View source for 1st Battalion, 6th Marines

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = 1st Battalion, 6th Marines
| image = 1-6 battalion insignia.png
| caption = 1st Battalion, 6th Marines insignia during WWI
| dates = 11 July 1917 – 20 August 1919<br />12 June 1922 – 1 October 1925<br />29 March 1927 – March 1929<br />9 September 1934 – 2 October 1947<br />7 October 1949 – present
| country = {{Flagu|United States}}
| allegiance = 
| branch = {{Marines|United States}}
| type = [[Light infantry]]
| role = Locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver and close combat.
| size = 
| command_structure = [[6th Marine Regiment (United States)|6th Marine Regiment]]<br />[[2nd Marine Division (United States)|2nd Marine Division]]<br />[[II Marine Expeditionary Force]]
| current_commander_label = 
| current_commander = 
| garrison = [[Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune]]
| ceremonial_chief = 
| colonel_of_the_regiment = 
| nickname = "Comanche"
| patron = 
| motto = "1/6 HARD"
| colors = 
| march = 
| mascot = 
| battles = {{Tree list}}
*[[World War I]]
**[[Battle of Belleau Wood]]
**[[Battle of Soissons (1918)|Battle of Soissons]]
**[[Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge]]
**[[Meuse-Argonne offensive]]
*[[World War II]]
**[[Battle of Guadalcanal]]
**[[Battle of Tarawa]]
**[[Battle of Saipan]]
**[[Battle of Tinian]]
**[[Battle of Okinawa]]
*[[Cold War]]
**[[Cuban Missile Crisis]]
**[[Operation Just Cause]]
**[[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]]
*[[Yugoslav Wars]]
**[[Kosovo War]]
**[[NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|Operation Allied Force]]
***[[Operation Noble Anvil]]
*[[War on Terror|Global War on Terrorism]]
**[[War in Afghanistan (2001–14)|War in Afghanistan]]
**[[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]
**[[Operation Odyssey Lightning]] 
**[[Operation Inherent Resolve]]
{{Tree list/end}}
| anniversaries = 
| notable_commanders = [[Joseph C. Fegan Jr.]]<br />[[Wesley L. Fox]]<br />[[Thomas S. Jones]]<br />[[Richard A. Huck]]<br />[[William M. Jurney]]<br />[[Cal L. Worth, Jr.]]<br />[[Gregory P. Gordon]] 
}}

The '''1st Battalion, 6th Marines''' (1/6) is an [[infantry]] battalion in the [[United States Marine Corps]] based in [[Camp Lejeune]], [[North Carolina]]. It consists of approximately 1,100 marines and sailors. They fall under the command of the [[6th Marine Regiment (United States)|6th Marine Regiment]], the [[2nd Marine Division (United States)|2nd Marine Division]] of the [[II Marine Expeditionary Force]] (II MEF).

==Subordinate units==
* Headquarters and Services Company – "Hawkeye"
* Alpha Company – "Apache"
* Bravo Company – "Black Foot"
* Charlie Company – "Cold Steel"
* Weapons Company – "Warrior"/"Laredo"

==History==

===World War I (1917–1919)===
Activated on 11 July 1917 at [[Marine Corps Base Quantico]], [[Virginia]], as the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. 1/6 deployed to France from September to October 1917 and was assigned to the 4th Brigade, [[2nd Infantry Division (United States)|2nd Division]] (Army), [[American Expeditionary Force]]. For the actions at [[Battle of Belleau Wood|Belleau Wood]], Soissons, and Blanc Mont, the 6th Marine Regiment was awarded the French [[Croix de Guerre]] three times. As a result, the regiment is authorized to wear the [[fourragère]] of the [[Croix de Guerre]] (seen in the unit's logo), one of only two units in the Marine Corps so honored, (the other being the 5th Marine Regiment). The fourragère thereafter became part of the uniform of the unit. All members of the modern 6th Marines are authorized to wear the fourragère while serving with the regiment. (World War One Victory Medal, Army Occupation of Germany Medal, French Croix de guerre)
[[File:Scott Belleau Wood.jpg|left|thumb|American Marines in Belleau Wood (1918)]]
[[File:BLT 3-6, 24th MEU, French Fourragere ceremony 140619-M-BW898-042.jpg|left|thumb|French Fourragere Ceremony]]
The battalion participated in the following World War I campaigns:
*Aisne
*Aisne-Marne
*St. Mihiel
*Meuse-Argonne

