of Honor posthumously. Hospital Corpsman Robert R. Ingram also received the Medal of Honor for his actions.
In August 1990, 1/7 manned defensive positions in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. As part of Task Force Ripper, they spearheaded the liberation of Kuwait. They returned to Twentynine Palms in March 1991.
In December 1992, 1/7 arrived in Mogadishu, Somalia for Operation Restore Hope. Operations took place in Baidoa, Bardera, Oddur, Afgoye, and Mogadishu. Lance Corporal Anthony Botello was killed during a night patrol.
In January 2003, 1/7 deployed on Operation Iraqi Freedom. Their first mission was to seize the oil pumping station in Az Zubayr. They saw significant combat on the way to Baghdad. They also fought in the streets of the Iraqi capital. The battalion conducted security operations along the Euphrates River and Syrian border.
In March 2012, 1/7 deployed to Sangin District, Afghanistan. They conducted counterinsurgency operations. They supported the transition to Afghan National Security Forces.
The 1st Battalion 7th Marines transferred authority in Helmand Province on October 1, 2014. They transferred it to the U.S. Army’s 3rd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment.
Think about the Marines who served here. General James Mattis and Lieutenant General Lewis “Chesty” Puller are among the notable members. Their motto echoes through time. Pride, devotion, loyalty. It’s more than words. It is a way of life for the 1st Battalion 7th Marines.