Battalion History/Lineage

Activated in San Diego, California on April 1st, 1940, 1st Battalion 8th Marine Regiment was assigned to the 2nd Marine Brigade. This brigade was later re-designated as the 2nd Marine Division on February 1st, 1941. After serving in World War 2, 1/8 relocated to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where it was deactivated on November 18, 1947 and later reactivated on November 1st 1950. 1/8's nickname, The Beirut Battalion, originates from a tragic event during peacekeeping operaions in Beirut, Lebanon. On October 23rd, 1983, vehicle borne explosives were driven and detonated in 1/8's barracks. The explosion killed 220 Marines, 18 Sailors, and 3 Soldiers, marking the deadliest single day death-toll the Marine Corps had suffered since the Battle of Iwo Jima. Since its activation and subsequent reactivation, The Beirut Battalion has participated in numerous conflicts around the world including World War 2, The Lebanon Crisis (1958), the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield, the Global War on Terrorism, and many more.