1st Battalion, 5th Marines Merchandise

"Make Peace or Die" -

Geronimo

Camp Pendleton, California

The 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5 Marines) is an infantry battalion within the United States Marine Corps, located at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. With a roster of about 800 Marines and sailors, it's been affectionately nicknamed "Geronimo." Its oversight comes from the 5th Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division. 1/5 Marines, with its storied history, was first constituted in 1914 in Vera Cruz, Mexico.

During World War I, 1/5 Marines saw significant action in Europe. Activated in May 1917, they were soon deployed to France. 1st Battalion 5th Marines had significant engagements in several campaigns, notably the Battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918. Here, 1st Battalion 5th Marines took Hill 142 in an offensive that saw 325 of their members killed. Gunnery Sergeant Ernest A. Janson distinguished himself in this battle, earning the Medal of Honor. 1/5 Marines remained in Europe after the war, occupying parts of Germany until mid-1919, after which it was deactivated in the U.S., marking the end of their separate combat operations during that era and returning to Camp Pendleton.

In the following years leading up to World War II, 1/5 Marines was periodically activated and deactivated, serving roles in securing the U.S. Mail and stabilizing the Nicaraguan government. However, with the onset of World War II, 1st Battalion 5th Marines was once again called to frontline service. 1/5 Marines battles took them across the Pacific to Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Peleliu, and Okinawa. The Battle of Peleliu was particularly significant, where they stopped a major Japanese tank-infantry counterattack. By April 1946, with their World War II objectives completed, 1/5 Marines was disbanded and returned to Camp Pendleton.

The Korean War saw the reactivation of 1/5 Marines in October 1949. The following year, 1st Battalion 5th Marines were deployed to Korea, participating in significant battles like the Pusan Perimeter, Inchon, Seoul, and the famous Chosin Reservoir. After the war, they returned to Camp Pendleton.

The Vietnam War called the 1/5 Marines to service again from June 1966 to March 1971. During this period, they conducted combat operations in several regions, including Chu Lai, Danang, and the Que Son Valley. 1/5 Marines standout performance in the Battle of Hue, especially in the city's famed Citadel, earned them the nickname "Citadel Battalion."

In the years that followed, 1/5 Marines continued to be active globally, supporting Operation Prime Chance in the Persian Gulf and participating in both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. 1/5 Marines played crucial roles in pushing into Kuwait, capturing strategic locations like Al Jaber Airfield and Kuwait International Airport with Mechanized Task Force Ripper. These were vital steps in the country beginning combat operations in the region.

In the post-9/11 world, 1/5 Marines was pivotal in the Global War on Terror. They were among the first to enter Iraq in 2003 and were involved in intense urban combat in cities like Fallujah. 1/5 Marines deployed in Iraq and later Afghanistan saw them conduct security and stabilization operations, solidifying 1st Battalion 5th Marines reputation as a formidable combat unit. They participated in various operations in Helmand province, including in Sangin District, and were awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Citation for their efforts.

1/5 Marines continued to be globally active in the subsequent years. 1/5 Marines were deployed as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, saw rotations in Australia as part of the U.S.'s strategic "pivot to the Pacific," and again supported the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2015. In 2017, 1/5 Marines were associated with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, playing roles in Operation Inherent Resolve. During this deployment, 1st Battalion 5th Marines also assisted the USS John S. McCain after its tragic collision.

Our wide array of 1/5 Marines merchandise products, such as 1/5 Marines t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, long-sleeve shirts, hats, beanies, patches, pins, decals, and flags, is specifically designed to honor 1/5 Marines heritage and rich history. This collection embodies the ethos of the United States Marine Corps, reflecting 1st Battalion 5th Marines commitment to excellence in Marine Corps Infantry Battalions.