The 7th Marine Regiment was formed during World War I on 14 August 1917 at Philadelphia, PA and immediately deployed to participate in the occupation of Cuba from August 1917 to August 1919. They returned to Philadelphia in August 1919 and were deactivated on 6 September in the demobilization that followed the war. When the Marine Corps was called upon to provide peacekeepers in the Caribbean, elements of the Regiment were reactivated on 6 September 1933 at Quantico, VA and deployed on Naval ships off the Cuban coast. At the end of the crisis, 7th Marines was again deactivated on 17 January 1934.
 With the cloud of World War II on the horizon, the nation expanded the size of the Corps and on 1 January 1941 the 7th Marine Regiment was reactivated in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and assigned to the 1st Marine Brigade. The Regiment moved to Parris Island, SC before settling in New River, NC. On 2 April 1942, the Magnificent 7th embarked for the Pacific to reinforce units already there to stem the Japanese march towards Australia. On 18 September 1942, after training in jungle warfare in the Samoa Islands, the Regiment landed in the Solomon Islands on Guadalcanal. For four long months the Regiment relentlessly attacked the Japanese defenders and repulsed their Banzai charges and suicidal attacks. Over the course of a hundred fights, the Regiment earned a reputation for courage and daring. On Guadalcanal the heroism of Medal of Honor winners Manila John Basilone and Mitchell Paige, and Navy Cross winner "Chesty" Puller, represented the actions of the Marines of the 7th Marine Regiment.
 Arriving in Australia in January 1943, the vast majority of the Regiment suffered from malaria, wounds, or just plain fatigue; but they had accomplished their mission. Though the Regiment went to Australia to train and refit for the coming battles and not for liberty, a grateful population gave them a tumultuous welcome. Again and again the Regiment was called upon to storm the Japanese-held islands in the Pacific. The 7th Marine Regiment fought in such places as Eastern New Guinea, New Britain, Peleliu, and the island fortress of Okinawa. From Guadalcanal to Okinawa, the Regiment had written a history of courage and ferocity in combat.Â
 In the years after the war, 7th Marines continued to serve on far off shores, occupying North China from 1945-1947 and disarming the Japanese troops still stationed in that country and keeping the peace in a China torn by civil war. Upon returning to Camp Pendleton, CA from China in January 1947, the Regiment was deactivated yet again on 6 March only to be reactivated on 1 October. The reactivation was short lived, however, and 7th Marines was deactivated on 1 October 1949.
 On 17 August 1950 the Regiment was reactivated, and on 21 September 1950 the Regiment landed as part of the 1st Marine Division in General MacArthur's brilliant stroke to stem the North Korean tide at Inchon, South Korea. The Marines of the Regiment fought in Korea with the same tenacity and bravery that their predecessors had shown on the battlefields of World War II. From Inchon to the Yalu River, at the "Frozen Chosin" Reservoir, and in the long defense of South Korea until the armistice in 1955, Marines of the Regiment wrote further glorious chapters in their unit's history. The Korean War, however, was only the prelude to the long Cold War period that would hold the world on the brink of nuclear confrontation for the next 40 years.
 In November 1962, substantial parts of the Regiment embarked for the Caribbean and possible action in Cuba, aimed at forcing the removal of Soviet nuclear missiles pointed at the heart of America. As the crisis subsided, 7th Marines returned to Camp Pendleton, CA. The confrontation with Communism, however, was not finished with the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba.
 In July 1965, the Regiment went into action against the foes of freedom. This time the battleground was Vietnam. On thousands of squad sized patrols, in scores of Battalion and Regimental sized operations, and in fierce Division sized battles such as the TET Offensive, the Marines of the Magnificent 7th proved that they were worthy successors to those who had gone before them. Whether in armed action against the enemy in places like Chu Lai, Da Nang, and Duc Pho, or in civic action with the local populace, the Marines of the Regiment performed magnificently. Through the long course of the war in Vietnam, until they left as part of the American withdrawal, the Marines and Sailors of 7th Marines never wavered from their duty. As the Regiment sailed for the United States in September of 1970, the members of the Regiment were proud of their role fighting against Communist aggression.
