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The Mission of the 12th
Marine Regiment is:virtual dj product code
To provide close and continuous fire support by
neutralizing, destroying, or suppressing targets which threaten the
success of the supported unit.virtual dj product code
This is accomplished by performing the following
functions:virtual dj product code
Provide timely, close, accurate fire support.virtual dj product code
Provide depth to combat (Long Range Fire).virtual dj product code
Provide counter fire.virtual dj product code
virtual dj product code
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In August 1953, the 12th Marines sailed from San Diego for
Yokohama, Japan where it was eventually stationed at Camp McNair, Japan.
For three years, Japan was the battalion's home, although it frequently
left the islands for training maneuvers. In February 1956, the
battalion departed Japan for exercises on Iwo Jima; at the conclusion of
these exercises the entire regiment moved to Okinawa where it was based
until it joined the expeditionary forces entering Vietnam in March 1965.
In Vietnam the history of the 1st Battalion parallels
that of the 12th Marines of providing artillery support to the III Marine
Amphibious Force.virtual dj product code
The first units of 1/12 landed in the Republic of
Vietnam in early March 1965. Battery F was the first to arrive when
it landed at Da Nang on 8 March with BLT 3/9. Two days later BLT 1/3
arrived at Da Nang; with it was Battery A. The initial missions of
the batteries were to aid in the defense of the airfield at Da Nang and to
support the units of the BLTs. As the rest of the battalion arrived,
1/12 began to initiate fire missions in support of South Vietnamese army
operations in the area.virtual dj product code
The first major operations of the war that the 1st
Battalion participated in were Operation STARLITE in Augusts 1965 and
Operation HARVEST MOON which took place in late 1965. For its part
in Operation STARLITE, the battalion was awarded the Navy Unit
Commendation. The 1st Battalion, 12th Marines was often involved in
supporting numerous Marine infantry search and destroy missions such as
Operation ORANGE which took place in the spring of 1966. In this
operation 1/12 supported the 3d Marines in the area of Thoung Duc Tan.virtual dj product code
After its entry into Vietnam the personnel of the
battalion were not only engaged in supporting combat missions but also
busily engaged in civic action projects. These activities included
the repair of buildings -- especially schools -- and the distribution of
food, clothes, soap, and toys.virtual dj product code
By the end of 1966 units of the battalion were
stationed in various locations in the northern sector of South Vietnam,
including Da Nang, Cam Lo, Phy Bai, Khe Sanh, and Con Thein.
However, by the summer of 1967 most battalion units were located in Camp
Carroll. Most of the batteries were relocated there after their
involvement in Operation PRAIRIE during the spring.virtual dj product code
The next big operation for the battalion was
KINGFISHER which commenced in the summer of 1967 and terminated on 31
October, 1967. It was immediately followed by LANCASTER which
included the furnishing of support once again to the 3d Marines.
With the ending of the operation in January, 1968, LANCASTER II was begun.
In this engagement 1/12 furnished support to the 4th Marines.virtual dj product code
The battalion is still located in Vietnam and is
presently engaged in providing artillery support to Marine Infantry units.virtual dj product code
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Historical Branch |
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G-3 Division |
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Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps |
| 12
May, 1969 |
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