The Spearhead: A History of the 5th Marine Division's Formidable Nickname

Introduction

The 5th Marine Division, one of the storied divisions of the United States Marine Corps, has left an indelible mark on military history. Known by its nickname, "The Spearhead," the division has come to symbolize the courage, determination, and spirit of its Marines. In this blog post, we will explore the origins and history of the 5th Marine Division's nickname, taking a closer look at the key moments and battles that have defined the division's legacy as The Spearhead.

Origins of the Nickname:

Activated on November 21, 1943, at Camp Pendleton, California, the 5th Marine Division was established to meet the increasing demand for Marine divisions during World War II. The division earned its nickname, "The Spearhead," through its combat performance in the Pacific theater. The moniker is a testament to the division's ability to lead the charge and break through enemy lines, spearheading vital operations and exemplifying the fighting spirit of the United States Marine Corps.

World War II: Forging the Legacy

The Battle of Iwo Jima (1945):

The 5th Marine Division's most iconic and defining battle occurred on the volcanic island of Iwo Jima. The division, along with the 3rd Marine Division and 4th Marine Division, faced a determined and heavily fortified Japanese defense. The Spearhead played a crucial role in the assault, spearheading the attack on the island's vital airfields and Mount Suribachi. The division's Marines endured heavy casualties and fierce combat, ultimately emerging victorious and securing the island. The iconic photograph of Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi serves as a testament to the 5th Marine Division's tenacity and fighting spirit.

The CB-H2 flamethrower seen here on Iwo Jima had a range of 150 yards.

Post-World War II: Preserving the Legacy

Following World War II, the 5th Marine Division was deactivated in 1946, only to be reactivated during the Korean War in 1952. Though the division never saw combat in Korea, it played a critical role in training and preparing Marines for deployment to the conflict. The division was deactivated once again in 1955, but the legacy of The Spearhead lived on in the individual Marines and units that would continue to serve in various capacities.

The Vietnam War (1955-1975):

As dawn broke on the 1st of January 1966, the United States Marine Corps was stirring to life with the activation of the 27th Marines and 5th Tank Battalion, heralding a pivotal expansion of force that would soon leave an indelible mark in the annals of military history.

The following months witnessed a swift build-up of the 5th Marine Division's formidable structure. The 26th Marines were brought into the fold on the 1st of March, with their artillery counterparts, the 13th Marines, taking shape on the 1st of May. This burgeoning might continued with the establishment of the 28th Marines in early 1967, all primed for the challenges that lay ahead.

The commitment of these regiments was resolute, each attached to various divisions, including the 3rd Marine Division (Reinforced), the 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), and the 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, dutifully serving in the quagmires of Vietnam until March 1970.

Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara set the wheels in motion for the reactivation of the 26th Marine Regiment and the 5th Marine Division on the 27th of February, 1966. The battalions within the 26th Marines were sequentially activated over the subsequent months, each undergoing intensive, Vietnam-focused training before embarking on their journey to a war that would test their mettle like no other.

U.S. Marines during Operation Allen Brook

While the 26th Marines were stationed in Vietnam, they were not commanded by the 5th Division but remained a part of it—a unique distinction that underscored their operational independence and adaptability.

The readiness of the 5th Division by June 1967 was a testament to American military efficiency, yet its destiny would not see it wade into the battlefields abroad. This force was a bulwark of preparedness, a strategic reserve held back for contingencies beyond Vietnam's dense jungles and rice paddies.

But history had other plans. When General William C. Westmoreland called for aid amidst the Communist Tet Offensive's ferocity, the 27th Marines were deployed with urgency, a rapid response that exemplified the U.S. Marines' commitment to meeting threats with swift and decisive action.

The Battles That Defined Them in Vietnam

The 26th Marines' valor at the Battle of Khe Sanh, enduring from January to July of 1968, was recognized with a Presidential Unit Citation, a testament to their exceptional courage and effectiveness under fire.

Similarly, when President Johnson escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam, the 27th Marines became the first Marine regiment to be airlifted directly into a combat zone—a historic moment that not only marked a strategic evolution but also highlighted the escalating stakes of the conflict.

Throughout their deployment, these Marines engaged in fierce combat, with the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, distinguishing themselves during Operation Allen Brook and earning collective and individual honors for their gallantry.

The Legacy of the 5th Marine Division in Vietnam

As the 5th Marine Division began deactivating its units in late 1969, it marked the end of a chapter that showcased the adaptability and resilience of the U.S. Marines. The men of this storied division were reformed into the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, ready once more to face the future's uncertainties.

The stories of the 1/26 Marines, 2/26 Marines, and 3/26 Marines of the 26th Marine Regiment, each moving out of Camp Pendleton with resolve and a sense of duty, are reminders of the sacrifices made during these tumultuous times.

While the 28th Marine Regiment stood guard at Camp Pendleton, the 27th Marine Regiment bore the weight of conflict, making history with their deployment and demonstrating the unyielding spirit of the Marine Corps.

The 13th Marine Regiment, with batteries landing at strategic locations and participating in the pivotal Battle of Khe Sanh, showcased the crucial role of artillery support in the dynamics of modern warfare.

Conclusion

The 5th Marine Division's nickname, "The Spearhead," has come to represent the division's unyielding determination, courage, and fighting spirit. From its inception during World War II to its legacy carried on by individual Marines and units, The Spearhead has earned its place in the annals of Marine Corps history. The nickname serves as a reminder of the division's ability to lead the charge and overcome adversity, embodying the essence of the United States Marine Corps.