5th Battalion, 14th Marines Merchandise

Formed in March 1944, the 5th Battalion, 14th Marines was a headquarters and three firing batteries with M2A1 105mm howitzers. Re-designated as the 4th 105mm Howitzer Battalion, VAC, the unit supported the Marianas invasion and Saipan. Despite heavy losses, the unit prevailed and aided in Tinian's siege. Post-war, the unit got renamed and fought at Iwo Jima, before deactivation in November 1945.

During the Vietnam War, marines from the unit served at Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station as a security detachment. It continued to provide ceremonial duties like Color Guards and Honors Rifle Teams.

Reactivated post-Vietnam, 5/14 was included in the new "Total Force" doctrine. It was reorganized with active-duty counterparts, arming different battalions with a variety of howitzers and cannons. Its headquarters changed locations several times, ending up in Los Angeles.

The 5th battalion wasn't activated for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. After a 1994 earthquake damaged their Los Angeles facility, the battalion moved to Long Beach Naval Station and then Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station.

The unit was deployed to Iraq (2005-2006) as a provisional military police battalion, overseeing detention facilities, guarding areas, and conducting law enforcement. It incorporated Marines from various units to form the 5th Provisional Military Police Battalion, 14th Marines.

In 2009, Battery N served in southern Afghanistan, supporting operations and earning a Presidential Unit Citation for its efforts during Operation Enduring Freedom.