History

2nd Battalion, 4th Marines History

ORIGINS

In April 1914 during WWI 2nd Bn 4th Marine Regiment was activated as one of the three battalions. Later the battalion deployed to Mexico for expeditionary duty due to Internal political strife in Mexico creating tensions regarding the safety of U.S. citizens in Mexico. The presence of 2/4 offshore proved forced the Mexican government to remove the threat to Americans.

In 1916 the Dominican Republic erupted into civil war and 2/4 was deployed ashore. After successfully suppressing rebel forces in several engagements, and after a period of occupation a new government was elected and 2/4 departed for San Diego in 1924. During October 1924 2/4 was assigned federal duty to guard the U.S. mail from theft. In April 1927 2/4 deployed to Tientsin, China supporting other American forces to protect American lives and interest. On 4 October 1927, 2/4 was re-designated as Second Battalion, Twelfth Marines. It would later be reconstituted as a new 2/4 on 18 September 1932 in Shanghai, China supporting the American sector, deterring Japanese aggression. At that time Major Lyle H. Miller was battalion CO from 8 September 1932–6 March 1934 during the battalion’s activation in Shanghai.

Former 1st Sgt and Medal of Honor recipient in the Dominican Republic, LtCol Roswell Winans commanded 2/4 from 3 November 1936–31 January 1938. He was followed by LtCol Clifton B. Cates who took over as battalion CO from 1 February 1938–17 May 1939 and later became the 19th Commandant of the Marine Corps. The legendary Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller briefly served as battalion XO and then as CO of 2/4 from 19 July–26 August 1940 while it was in China.

WORLD WAR II and KOREAN WAR

2/4 returned to the U.S. in November 1941 to Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines to protect the Olongapo Naval Station (later known as Subic Bay Naval Station). The battalion was ordered to move to the island fortress of Corregidor at Manila Bay after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After the Japanese amphibious assault in May 1942, the 4th Marine Regiment fought tenaciously, under-equipped and outnumbered, they were eventually forced to surrender on 6 May 1942.

LtCol Herman R. Anderson who commanded 2/4 from 14 Apr 1941 – 6 May 1942 managed to slow down the Japanese advance, until they were our of ammunition and taking heavy casualties. He received the order from 4th Marine Regiment commander Colonel Samuel L. Howard, in turn following his orders surrendered his surviving Marines. Howard ordered the burning of the regimental colors (flag) and the destruction of all the regiment’s weapons prior to surrendering. Colonel Howard lamented that he was the first Marine to surrender a regiment. Anderson died at sea between Formosa and Japan on January 23, 1945 when his POW ship with hundreds of marines, soldiers and Allied prisoners was sunk. He is still listed as missing in action presumed dead.

Major John S. Messer was the 2/4 CO from 1 Feb 1944 – 20 Nov 1944 when 2/4 was reactivated on 1 February 1944 at Guadalcanal and took part in the assault on Emirau Island. This landing enabled the construction of airfields so American planes could bomb the large Japanese base at Rabaul. During the remainder of WWII the battalion saw action in both Guam and Okinawa.

LtCol Reynolds H. Hayden became 2/4 CO from 21 Nov 1944 – 26 May 1945. On Okinawa, the battalion was involved in the fighting for the Motobu Peninsula, the capture of Naha and the assault on the Oruku Peninsula. 2/4 was then redeployed to Guam to prepare for the assault on mainland Japan. He was followed by Major Edgar F. Carney Jr. became 2/4 CO from 27 May 1945 – 30 Jan 1946. After the Japanese surrender, 2/4 landing on Futtsu Cape to ensure the approaches to Tokyo Bay were secure and maintained perimeter defense for the Yokosuka Naval Base and continued disarming the Japanese forces.

On 1 January 1946 2/4 left Japan and relocated to Camp Pendleton, California. In February, as part of the demobilization, 2/4 was deactivated and then reactivated on 8 March 1946 in Tsingtao, China to assist in repatriation of Japanese civilian and military personnel and provide security for the American Naval base at Tsingtao while LtCol John G. Johnson was in command from 8 Mar 1946 – 12 Apr 1946. 2/4 was relieved and relocated to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in September 1946. 2d Battalion, 2/4th was again deactivated on 18 November 1947. 2/4 was reactivated on 2 September 1952 for the Korean War but saw no action. The Fourth Marine Regiment was transferred to Hawaii in 1953 and here the battalion became part of the First Marine Brigade.