Along with the following defensive campaigns:
*Touln-Troyon
*Chateau-Thierry
*Marabache
*Limey

{{command structure
|name= '''1/6 (World War I)'''
|parent=
|subordinate=74th Company<br />75th Company<br />76th Company<br />95th Company<ref>Henry ''US Marine Corps in WWII'', p. 6.</ref>
}}

1/6 participated in the Occupation of the [[Rhineland]] from December 1918 to July 1919. After the war the battalion relocated to Quantico, Virginia in August 1919 and was deactivated on 20 August 1919.

===1922 – 1934===
The battalion was reactivated on 12 June 1922 and participated in maneuvers at [[Gettysburg, Pennsylvania]]. From June–July 1922, it was assigned to the Marine Corps Expeditionary Force.

In June 1924 1/6 deployed to the Dominican Republic and [[Guantanamo Bay, Cuba]] participating in expeditionary operations until September 1925. The unit returned to [[Norfolk, Virginia]], and was deactivated on 1 October 1925. (Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal)

On 29 March 1927, 1/6 was reactivated in [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], in May 1927, 1/6 deployed to Shanghai, China and was assigned to 3rd Brigade. The battalion was again deactivated in March 1929 in [[San Diego, California]]

=== Yangtze River Valley (1934–1938) ===
On 9 September 1934, at Norfolk, Virginia, 1/6 relocated to San Diego during September and October 1934 and then deployed to [[Shanghai]] in China in August 1937 where it was assigned to the 2nd Marine Brigade, Fleet Marine Force. The battalion returned to San Diego during February to April 1938. (Yangtze Service Medal, China Service Medal)

===World War II (1939–1946)===
On 1 February 1941, the 2nd Marine Brigade was re-designated as the [[2nd Marine Division (United States)|2nd Marine Division]], [[Fleet Marine Force]] (FMF). In anticipation of joining the war 1/6 deployed during May to July 1941 to [[Reykjavík]], Iceland and was reassigned to the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade.

1/6 relocated during March 1942 to San Diego and were reassigned to the 2nd Marine Division, FMF. From October to November 1942 it deployed to [[Wellington]] in New Zealand. During the course of World War II the battalion fought at [[Battle of Guadalcanal|Guadalcanal]], [[Battle of Tarawa|Tarawa]], [[Battle of Saipan|Saipan]], [[Battle of Tinian|Tinian]] and [[Battle of Okinawa|Okinawa]].

The 6th Marines landed at Guadalcanal on 4 January 1943 where it was briefly reunited with the 2nd and 8th Marines. The 6th Marines, fighting as part of a temporary Army-Marine division after the bulk of the 2nd Marine Division departed, participated in the final American offensive on [[Guadalcanal]] advancing from [[Kokumbona]] to [[Cape Esperance]] and eliminating the last remaining enemy forces. The 6th Marines suffered 223 casualties (53 killed in action or died of wounds, 170 wounded in action), during its six weeks on the "Canal".
[[File:Battle of Tarawa.jpg|right|thumb|Japanese defenders launched a series of [[banzai attack]]s against the dug-in Marines of 1/6 during the tough fighting on the interior of Betio Island 1943]]
During the Battle of Tarawa, the 6th Marines was the [[V Amphibious Corps]]' floating reserve. The assault waves stormed ashore on 20 November 1943 but ran into stiff opposition. Casualties were so heavy that the entire division reserve was committed on the first day. The 6th Marines was ordered ashore the following morning. The 1st and 3rd Battalions landed across Betio's Green Beach and were ordered to drive the length of the island, the 2nd Battalion was used as a blocking force on nearby Bairiki Island. Betio was declared secure after 76 bloody hours. The 1st and 3rd Battalions were re-located to a new rest camp in [[Hawaii]], but the 2nd Battalion stayed on to clear the rest of the atoll. The 6th Marines suffered 355 casualties (99 dead, 256 wounded) and received a [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] for its actions on Tarawa.

