2nd Battalion, 24th Marines Merchandise

"The Mad Ghosts" -

The 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps based in Chicago, Illinois. It consists of about 1000 Marines and Sailors. Organizational wise, the battalion operates under the 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. Within this battalion, there are several subordinate units. The Headquarters and Service Company is located in Fort Sheridan, Illinois. Echo Company finds its base in Des Moines, Iowa. Fox Company is situated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while Golf Company is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Lastly, Weapons Company operates out of Joliet, Illinois.

The primary mission of the 2/24 is to provide trained combat and combat support personnel. Their goal is to supplement and reinforce the active component during times of war, national emergencies, or when national security demands it. The battalion is also tasked with the capability to reconstitute the 4th Marine Division if the need arises.

Looking back at its rich history, the roots of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines trace back to the 9th Reserve Battalion, founded in 1922. The battalion was mobilized in November 1940 in anticipation of World War II. Consequently, many of Chicago's reservists were incorporated into the new 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines of the 4th Marine Division in the Fleet Marine Force.

Activated on 26 March 1943 as part of the 4th Marine Division, the battalion's first significant combat mission was the invasion of the Marshall Islands on 1 February 1944. This victory marked the first capture of the Japanese Empire by the United States during World War II. By 15 June 1944, they were actively involved in the battle of Saipan in the Marianas. Within a span of fifteen days post securing Saipan, they took over the island of Tinian in just eight days. This feat earned them their first Presidential Unit Citation. The battalion's courage was again put to the test on 19 February 1945 when they landed on Iwo Jima, battling for 35 days until the island was secured on 26 March 1945. Their exemplary performance in the capture of Iwo Jima garnered them a second Presidential Unit Citation. Notably, Captain Joseph J. McCarthy, the Commanding Officer of Co. G, was recognized with the Medal of Honor for his valor during the battle. Following these series of battles, the battalion was demobilized on 31 October 1945.

Their call to service rang again during the Korean War. In October 1950, they were mobilized, sent to Camp Pendleton, California, and subsequently transferred to Korea. Here, the Marines from Chicago engaged in fierce combat. Their commitment was tested once again during the Gulf War. Mobilized on 30 November 1990 in support of Operation Desert Shield, they underwent training and preparations at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Their duties ranged from providing security to critical facilities, managing enemy prisoners of war, to defending critical points during the liberation of Kuwait.

The Global War on Terror saw the battalion being mobilized again in June 2004 for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Operating out of Mahmudiyah, in the North Babil Province of Iraq, they faced intense combat against the Iraqi insurgency. Their resilience and resourcefulness came to the fore, leading to their recognition as the first reserve infantry battalion of OIF to operate independently. Their subsequent deployments included Operation Shared Accord in Niger in March 2006, and another tour in Iraq beginning January 2008 near Habbaniyah. Their commitment to service and the numerous missions they undertook over the years stands as a testament to their dedication, resilience, and valor.

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