 During the 1970s and 1980s, the Leathernecks of 7th Marines trained in every clime and place preparing for the moment when they would once again be called to fight the Nation's battles. In August of 1990, shortly after shifting the home of the Regimental colors from Camp Pendleton, CA to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, CA, the Marines and Sailors of the Regiment deployed to Saudi Arabia to halt Iraqi aggression against its neighbors in Operation DESERT STORM and Operation DESERT SHIELD. Manning the "Line in the Sand", the Regiment faced the Iraqi invaders. For the attack into Kuwait, the Regiment fought with skill and aggressiveness, overwhelming the enemy. After their victory, they returned to Twentynine Palms in March 1991 with the knowledge they were warriors shaped in the mold of those who had served their Country and Corps before them as members of this elite Regiment.
 In August of 1991, 7th Marine Regiment became Regimental Combat Team Seven (RCT-7) due to unique organizational changes that occurred with the addition of 3rd Light Armored Infantry (LAI) Battalion, 1st Tank Battalion and Delta Company, 3rd Amphibious Assault (AA) Battalion. In December 1992, RCT-7 deployed on Operation RESTORE HOPE to relieve famine and return order to Somalia. Over a five month period the Marines and Sailors paid in blood as they worked tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of the Somalian people and to restore order to their ravaged nation. On 13 August 1993, on the eve of the Regiment's 76th anniversary, the Regiment formally marked the return to its original designation by changing from RCT-7 to 7th Marines (Reinforced).
 On 8 October 1994 the action cycle began again for 7th Marines (Reinforced) when a crisis situation in Southwest Asia forced the decision to terminate a combined arms exercise in order to prepare for a Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) deployment. This high paced contingency operation was titled Operation VIGILANT WARRIOR. Although the National Command Authority did not give the order to deploy the entire Regiment, its advanced elements moved into the Arabian Gulf in response to Iraqi troop movements toward Kuwait. In Operation VIGILANT SENTINEL, from August to November 1995, this sequence was repeated.
 In August of 1996, organizational changes designated 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (formerly LAI Bn) and 1st Tank Battalion as separate battalions in direct support of the 7th Marines' MPF mission along with Delta Company, 3rd AA Battalion, who returned to their parent unit.
 In the intervening years of relative calm, the 7th Marine Regiment continued to maintain a high state of readiness by continual and rigorous training evolutions. The calm was shattered on 11 September 2001 by a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and an unknown target that resulted in a plane crash in Pennsylvania. With the Nation suddenly involved in the Global War On Terrorism, 7th Marines prepared for its duty. In January 2003, the Regiment deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) and was instrumental in the "March to Baghdad" with 1st Marine Division in March 2003. Over the next six years, RCT-7 would deploy to OIF five additional times and fight in towns like Ramadi, Fallujah, Al Qiam and Hit in Al Anbar province. Through each deployment, the Marine of the Regiment could proudly display the earned nickname of the Magnificent 7th.
 Concurrently, the United States was fighting battles in Afghanistan as part of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF). Though subordinate battalions of 7th Marines had a near continual presence in the Helmand River valley, the Regimental Headquarters deployed as RCT-7 three times starting in March 2008. Cities such as Marjeh, Sangin, and Lashkar Gah, where some of the heaviest fighting in the country took place, were all under the command of RCT-7. On 31 July 2013, RCT-7 furled its colors as the final RCT to serve in OEF.
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The annals of the Marine Corps are filled with 240 years' worth of heroic actions and selfless service. These past actions continue to inspire the Marines of today's Corps, and challenge them to meet the same level of excellence and professionalism worthy of the units they represent.
While the 7th Marine Regiment may not be the oldest unit in the Marine Corps, it has no less of a storied past. Over the past 98 years "The Magnificent Seventh" has participated in some of the most famous battles of modern military history, and has had some of the most legendary Marines fill its ranks.