The regiment next participated in the Battle of [[Saipan]] and the [[Tinian]] operation. The regiment landed under heavy fire at Saipan's Red Beach on 15 June. This was the most difficult assault landing in regimental history; two of the three battalion commanders were seriously wounded in the first minutes ashore. Early the next morning, the 6th Marines repulsed several tank-supported counterattacks that saved the beachhead. Machine gunner PFC Harold G. Epperson sacrificed his own life by diving on a grenade on 25 June and received a posthumous [[Medal of Honor]] for that action. The regiment then drove north up the west side of the island through the coastal town of [[Garapan]] and on toward [[Tanapag]], where the Marines faced the largest [[Imperial Japanese Army]] [[banzai attack]] of the war.

The next battle for the regiment was at Tinian on 25 July and joined the rest of the 2nd Marine Division as it elbowed its way down the island until reaching the escarpment that marked Tinian's southern tip on 1 August. It took three days of tough fighting to reduce the final enemy stronghold. During that fighting, PFC Robert L. Wilson covered a live grenade with his body to protect his comrades and earned a posthumous Medal of Honor. The regiment lost 34 killed and 165 wounded in ten days on Tinian.

In September 1945, the unit deployed to [[Nagasaki]] where it participated in the Occupation of Japan from September 1945 to June 1946. (Presidential Unit Citation, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal)

===Cold War (1946–1990)===
In July 1946, 1/6 relocated to Camp Pendleton, California and was reassigned to the 3rd Marine Brigade, FMF. In July 1947, it was reassigned to the [[1st Marine Division (United States)|1st Marine Division]] and deactivated on 1 October 1947. On 7 October 1949 1/6 was reactivated at the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune, [[North Carolina]] and was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division. Unit personnel subsequently deployed at various times as the Battalion Landing Team 1/6 in [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]], the [[Mediterranean]] and the [[Caribbean]].

In 1958, 1/6 participated in [[1958 Lebanon crisis|Operation Blue Bat]] during the 1958 Lebanon Crisis.(Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal)

In 1962, 1/6 participated in the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]] in October and November 1962 (Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal)

In 1965, 1/6 participated in the [[Dominican Civil War|Intervention in the Dominican Republic]] from April to June 1965 in support of [[United States invasion of the Dominican Republic|Operation Powerpack]]. (Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal)

On 21 April 1967, a military coup overthrew the elected government of Greece. Navy units were immediately alerted and directed to the Ionian Sea. Two Battalion Landing Teams (BLT 3/8, and BLT 1/6) were in the Mediterranean at the time, because of a turn-over; both were active in the operation, which involved a show of force and a contingency (stand-by) evacuation response.<ref name="USMC">{{cite web |title=Historical Overview of U.S. Marines in the Mediterranean |url=https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/Brief-Histories/Marines-in-the-Mediterranean/ |website=usmcu.edu |publisher=Marine Corps University |accessdate=10 December 2019}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

The Six-Day Arab-Israeli War of June 1967 caused the Marine Amphibious Ready Group (BLT 1/6) to be put on alert for possible operations. On 6 June, two carrier task forces moved closer to the fighting, while four days later, President Johnson ordered a high-speed carrier movement toward Syria to facilitate a cease-fire agreement.<ref name="USMC"/>

On 1 September 1969, a coup overthrew the Libyan monarchy. At the same time, conditions were very unsettled in Lebanon, leading to the 22 October resignation of the Lebanese Prime Minister. Contingency forces in the period 26–30 October included two carrier task forces and the Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG) with BLT 1/6 embarked.<ref name="USMC"/>

From January to July 1989 elements of Charlie Company 1/6 deployed to [[Panama]] with 6th Marine Regiment in support of [[Operation Just Cause]]. (Navy Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Multinational Force and Observers Medal)

