The history of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines began on 1 April 1921 in San Diego, California. In September 1924, the battalion was deactivated with its personnel being absorbed by the newly organized 4th Marine Regiment. For the next twenty years 1st Battalion, 7th Marines was activated, re-designated, and disbanded on numerous occasions until being reborn on 1 January 1941.
Just over a year after its rebirth the battalion boarded ships for the Pacific Theater and World War II, where they saw their first action of the war at Guadalcanal. Under the leadership of the Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, the Battalion distinguished themselves many times over for valor and bravery as they valiantly held their positions against the onslaught of a regiment of seasoned Japanese attackers.
It was also during this campaign that the legendary Sergeant "Manila John" Basilone became the first enlisted man in World War II to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Throughout the remainder of the war, the "First Team" distinguished themselves during many different campaigns, including Pelilieu and Okinawa. Finally, the Battalion deployed to North China for occupation duty at the end of the war.
Following the occupation duty, the "First of the Seventh" was sent to Camp Pendleton, California where they were deactivated on 5 March 1947.
However, in response to the Communist aggression in Korea, the Battalion was again called into action. On 21 September 1950, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines made an amphibious landing at Inchon, Korea. Once more the "First Team" distinguished themselves in the battle as they took part in operations such as HOOK, RENO, and VEGAS, as well as fighting their way to and from the Chosin Reservoir.
It was during the Korean Conflict that such names as First Lieutenant Frank Mitchell, Staff Sergeant Archie Van Winkle, and Lieutenant Colonel Raymond C. Davis became part of Marine Corps history as each were awarded the Medal of Honor.
Following the cessation of hostilities in Korea and through 1965, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines spent time both in Camp Pendleton and Okinawa while maintaining its combat readiness.
In August 1965, the Battalion was once again called to service, this time in the Republic of Vietnam. For the next five years, the "First Team" participated in numerous operations such as STARLIGHT, PIRANHA and OKLAHOMA HILLS. During these operations and many others, the Battalion was honored repeatedly, earning the Presidential Unit Citation Streamer four times and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer three times.
1st Battalion, 7th Marines was the first unit to man defensive positions in Saudi Arabia during Operation DESERT SHIELD in August of 1990. The unit was an integral member of Task Force Ripper. As DESERT SHIELD became DESERT STORM, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines participated in the diagonal thrust into the heart of Kuwait City, spearheading the liberation of Kuwait from Iraq. The Battalion redeployed to Twentynine Palms, California in March of 1991.
On 11 December 1992, the first elements of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines arrived at Mogadishu, Somalia for Operation RESTORE HOPE. Battalion operations were conducted in Baidoa, Bardera, Oddur, Afgoye, and Mogadishu. 1st Battalion, 7th Marines relieved Task Force Mogadishu for occupation of the Stadium Complex in Mogadishu, Somalia on 25 January 1993.
On 24 April 1993, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines turned over their mission and area of operations in Mogadishu to the 10th Baluch Battalion and redeployed to Twentynine Palms.
In January 2003, the Battalion was once again called into action for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and consequently Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. On 18 March 2003, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines crossed the Iraqi border from Kuwait on their march toward Baghdad. The Battalion saw significant combat action along the way to and in the streets of the Iraqi capital. On 23 April, the Battalion turned over control of their sector to the US Army and took up positions in the holy city of An Najaf. After countless extensions, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines redeployed to Twentynine Palms on 5 October 2003.
During the Battalion regeneration phase, the Battalion demonstrated exceptional creativity and organizational skill creating, developing and facilitating an extensive Security and Stability (SASO) training package. This training evolution was implemented in preparation for deployment to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II.
In August 2004, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines deployed to Western Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II. There the Battalion conducted security operations in the cities and roadways along the Euphrates River and Syrian boarder to include Husaybah, Karabilah, Sadah, Ubaydi, Al Qaim, Haditha, Hit and Haqlania. Involved in combat operations on a daily basis, the Battalion conducted mounted and dismounted urban patrols, cordon and knocks, Main Supply Route (MSR) security, sweep operations, and border security to clear the Battalion’s Area of Operation (AO) of enemy insurgents and provide stable conditions for the continued development of a legitimate Iraqi government.
In March 2005, the Battalion redeployed to Twentynine Palms and immediately began 10 months of intensive training in preparation for their return to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 05-07.
From February through September 2006, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines deployed to the Al Qaim Region in Western Iraq. During this tour, the Marines of the “First Team” enjoyed unprecedented success in battling the counterinsurgency and establishing legitimate civilian authority. The Battalion occupied 15 Platoon and Company battle positions which controlled over 5,000 square miles in the Western Euphrates River Valley. Each platoon was partnered with an Iraqi Army Platoon and members of the local constabulary. During the deployment, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines re-established a non-existent Iraqi Police Force to an end-strength of over 1,300 new officers and five police stations. Local Iraqi civil leaders were fully engaged by the Battalion leadership at all levels which yielded tremendous impact on security throughout the Al Qaim region and in so doing, created the model for Dispersed Operations throughout the Iraq theater.
From September 2006-August 2007, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines conducted a comprehensive training cycle on a compressed timeline by executing five Battalion-level field exercises and Mojave Viper. These events prepared the Battalion for the next deployment to the Western Euphrates River Valley.
In August 2007, the “First Team” deployed to Hit, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 07.2. The Battalion was partnered with two Iraqi Army Battalions, two Iraqi Police District Headquarters, and five Iraqi Police Stations and continued its fight against the insurgency by conducting raids, desert interdiction operations, and cache searches. Not only did the Battalion achieve great success by detaining over 100 insurgents and locating many weapons caches, including some on the islands in the Euphrates, the “First Team” also set the standard by transitioning many of the cities back over to Iraqi control. This progressive approach toward counterinsurgency operations empowered the local government and security forces to “police their own” and facilitated force protection measures for Coalition Forces. In March 2008 the Battalion re-deployed back to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms.