VIETNAM

As Vietnam heated up, LtCol Joseph R. “Bull” Fisher commanded 2/4 from 4 June 1964–16 October 1965. He is credited with popularizing and officially establishing the “Magnificent Bastards” nickname. He would lead 2/4 into its first deployment. In May of 1965 2/4 landed at Chu Lai. The first major engagement for the battalion was Operation STARLITE in August 1965. It was a combined amphibious/helicopter borne assault on enemy fortified positions of the Van Tuong Peninsula, 15 miles south of the Chu Lai airstrip. Six days after the operation had begun; the 1st Viet Cong Regiment was decisively defeated.

Lance Corporal Joe C. Paul (Hotel Company) became the battalion’s first Medal of Honor recipient: Paul placed himself between the enemy and his fellow wounded Marines until they could be evacuated. Although mortally wounded, he remained in the battle until he collapsed. His actions saved the lives of many of his fellow Marines.

LtCol Rodolfo L. Travino was 2/4 CO from 17 Oct 1965 – 21 Feb 1966 followed by LtCol Paul X. Kelley who took over the battalion from 12 February–6 July 1966 and later became the 28th Commandant of the Marine Corps. In March 1966 2/4 had two major battles near Quang Ngai City that month during Operations UTAH (4-7 Mar) and TEXAS (20-25 Mar).

Because of the threat of infiltration across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and enemy build up in that area, the Marines launched Operation HASTINGS, a coordinated Marine/South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) search and destroy mission, on 7 July 1966 near the DMZ.

LtCol Arnold E. Bench became 2/4 CO from 7 Jul 1966 – 15 Jul 1967 and 2/4 prevented the North Vietnamese Army’s (NVA) from penetrating the area in force. Operation PRAIRIE I followed. PRAIRIE I began as a force reconnaissance operation but was later expanded. During Operation PRAIRIE I, Captain Howard Vincent Lee, Commanding Officer, Echo Company, became 2/4’s second Medal of Honor recipient.

Major Wells Field III took over as 2/4 CO from 16 Jul 1967 – 18 Jul 1967 and 2/4 was fighting again during the siege of Con Thien. He was followed by LtCol James W. Hammond Jr. who was 2/4 CO from 19 Jul 1967 – 27 Oct 1967 The battalion, along with 3/4, was involved in stopping the enemy’s attempt to overrun the American outpost. During a month of bloody fighting Sergeant Paul Hellstrom Foster (Headquarters and Service Company attachment) and Lance Corporal Jed Colby Barker (Fox Company) were awarded the Medal of Honor (posthumously) for their actions during the battle.

The 1968 TET OFFENSIVE resulted in an increase in tempo of combat activity for 2/4, especially in the north. The NVA had built fortified positions in Quang Tri Province, and Marine and Army units were engaged. The greatest threat was to Dong Ha. In this area, 2/4, numbering 642 Marines and Navy Corpsmen faced the 320th NVA Division, some 10,000 men. 2/4 Marines rushed to seize the fortified village of Dai Do and other hamlets. After three days of bloody fighting assisted by reinforcements, including Army helicopters, artillery and naval gunfire, the Magnificent Bastards were able to secure the enemy stronghold.

Though the cost was high for both sides; the enemy losses were initially reported as 600 killed, while 2/4 suffered 80 dead and 256 wounded, including the Battalion Commander, LtCol Weise from 28 October 1967–2 May 1968 who received the Navy Cross and Purple Heart. Captain James E. Livingston, Echo Company Commander, and Captain M. Sando Vargas, Golf Company Commander received the Medal of Honor and Purple Hearts for their actions.

2/4 earned the most Purple Hearts for a U.S. military battalion in Vietnam in a single battle. 2/4 Bn Sergeant Major “Big John” Malnar was one of those KIA. 2/4 received the Navy Unit Citation. There is an ongoing effort to have that upgraded to a well-deserved Presidential Unit Citation. According to Army general William C. Westmoreland, the battle effectively saved not only Quang Tri Province, but halted a major North Vietnamese and Viet Cong push that could have only ended in Saigon, or halted at the expense of incredibly high casualties afterword.

