1st Battalion, 24th Marines Merchandise

"Terror from the North" -

The 1st Battalion, 24th Marines (1/24 Marines) is a reserve infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. It is spread out across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana and has around 1,000 Marines and Sailors. Known as the "Terror from the North", it's a part of the 25th Marine Regiment under the 4th Marine Division.

The current units of the battalion are based in various locations:

• Headquarters and Service Company is located in Selfridge ANGB, Michigan.
• Alpha Company is in Battle Creek, Michigan.
• Bravo Company operates from Terre Haute, Indiana.
• Charlie Company is positioned in Lansing, Michigan.
• Weapons Company is based in Perrysburg, Ohio.

The mission of the battalion is to provide trained combat and combat support personnel and units that can augment and reinforce the active components during war times, national emergencies, or other needs for national security. It should also be capable of reconstituting the Division if necessary.

Tracing its roots back to July 5, 1922, Marines first arrived in Detroit, activating a volunteer Marine Corps Reserve company with 70 men. Through various redesignations and shifts, by October 1938, Detroit had a second company of Marines. This company, along with others, would mobilize and integrate into the First Marine Brigade by January 1941. During World War II, they fought valiantly in the South Pacific. In the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945, despite heavy casualties, the battalion emerged victorious under the leadership of Lieutenant colonel Austin R. Brunelli.

Post World War II, the battalion underwent various changes and deployments. In 1962, it became part of the 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment when the 4th Marine Division was revived. The battalion was mobilized during December 1990 in support of Operation Desert Shield, marking their first mobilization since 1954. They went to Okinawa and the Philippines and played a key role in the rescue operations during the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.

In the Global War on Terror, 1/24 was actively involved, especially in Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003. Companies from the battalion were deployed in different regions like Djibouti, Kuwait, and Iraq. Previously based at the historic Brodhead Armory, which had various uses over the years, the battalion headquarters moved to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in 2005. The base is approximately 35 miles north of Detroit and is a joint base that hosts all branches of the military.

By 2006, the battalion was preparing for deployment to Iraq. They arrived at Camp Baharia in September 2006 and operated from different locations. Their deployment was marked by intense combat operations in Fallujah, which resulted in significant casualties. The battalion played a key role in community development and intelligence operations, making significant contributions to the "Sunni Awakening".

Under the leadership of Lt. Col. Harold R. "Odie" Van Opdorp, the battalion had a well-integrated intelligence section, which played a critical role in their operations. They utilized intelligence to predict insurgent activities and counter them effectively. They also focused on working closely with Iraqi police and military forces, encouraging local heroes to emerge and support the American-led efforts in Iraq. The battalion's efforts were marked by collaboration with the Iraqis, building trust, and ensuring stability in the region. They worked in tandem with Iraqi forces, enabling them to handle most of the security challenges while providing necessary backup and support.