27th Marine Regiment (United States)

27th Marine Regiment
27th Marine Regiment emblem
Active	1944 - 46; 1966 - 69
Country	United States
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Type	Infantry
Part of	5th Marine Division
Engagements	World War II * Battle of Iwo Jima Vietnam War

The 27th Marine Regiment (27th Marines) is an inactivated infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps. They fought during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II and again for a short time during the Vietnam War.

Subordinate units

The regiment comprised three infantry battalions and one headquarters battalion:

Battalions
Headquarters Battalion
1st Battalion 27th Marines (1/27)
2nd Battalion 27th Marines (2/27)
3rd Battalion 27th Marines (3/27)

History

The 27th Marine Regiment was activated on January 10, 1944 as a result of the massive increase in the Marine Corps during World War II. The regiment first saw action during the Battle of Iwo Jima. During the course of the battle they suffered 566 killed, 1,706 wounded and had 4 Marines receive the Medal of Honor. After the surrender of Japan the regiment was inactivated on January 10, 1946.

The 27th Marines was again reactivated during the Vietnam War on January 1, 1966, but was mainly used as a pool for new replacements before they went overseas. The 2nd and 3rd Battalions were stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. The 1st Battalion was at Marine Corps Air Station at Kane'ohe Bay in Hawaii. During the Tet Offensive in 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson authorized an increase in U.S. troop strength in South Vietnam and the 27th Marines was one of the units sent. The 27th Marines became the first Marine regiment to fly into a combat zone. Their deployment overseas put a severe strain on manpower in the Marine Corps and they were returned to the United States before the close of 1968.

A homecoming parade was presented as a Memorial Ceremony downtown San Diego to the lives the regiment had given in Vietnam. The unit was then reassigned to MCB Camp Pendleton within the area of the base called Camp Margarita or the 33 Area. Until June 1969, the 27th Marines was made up of "short timers", that is Marines having only months remaining of active duty.

Notable former members

• John Basilone, served with machineguns during World War II
• Jack Lummus, served with F Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines

See also

• List of United States Marine Corps regiments

References

• 3/27 Marines: Operation Allen Brook
• 27th Marine Regiment's History