Major Charles W. Knapp briefly assumed command of 2/4 from 3 May 1968 – 5 May 1968 until Lt Col Louis A. Rann arrived, taking over from 6 May 1968 – 30 Sep 1968. Then Major John E. O’Neill briefly assumed command from 1 Oct 1968 – 14 Oct 1968 until replaced by Major William L. Kent commanding from 15 Oct 1968 – 11 Nov 1968.

LtCol Joseph E. Hopkins was battalion CO from 12 Nov 1968 – 6 May 1969, and in December 1968 2/4 was involved in a series of violent clashes near the DMZ and, with the aid of artillery and air strikes, they were able to overrun a massive bunker complex. LtCol William C. Britt became CO from 7 May 1969 – 6 Sep 1969. LtCol Donald J. Garrett took command from 7 Sep 1969 – 10 Mar 1970, when late in 1969, 2/4 was withdrawn to Okinawa.

LtCol Michael J. Gott assumed command from 11 Mar 1970 – 31 Aug 1970, followed by Major John M. Keenan (1 Sep 1970 – 8 Sep 1970) and LtCol William H. Nulty (9 Sep 1970 – 19 Jul 1971), and LtCol John Phillips (20 Jul 1971 – 24 Jun 1972). In the early 1970’s 2/4 participated with the 3d Marine Division in providing Battalion Landing Teams as part of the Special Landing Force (SLF) off the coast of Vietnam. During the 1972 EASTER OFFENSIVE, 2/4 supported Vietnamese Marines, U.S. Army Rangers and U.S. advisors ashore, from nearby amphibious ships.

SUPPLEMENTAL OPERATIONS

LtCol Robert W. Kirby was CO from 25 Jun 1972 – 24 May 1973 during the summer of 1972 when 2/4 participated in the disaster relief effort, Operation SAKLOLO in the northern Philippines. The following 2/4 commanders were LtCol James C. Page (25 May 1973 – 28 Aug 1973), LtCol Carl E. Mundy Jr. (29 Aug 1973 – 21 Aug 1974), who later became the 30th Commandant, and LtCol George P. Slade (22 Aug 1974 – 10 Jul 1975). Slade was in command In April 1975 when 2/4 took part in Operation EAGLE PULL, the evacuation of Americans from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and later Operation FREQUENT WIND, the evacuation of Saigon, followed by the recovery of the USS MAYAGUEZ. Relocated to Camp Lejeune as part of 2nd Marine Division. Command passed to LtCol Roger C. Hagerty on 11 Jul 1975 – 1 Jul 1976.

During the late 1980s, 2/4 was reassigned to the 8th Marine Regiment to participate in the dedicated Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU), now called the Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), rotation to the Mediterranean. During the 1990 Liberian Civil War 2/4 under the command of LtCol K.A. Conry in command from 1 Jul 1990 – 28 Jul 1992 was the Ground Combat Element (GCE) for the 22d MEU special operations capable (SOC), deployed from Toulon, France on 27 May, arriving 3 June for Operation SHARP EDGE. On 5 August, the battalion went ashore to take defensive positions at the U.S. Embassy to protect U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. The Marines embarked on amphibious shipping on 21 August after the successful a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation of 1,650 Americans and foreign nationals.

In late December 1990, 2/4 deployed by air to Al Jabayl, Saudi Arabia for Operation DESERT SHIELD. During Operation DESERT STORM the battalion fought as a Mechanized Infantry Armor Task force (Task Force Spartan) during the Second Marine Division’s attack into Kuwait. After the cease fire the battalion remained in Kuwait with Eighth Marines and conducted security and contingency operations west of Kuwait City. 2d Battalion, 4th Marines was the last Marine infantry battalion to withdraw from Kuwait, arriving in the U.S. on 15 May 1991.

In July 1991 2/4 joined the 24th MEU SOC, part of the Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG) set sail for Sierra De Retin to conduct the Spanish Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX). In October 2/4 was relocated off the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico in support of possible contingency operations in the Republic of Haiti. While establishing a presence in Haiti.

2/4 returned to Camp Lejeune 4 June 1992. In June 1993 2/4 returned to Camp Schwab, Okinawa. 2/4 returned to Camp Lejuene in December. In January 1994, 2/4 commanded by LtCol T.C. Conway (29 Jul 1992 – 11 Mar 1994) began a long training exercise period in France, Spain, Italy and Portugal, then deployed was Exercise DRAGON HAMMER 92 with British forces.

