1st Battalion, 23rd Marines

1st Battalion, 23 Marines (1/23 Marines) is a U.S. Marine Corps infantry battalion that was activated on November 20, 1942 at Camp Pendleton, California. It has a rich history of serving in several significant battles in the Pacific Theater during World War II, including the Battle of Kwajalein, the Battle of Saipan, the Invasion of Tinian, and the Battle of Iwo Jima.

At the Battle of Kwajalein, 1/23 Marines was responsible for securing the island of Roi, while the 24th Marines were in charge of Namur. The Battle of Saipan was another significant engagement for the battalion, as it was a key defensive position for the Japanese in the Central Pacific.

The Invasion of Tinian was another challenging battle for 1/23 Marines, as they encountered fierce resistance in the form of counterattacks and enemy positions in underground caves and tunnels. The Marines also had to persuade both Japanese soldiers and civilians to surrender.

The final major combat action for the 1-23 Marines during World War II was the Battle of Iwo Jima, which took place on the island of Iwo Jima in February 1945. 1/23 led the division's assault on the island and faced difficult conditions, including high seas, heavy surf, and loose volcanic soil, but ultimately defeated the enemy in their zone of action in 20 days.

1-23 Marines has also been mobilized for Operation Desert Storm and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. It has received numerous distinctions and honors for its service, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation.