Photo By Cpl. Brayden Daniel | U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general of 1st Marine...... read more read more
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U.S. Marines, sailors and veterans of the 1st Marine Division commemorated the division’s 82nd anniversary during a colors rededication ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 1.
U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, fastened 25 streamers to the battle colors. Each streamer signified the many campaigns, expeditions, battles and decorations presented to the division since its establishment. Each streamer was presented to Watson by noncommissioned officers from across 1st Marine Division.
“Their stories and their legacy are woven into the very fabric of that battle color,” said Watson, of the Marines who fought in those past campaigns. “They are representative of all our Marines and sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice over 82 years.”
The 1st Marine Division was established aboard the USS Texas Feb. 1, 1941. Marines of the Blue Diamond began their legacy during the first major battle of the Pacific Campaign, the Battle of Guadalcanal, the first time the 1st Marine Division conducted combat operations as an entire division. It is the oldest, largest, and most decorated division in the U.S. Marine Corps, with nine Presidential Unit Citations.
One of the first members of the 1st Marine Division, retired Maj. Billy Hall, called the Blue Diamond his home during the ceremony. Hall served with the Marines in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
“I’m proud to have been a Marine, I grew up in the Marine Corps.” Hall said.
The Blue Diamond consists of a Headquarters Battalion, the 1st, 5th, 7th, and 11th Marine Regiments, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st and 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions, and 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion. These units consist of 22,000 combat-ready Marines prepared for contingencies around the world.
“Our traditions are ultimately what makes us unique amongst our armed services,” said Watson, “and the fact that we take the time to remember and honor those traditions born of our history.”
| Date Taken: | 02.01.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 02.02.2023 13:57 |
| Story ID: | 437666 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 149 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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