21st Marine Regiment (United States)

21st Marine Regiment
Active 1942 —45
Country United States
Branch United States Marine Corps
Type Infantry regiment
Engagements World War II
* Battle of Bougainville
* Battle of Guam
* Battle of Iwo Jima
Commanders
Notable
commanders		 Robert Blake
Hartnoll J. Withers

The 21st Marine Regiment (21st Marines) was an infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps. Activated for service in World War II, they fought in the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima. They fell under the 3rd Marine Division and were deactivated after the end of the war on December 20, 1945.[1]

Subordinate units

The regiment was composed of three infantry battalions and one headquarters battalion:

Battalions
Headquarters Company 21st Marines
1st Battalion 21st Marines (1/21)
2nd Battalion 21st Marines (2/21)
3rd Battalion 21st Marines (3/21)

History

Sketch of 21st Marines position after the first day of fighting on Guam.

The 21st Marine Regiment was activated on July 14, 1942 at Camp Elliot, San Diego, California but was actually organized at New River, North Carolina.[2] Many of the first members of the regiment came from the 6th Marine Regiment. They were assigned to the 3rd Marine Division, however from January to June 1943 they were an independent regiment. During the war, the regiment took part in the Battle of Bougainville, Battle of Guam and the Battle of Iwo Jima. Following the Japanese surrender, 21st Marines moved to Guam where they were inactivated on December 20, 1945.[3]

Notable former members

See also

References

  1. ↑ Rottman, Gordon L. (2002). U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle – Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. p. 174. ISBN 0-313-31906-5.
  2. ↑ Rottman, USMC WWII OOB, p. 134
  3. ↑ Rottman, USMC WWII OOB, p. 174


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