HUMANITARIAN MISSIONS

2/4 when it participated in Operation SEA SIGNAL from June to August 1994 to handle the large numbers of Cuban and Haitian migrants seeking asylum in the United States. Over 2,500 Haitian immigrants alone were processed aboard the USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), CMV Ivan Franco, and CMV Griuzy. 2d Battalion, 4th Marines also provided security for refugee camps aboard the U.S. Naval base at Guantanamo bay, Cuba during this operation.

September 1994, 2/4 under LtCol J.W. Foley (2 Sep 1994 – 22 Dec 1994) was reassigned from 6th Marines in Camp Lejeune to 5th Marines in Camp Pendleton. On 6 February 1995, BLT 2/4 under LtCol J.L. Durant (23 Dec 1994 – 6 Jun 1997) embarked for Okinawa in support of the 31st MEU. Once 2/4 reached Okinawa it was augmented by a Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) platoon, a Combat Engineer platoon, an Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) platoon, a reconnaissance platoon, and an Artillery Battery.

On 10 March, 313 Marines and Sailors from BLT 2/4 embarked aboard the USS Germantown and 62 aboard the USS Dubuque for a six day deployment to Iwo Jima, in order to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the battle. On 2 November 1996, 2/4 began their six month deployment with the first elements departing CONUS for Okinawa. During the first two weeks in March 2/4 prepared for Exercise TANDEM THRUST with the Australians in a joint exercise.

2/4 was commanded by LtCol. P.A. Hand (7 Jun 1997 – 13 Jul 1999) deployed from White Beach, Okinawa, on 10 November 1998. The battalion set in the defense outside of Kuwait City in order to prevent Iraq from taking the city again, over Christmas in 1998. The battalion did not see any action, but was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Citation, and Meritorious Unit Citation.

From September through December 2001 2/4 under the command of LtCol Andrew H. Schlaepfer (13 Apr 2001 – 18 Jan 2003) was the Quick Reaction Force during Operation Noble Eagle for the western half of the United States, in response to the September 11th attacks. Deploying shortly after this mission for the 31st MEU in Okinawa, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines was called upon to give humanitarian aid to East Timor and served in country from October through November 2002.

In February 2004, 2/4 commanded by LtCol Paul J. Kennedy (31 May 2003 – 14 Jan 2005) deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, Al Anbar Province, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 2/4 along with the 1st BDE, 1st ID engaged insurgent forces in Ramadi in early April 2004.

2/4 engaged in heavy combat along with Army soldiers and killed an estimated 250 rebels from 6 to 10 April in fighting that shattered the insurgent offensive. 13 Marines were killed and 25 were wounded in the battle on 6 April. Another 4 were killed over the next four days. The battalion conducted support and stability operations (SASO) within the city and served with distinction while engaging insurgent forces in Iraq. 2d Battalion, 4th Marines returned to Camp Pendleton in September 2004.

The battalion then served as part of the Unit Deployment Program tour in Okinawa, Japan, and the Philippines from April to December 2005. In early 2006, 2/4 commanded by LtCol James F. Glynn (15 Jan 2005 – 20 Jun 2007) was designated the Battalion Landing Team for the 15th MEU. In November 2006, the battalion arrived in Iraq again as part of the 15th MEU. From late 2006 through late spring 2007, Fox and Echo Company conducted operations in Ramadi, while the BLT main body operated out of the Haditha area.

From January to July 2008, 2/4 under the command of LtCol Christian F. Wortman (1 Jun 2007 – 14 Nov 2008) deployed to Okinawa, Japan, as the BLT for the 31st MEU in the Philippines for Balikatan 2008, while Fox Company conducted training exercises in Indonesia. In May 2008, the 31st MEU supported Operation RESPONSE off the coast of Burma, due to the Cyclone Nargis making landfall in the Irrawaddy Delta.

In December 2009 2/4 commanded by LtCol Andrew G. Wilcox (15 Nov 2008 – Jul 2010) deployed with 11th MEU. Weapons, H&S and Echo Companies went ashore to train in East Timor while Fox and Golf Companies trained in Indonesia. Afterward the battalion was offshore of Yemen for four months during 2010 as a reaction force for U.S. Central Command. Weapons, H&S and Echo Companies also conducted training in Djibouti while Fox and Golf Companies conducted training and exercises in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Upon return from the 11th MEU, 2/4 Fox and Echo Companies deployed to Afghanistan’s Helmand Province for three months each. Fox Company Marines provided base security at two large forward operating bases (FOB) while one of their platoons participated in combat operations near the village of Sangin. Echo Company provided a FOB security detachment while the majority of the company participated in combat operations near the village of Marjeh.