The history of the 7th Marine Regiment began during World War I, on August 14, 1917, when it was formed in Philadelphia. Nearly immediately after its formation, the regiment was deployed to participate in the occupation of Cuba from August 1917 â?? 1919. One month after the regiment's return to the States, the 7th Marines was deactivated in the demobilization that followed the war.
In the interim years between the two World Wars, elements of the 7th Marines were reactivated in 1933 at Quantico, Virginia to conduct peacekeeping operations off the Cuban coast. At the end of the crisis the unit was once again deactivated on January 17, 1934.
With the world once again at war in the late 30s and early 40's, the United States began to bolster its military in preparation for its inevitable involvement. The regiment was activated once again in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, January 1941, and assigned to the 1st Marine Brigade.
Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the 7th Marines set sail for the Pacific on April 2, 1942, to reinforce units already fighting to stave off Japan's advances towards Australia. In preparation for its first major engagement, 7th Marines conducted exercises in the Samoa Islands, training for jungle warfare.
On September 18, 1942, 7th Marines personnel landed on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islandsâ??the first Allied offensive operation of the Pacific Theater. For four months, the Marines of the regiment attacked the Japanese defenders of the Island, and continually repulsed their fierce counter-attacks. Over more than 120 days of fighting, The Magnificent Seventh earned a reputation of courage and tenacity in combat.
It was on Guadalcanal that Marine legends John Basilone and Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller earned the Medal of Honor and Navy Cross respectively, for their actions during The Battle of Henderson Field. Basilone was a machine gun section leader who near single-handedly held his position against rapidly advancing Japanese forces for two days, while Puller was the commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment who led the defense of the airfield. The actions of these men epitomized the fighting spirit of 7th Marines.
The 7th Marine Regiment was called upon numerous times during World War II to storm the Japanese held beaches of the Pacific. Marines of the 7th found themselves in places like Easter New Guinea, New Britain, and Peleliu. During the Battle of Peleliu â?? one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific Theaterâ??Pfc. Arthur J. Jackson and Pfc. Wesley Phelps' actions would earn each the Medal of Honor. Jackson received his medal for single handedly destroying 15 enemy pillboxes, and killing 50 enemy soldiers, while Phelps was awarded his for jumping on a live grenade, sacrificing his life to save those around him.
The final engagement of the war in which the 7th Marines participated was also the single costliest for the Regiment. During the 82-day Battle of Okinawa, 7th Marines sustained more than 700 casualties in fighting over Dakeshi Ridge, and another 500 in fighting over Wana Ridge.
Less than two months after the end of the Okinawa campaign the Empire of Japan surrendered and the war was over. From 1945 to 1947, the Marines of the 7th participated in the occupation of North China to assist in the disarming of Japanese troops still stationed there and to help keep the peace in war torn China.
However, it wasn't long before The Magnificent Seventh was once again called to action. On August 17, 1950 was reactivated, and on September 21, 1950 the Marines of the 7th were back to work doing what Marines do best, taking the fight to the enemy.
The 7th Marine Regiment fought from the shores of Inchon to the Yalu River. They were a part of the "Frozen Chosin," the nickname given to the United Nations forces that broke through the encirclement of a numerically superior Chinese force in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
Following the withdrawal of UN forces from North Korea, the 7th Marine Regiment participated in the long defense of South Korea along the 38th Parallel until the armistice in 1955. Like their brothers before them, the Marines of the 7th were unflinching in combat. Twenty-two men from 7th Marines earned the Medal of Honor with their actions, many of these coming at the cost of their own lives.
In July 1965, the regiment was once again deployed to Southeast Asia, this time fighting in the rice paddies of Vietnam. From squad-sized foot patrols to participation in division sized battles like the Tet Offensive, Marines with The Magnificent Seventh fought and lived up to the combat prowess their unit historically upheld.
Over the five years of fighting against North Vietnamese Army and Vietcong forces, the Marines and Sailors of 7th Marines fought across Vietnam, participating in dozens of major military operations during the war until their departure in September 1970.
