U.S. 5th Marine Division

The 5th Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps was created during World War II for the Battle of Iwo Jima and the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands. It was reactivated in 1966? and served in the Vietnam War.

Related Topics:
United States Marine Corps - World War II - Battle of Iwo Jima - Invasion of the Japanese home islands - Vietnam War

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The 5th Marine Division was activated on Armistice Day, November 11, 1943. Division Headquarters Battalion officially began operating at Camp Pendleton on December 1, at which time men and equipment began streaming into Pendleton. The official activation date for the Division was January 21, 1944.

Related Topics:
November 11 - 1943 - Camp Pendleton - December 1 - January 21 - 1944

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On March 21, 1945 the 5th Marine Division Cemetery was formally dedicated on Iwo Jima. Chaplains prayed, Major General Keller E. Rockey added a tribute to the dead and Lieutenant Roland B. Gittelsohn, U.S. Navy and a 5th Division chaplain, spoke of friends buried and "the ghastly price of freedom...." The flag was raised then lowered to half-mast. Taps was played echoing across the dark foreboding ash of Sulfur Island.

Related Topics:
March 21 - 1945 - Iwo Jima - Keller E. Rockey - U.S. Navy

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Units of the division included in assault troops of the V Amphibious Corps, reinforced, were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, and those included in support troops of the V Amphibious Corps, reinforced, were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for Iwo Jima, 19–28 February 1945.

Related Topics:
V Amphibious Corps - Presidential Unit Citation - Navy Unit Commendation - 19 - 28 February

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The 5th Marine Division (Headquarters) participated in authorized operations and engagements in the Asiatic-Pacific Area as follows:

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• Assault and occupation of Iwo Jima — 19 February to 16 March 1945.
• China Service Medal — 15 December 1945 to ?.
 
U.S. 5th Marine Division: Organization ►