12th Marine Regiment Merchandise| USMC Apparel and Gifts

12th Marine Regiment Merchandise

"Thunder and Steel" -

The 12th Marine Regiment, also known as "Thunder and Steel," is an artillery unit of the United States Marine Corps based in Camp Smedley Butler, Okinawa, Japan. It is a part of the 3rd Marine Division and its primary mission is to provide close fire support to supported units by neutralizing, destroying, or suppressing targets that threaten their success. The 12th Marines is comprised of two artillery battalions and one headquarters battery.

The 12th Marine Regiment has a rich history, dating back to its activation in 1927 in Tientsin, China. During World War II, the regiment was reactivated and participated in several campaigns including the Bou Gainville, Northern Solomons, Battle of Guam, and Battle of Iwo Jima. After the war, the regiment was reactivated in 1952 and deployed to Japan and later to South Vietnam where it participated in the War in Vietnam from 1965 to 1969.

In the post-World War II era, the 12th Marine Regiment has been deployed in several missions including the Southeast Asia Evacuations, Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror. During Operation Enduring Freedom, the Marines from the regiment took part in the Battle of Sangin in Afghanistan. The 12th Marines has been relocated several times over the years but has remained a vital part of the United States Marine Corps.