2nd Battalion, 1st Marines

Unit Lineage

Activated on 1 August 1922 at Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines traces its origins to the occupation of the Dominican Republic. Known as "The Professionals," 2/1 is an infantry battalion assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment under the 1st Marine Division, based at Camp Horno on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The battalion has fought in every major American conflict since World War II and completed multiple combat deployments during the Global War on Terror across Iraq and Afghanistan.

World War II

After reactivation on 11 February 1942 at New River, North Carolina, 2/1 deployed to the Pacific and fought across five campaigns: Guadalcanal, Eastern New Guinea, New Britain, Peleliu, and Okinawa. At Guadalcanal, the battalion defended Henderson Field against sustained Japanese bombardment and ground assault. On Okinawa, Marines of 2/1 fought their way across Wana Ridge in May 1945 in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Pacific campaign.

Korea

Reactivated in 1950, 2/1 deployed to Korea and participated in the amphibious landing at Inchon, the Chosin Reservoir campaign, and operations along the 38th parallel for the remainder of the war.

Vietnam

2/1 deployed to Vietnam in 1965 and served until 1971, operating in and around Da Nang as part of the 1st Marine Division. After returning to Camp Pendleton, the battalion participated in Operation New Arrivals in 1975, assisting with the relocation of refugees from Indochina. The battalion was deactivated and then reactivated on 9 September 1994 at Camp Pendleton.

Iraq

As part of the 15th MEU, 2/1 deployed to Kuwait in February 2003 and participated in the invasion of Iraq the following month. In March 2004, the battalion deployed to Fallujah and fought in Operation Vigilant Resolve, the First Battle of Fallujah. 2/1 returned to Iraq in 2005 with the 13th MEU and engaged in combat operations during Operation Steel Curtain in Husaybah, Karabilah, and New Ubaydi, and Operation Iron Hammer in Hit. The battalion deployed to Iraq again in January 2009 and returned in August of the same year.

Afghanistan

From October 2010 through May 2011, 2/1 deployed to Helmand Province in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, operating in the Garmsir District. In June 2012, the battalion returned overseas as the Ground Combat Element for the 31st MEU.

Abbey Gate

On 26 August 2021, an ISIS-K suicide bomber attacked Abbey Gate at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. The blast killed nine Marines and one Navy Corpsman from 2/1, along with two other Marines and one soldier. Thirteen American service members gave their lives that day. The Marines of 2/1 were conducting evacuation operations at the gate when the attack occurred, working to get American citizens, Afghan allies, and third-country nationals to safety. It was the deadliest single day for U.S. forces in Afghanistan since 2011.

Gear for the Professionals

This collection exists for the Marines who served with 2/1 and the families who carry their legacy. Every t-shirt, hoodie, flag, and accessory honors the battalion's history from Guadalcanal through the gates of Kabul. Veteran-owned and made in the USA.

Browse our 2/1 Marines t-shirts, long sleeves, hoodies, tank tops, flags, decals, drinkware, and more below. OIF and OEF veteran designs available. Every order ships free at $75+.