In the decades that followed the Vietnam War, the regiment's Marines continued to preserve and improve their fighting skills all across the globe in the event they would be called upon once again to fight their nation's battles.
Shortly after moving their regimental colors from Camp Pendleton to Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, in August 1990, the Marines and sailors of the regiment were deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. 7th Marines participated in the attack into and eventual liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi forces.
Following the first Iraq War, 7th Marines was a part of the U.S. led Unified Task Force participating in Operation Restore Hope. The operation aimed to relieve famine and provide stability to a war torn Somalia and lasted for five months.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 forced America into another conflict, and the Marines of the 7th were once again poised to jump back into action.
Returning to Kuwait in January 2003, 7th Marines was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was an instrumental part of the invasion of Iraq, capture of Baghdad and subsequent toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime. Over the next six years The Magnificent Seventh would deploy in support of OIF, often charged with security and stabilization operations in the Al Anbar Province, taking part in combat operations in towns like Fallujah and Ramadi.
Cpl. Jason Dunham became the most recent member of the regiment to earn a Medal of Honor for actions in OIF, on April 22, 2004.
Dunham's rifle squad, 4th Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, was on a reconnaissance patrol when they became aware of rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire attacking a friendly convoy nearby. Dunham led his team to the engagement, ordered them to dismount, and took one of his fire teams on foot to search the area of the convoy, which had been led by his battalion commander.
Dunham was attacked by an insurgent, who dropped a grenade in the struggle. Fully aware of the consequences of his actions, Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, shielding his teammates from the explosion. In saving the lives of at least two of his Marines, he gave his own. His legacy is a part of the proud traditions of the regiment.
In addition to the war in Iraq, 7th Marine Regiment also was tasked numerous times with conducting combat operations in Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Starting in March 2008, the regimental headquarters of 7th Marines was deployed three times to Afghanistan as Regimental Combat Team â?? 7. Marines with the regiment took part in some of the heaviest fighting in the country in places like Marjah, Sangin and the Helmand River Valley. On July 31, 2013 RCT â?? 7 rolled up its colors as the last RCT to serve in OEF.
The Marines of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment were the Ground Combat Element of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force â?? Crisis Response â?? Central Command in its initial rotation. Now in its second iteration, the regimental headquarters makes up the Command Element of the SPMAGTF, while 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines serves as the GCE. The SPMAGTF is a forward deployed crisis response force capable of rapidly responding to a variety of contingencies and operations as while concurrently running military-to-military training exercises with our regional allies.
On August 14, 2015, in an undisclosed location in the Middle East, the SPMAGTF-CR-CC paused to celebrate the history and lineage of the 7th Marines. A ceremony, filled with the unit's Marine and Sailors, U.S. Air Force and international coalition partners, was held to honor and rededicate the unit's battle colors.
One by one, the battle streamers, each reflective of the many unit awards the 7th Marine Regiment has received, were hung and the history of each was read aloud to the crowd.
"It is important, and it's very fitting that we take opportunities like today to remember our history and recognize the service and sacrifice of those who came before us."
Col Jay M. Bargeron, Commanding Officer of the 7th Marine Regiment said as he addressed the Marines, Sailors, and coalition partners in attendance.
The current SPMAGTF is providing embassy security, advising and assisting the Iraqi Security Forces, working with regional partners, and flying combat sorties in Iraq and Syria, all possible due to the hard work and sacrifice to those now supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, he added.
"Today, on this deployment, right now, we're writing the next chapter in the regiment's history and doing it in a way that would make those who came before us proud," said Bargeron, "I think that when Marines and Sailors look back at this time, they'll think it's a big deal too.
After over a decade of near constant combat deployments, the men and women, Marines and Sailors who fill the ranks of 7th Marine Regiment continue to conduct themselves with the same excellence and professionalism of those who came before them. From John Basilone to Jason Dunham, Marines of the regiment continue to demonstrate why 7th Marines deserve the title The Magnificent Seventh.
