3rd Battalion, 27th Marines Merchandise

The 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines (3/27) had a significant and challenging experience during its deployment to Vietnam. It holds the unique distinction of being the shortest-serving Marine battalion to deploy to Vietnam. The composition of 3/27 Marines was remarkable, with over 400 Marines having non-infantry military occupational skills and over 400 Marines serving a second tour in Vietnam.

Upon arriving in Vietnam, the 3/27 Marines mission was to patrol and ambush areas south of Da Nang and Marble Mountain, with a specific focus on interrupting Viet Cong (VC) and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) rocket and sapper attacks on the airstrip at Da Nang. Despite managing to reduce the number of attacks on the airstrip, the battalion suffered a considerable number of casualties, primarily due to land mines and booby traps.

In late April 1968, the NVA moved significant forces into the An Hoa basin and the Go Noi area of Quang Nam Province, initiating operations against U.S. and South Vietnamese forces. Consequently, 3/27 Marines was engaged in Operation Allen Brook. On 13 May, Companies I, K, and L, along with supporting personnel, were inserted onto Go Noi Island. The battalion found itself in heavy combat, linking up against a battalion-sized NVA force, sustaining and inflicting significant casualties.

Between 18 and 29 May, 3/27 Marines clashed with units of the 16th and 38th Regiments of the 308th NVA Division. Enemy casualties amounted to 288 killed and six prisoners, with an unknown number wounded. The battalion continued patrolling around Da Nang and returned to Go Noi for the conclusion of Operation Allen Brook in late July 1968.

During the 204 days of combat against VC/NVA forces, 3/27 Marines faced daily land mine or booby trap incidents. The casualties mounted to over 900 Purple Hearts (many for multiple wounds), with 177 Marines and seven Corpsmen killed in action, and one still missing.

The city of San Diego honored 3/27 Marines with a parade upon their return in September 1968. In recognition of their valor and commitment, the battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. The actions of 3/27 highlight both the bravery and the significant challenges faced by Marines during this period of the Vietnam War.