During this period 2/4 conducted its operations under the name of POMEGRANATE WARS, in which Marines partnered with the Afghan National Army (ANSF) took the fight to the Taliban in their safe areas while mentoring ANSF closer to the population centers. In October 2011, LtCol William H. Vivian (Jul 2010 – 22 Jun 2012) led 2/4 and Golf and Fox Companies conducted Operation OPENING GAMBIT, and Golf Company engaged Taliban forces in the village of Lwar Julji in order to allow Fox Company and ANSF to establish an Afghan police post in the village of Sya Chaw. The operation allowed the villagers of Sya Chaw to return to their village following over a year of Taliban occupation. 2/4 participated in Operation SOUTHERN GAMBIT In November and Operation WESTERN GAMBIT taking the fight to the Taliban.

In January 2012, Echo, Fox and H&S Companies conducted Operation DOUBLE CHECK south of the Musa Qal’ah District Center by an additional 12km. During the two week operation, 2/4 Marines seized over 1,000lbs of homemade explosives (HME) while helping to establish six Afghan police posts. In February 2/4 conducted one final operation in Kajaki District in Operation ALEKHINE’S GUN to disrupt Taliban forces already reeling from defeats in the Sangin River Valley.

In late May 2013, 2/4 commanded by LtCol Robert S. Weiler (23 Jun 2012 – 7 Mar 2014) deployed to Okinawa, Japan as the BLT of the 31st MEU. In late June 2013, BLT 2/4 joined Task Force 76 for a three month patrol in the western Pacific Ocean. During the patrol, the battalion participated in two major exercises in Australia: Exercise TALISMAN SABRE in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Exercise KOOLENDONG in the Bradshaw Field Training Area. 2/4 returned to Okinawa in late September and redeployed to camp Pendleton in November 2013.

In January 2014, Marines and Sailors of Fox Company traveled to Singapore to conduct bilateral training with Singapore guardsmen. In October 2014, 2/4 under the command of LtCol Mike F. Wilonsky (8 Mar 2014 – 25 Jun 2015) deployed in support of the 31st MEU. From 4-7 March 2015, the ARG reconfigured to include the USS Bonhomme Richard, Green Bay (GBY) and Ashland (ASH). With the BLT 2/4 Marines at full force, the battalion successfully completed Amphibious Integrated Training (AIT II) followed by CERTEX, making the battalion and MEU fully mission capable. 2/4 later participated in the Korean Military Exchange Program (KMEP). KMEP provided the battalion with an opportunity to conduct bilateral training with the Republic of Korea (ROK) military. The battalion returned to Camp Pendleton, CA in May 2015.

In May 2016, 2/4 under LtCol Brian D. Greene (26 Jun 2015 – 20 Jan 2017) deployed to Camp Hansen, Okinawa in support of the 31st MEU training with Philippine Marines In August, and Fox Company participated in bilateral training with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. In September, the battalion sailed to Guam to participate in Operation VALIANT SHIELD. The battalion returned to Camp Pendleton, CA in November 2016.

In April 2017, 2/4 was commanded by LtCol Warren C. Cook, Jr. (21 Jan 2017 – 24 Jan 2019) and 3rd platoon and a squad of Machine Guns of Fox Company deployed to the United Kingdom in support of the month long Exercise WESSEX STORM integrating within Delta Company, 40 Commando, British Royal Marines. In April 2018, 2/4 deployed to train in various training areas throughout Eastern Australia. 2/4 returned to California in October 2018. From 26 February to 15 May 2019, when LtCol Patrick B. Byrne (25 Jan 2019 – 31 Jan 2021) was in command, Echo and Golf Companies deployed to the US-Mexico border and conducted security operations in support of the United States Border Patrol. In a combined effort, the SPOT reports and multi-agency coordination from both companies led to the apprehension of over 4,000 illegal immigrants.

2nd Battalion 4th Marines has a long and storied history, as does the United States Marine Corps, but the story is not over. The future is being shaped, and the Marines of 2/4, the “Magnificent Bastards” will be there to meet and shape it. That is the Marine Corps way.

Semper Fi to all Magnificent Bastards

Major General James E. Livingston, USMC (Ret)
Medal of Honor Recipient

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