In April 2008, the Battalion began 10 months of intensive training in preparation for their return to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 09.1.
In February 2009, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines deployed to Karmah, Iraq where the Battalion conducted two near simultaneous Relief in Place/Transfer of Authority (RIP/TOA) with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines in Karmah and 1st Battalion, 4th Marines in Fallujah in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 09.1. The Battalion’s Combined Area of Overwatch (CAO) spanned 2,500 square kilometers and the Battalion partnered with two Iraqi Army Battalions, two Provisional Security Force Battalions, and 37 Iraqi Police Stations. The Battalion’s focus of effort was on developing the professionalism and coordination amongst the Iraqi Security Forces and supporting the development of government institutions and essential services. Through tactical combined operations, intelligence sharing and coordination meetings, the Iraqi Security Forces in Karmah become a much more proficient force and demonstrated the ability to neutralize the insurgency in Karmah with limited Coalition Force assistance. As part of the post Status of Forces Agreement of January 2009, the “First Team” shaped its CAO so that it could be managed by a much smaller coalition unit. The Battalion retrograded all of its equipment prior to redeployment and demilitarized all seven of its original fixed sites. During the deployment, the Battalion helped to strengthen the local government, improve essential services, and professionalize the Iraqi Security Forces which were instrumental to a free and sovereign Iraq. The Battalion redeployed to Twentynine Palms in September 2009.
From July 2010 1st Battalion 7th Marines deployed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, in support of the 31st MEU. Where the Battalion started our operation planning prior to boarding ship with a MEU-EX, and a COMM-EX. In August 2010 the Battalion sent an advance party to Board and setup the Marine network aboard the USS Denver (LPD-9). September 2010 1st Battalion 7th Marines boarded the USS Essex (LHD-2), USS Denver (LPD-9), and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49). The 31st MEU conducted a bilateral exercise with the Philippines Marines (PHILMARS). The exercise was turned into a Humanitarian effort. The 31st MEU after afloat for 3 months returned to Okinawa, Japan. The Battalion turned over with 2nd Battalion 5th Marines and redeployed back to Twenty nine Palms, California in January 2011.
Notable Persons
Medal of Honor - WWII -
GySgt John Francis Basilone
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942.
Medal of Honor - Korea -
Gen Raymond Davis
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Vicinity Hagaru-ri, Korea, 1 through 4 December, 1950
Medal of Honor - Korea -
Col Archie Van Winkle
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Platoon Sergeant in Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sudong, Korea, on November 2, 1950
Medal of Honor - Korea -
Cpl David Bernard Champagne
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on May 28, 1952
Medal of Honor - Korea -
PFC John Doren Kelly
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Radio Operator of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May 1952
Medal of Honor - Korea -
PFC Herbert A Littleton
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Herbert A Littleton (MCSN: 1084704), United States Marine Corps Reserve, For service set forth in the following citation: for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 22 April 1951
Medal of Honor - Korea -
Sgt Frederick W Mausert, III
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Squad Leader in Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 12 September 1951.
Medal of Honor - Korea -
1stLt Frank Nicias Mitchell
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 November 1950.
Medal of Honor - Korea -
Sgt James Irsley Poynter
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Squad Leader in a Rifle Platoon of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces during the defense of Hill 532, south of Sudong, Korea, on 4 November 1950.
Medal of Honor - Vietnam -
HM3 Robert R Ingram
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Corpsman with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines against elements of a North Vietnam Aggressor (NVA) battalion in Quang Ngai Province Republic of Vietnam on 28 March 1966.
Medal of Honor - Vietnam -
PFC Ralph Ellis Dias
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam on November 12, 1969
Medal of Honor - Vietnam -
Cpl Larry Eugene Smedley
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evenings of 20–21 December 1967
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In March 2012, 1/7 deployed to Sangin District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations and support the transition of authority from U.S. forces to the Afghan National Security Forces. The battalion returned in October 2012.
1/7 Marines patrol through a field in Sangin district, April 2012. In March 2014, 1/7 again deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The battalion retrograded from Sangin district on 5 May 2014, and turned over security responsibility of the area to the Afghan National Army. The infantrymen of 1/7 were the final Marines to occupy FOB Sabit Qadam and the surrounding area in Sangin District.[7] During the battalionā??s approximately seven-month-long deployment, the "First Team" was responsible for a number of successful missions throughout Helmand province.
"They should be proud of what they contributed to the campaign," said Brig. Gen. Daniel Yoo. "They have been involved in everything from the northern Helmand retrograde from Sangin, which was historic for the Marine Corps but also for 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, because of their previous deployment there. They were involved in the central Helmand liftoff to support our U.K. brothers as they picked up and moved out of Lashkar Gah. They were involved in elections prep from both the primary elections and the runoff elections." Unfortunately, amidst the battalionā??s success came two devastating incidents. The first incident occurred while providing security, 25 June, when Sgt. Thomas Spitzer, a Scout Sniper assigned to the Scout Sniper Platoon, was killed in action. The second occurred during a dismounted combat patrol, 9 Aug., when Staff Sgt. Brandon Dodson, a platoon sergeant with Baker Co., stepped on an improvised explosive device. Dodson was severely injured, but he maintains a positive attitude and is committed toward his recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. On 1 October 2014, 1/7 transferred their area of responsibility to 3rd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, a U.S. Army command based out of Fort Hood, Texas