(National Defense Service Medals awarded for active duty service during Korean War 27 June 1950 to 27 July 1954 and war Vietnam War 1 January 1961 to 14 August 1974, Navy Unit Commendation awarded 1986–1987, Sea Service Deployment Ribbons Awarded for deployments for a period of either 90 consecutive days or two periods of at least 80 days each within a given 12-month period; or 6 months stationed overseas in a forward deployed location, 15 August 1974– Present)

=== Persian Gulf War (1990–1991) ===
The battalion participated in [[Gulf War#Operation Desert Shield|Operation Desert Shield]] and [[Operation Desert Storm]] in 1991. The battalion was already deployed to Okinawa since July 1990, then on to Saudi Arabia via amphibious ships with the 4th MEB. After extensive training and attaching to the 2nd Marine Division upon their arrival in December, they were ready to fight. The battalion provided valuable information to the Division since they had been in country since September and was pleased to rejoin their higher command, the 6th Marine Regt. The 6th Marines was commanded by Col Lawrence H. "Rhino 6" Livingston, a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran, having earned the Navy Cross, Silver Star, four Bronze stars and five purple hearts respectively. Lt Col Thomas S. Jones, who command 1/6 was a decorated combat veteran of Vietnam himself and had served an exchange tour with the 42 Commando British Royal Marines, was well suited for the task at hand. He was well respected throughout the battalion and the Regiment as well. At 0600 on 24, 1/6 February quickly closed on the first of the obstacle belts which consisted of two minefield and wire obstacles. The Combat Engineer Battalion opened the lanes using the mine clearing line charges and then mine plows as best as they could. Various types of mines were encountered, but were expected. Plastic antipersonnel and antitank mines would slide back into the lanes as the AAVs with infantry Marines inside and the CAAT teams advanced to the objective. Under indirect and direct fire from the enemy, the battalion fought through two mine fields and also had to quickly go to MOPP level 4, responding to the alarm of chemical agent of "mustard gas" detected by the "Fox" chemical reconnaissance vehicle. After the first day of fighting, hundreds of Iraqis on the front line surrendered, many of them had to be "convinced" to give up the fight or die. Along with the Army's Tiger Brigade (Tanks), 1st Battalion, 6th Marines destroyed many enemy tanks, armored personnel carriers, bunkers, and enemy ground troops who did not understand the fact that, Marines take the fight to the enemy, hard and heavy. (Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asian Service, Kuwait Liberation Medal Kuwait, Kuwait Liberation Medal Saudi Arabia)

=== Operation Sea Signal (1994) ===
From July 1994 to October 1994 under [[Joint Task Force 160]], the battalion participated in [[Operation Sea Signal]]. This was a humanitarian operation at [[Guantanamo Bay]] in the Caribbean in response to an influx of Cuban and Haitian migrants attempting to gain asylum in the United States. (Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Humanitarian Service Medal)

=== Operation Pacific Haven (1996-1997) ===
While on a six-month deployment to Okinawa, Japan elements of 1st Battalion 6th Marines were called upon to support the Ground Combat Element, Marine Component, Joint Task Force (JTF) Pacific Haven on the island of Guam. Operation Pacific Haven was activated in September 1996 to provide humanitarian assistance to over 2,500 Kurds evacuated from Northern Iraq seeking asylum and eventual entry into the United States. From 2 December 1996 to 19 March 1997, Bravo Company 1/6 was assigned to the Tiyan housing area in Guam to provide security and support the overflow of Kurdish evacuees.  (Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Humanitarian Service Medal)

=== Operation Allied Force (1999) ===
1st Battalion 6th Marines participated in [[NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|Operation Noble Anvil]] in Kosovo from January to April 1999. Also known as the NATO bombing of [[Serbia and Montenegro|Yugoslavia]] (or Operation Allied Force), the bombing killed around 1,000 members of the Yugoslav regime's security forces. It destroyed bridges, industrial plants, barracks and military installations. Throughout the air campaign, 1/6 attached to the [[24th Marine Expeditionary Unit]] was poised in the Aegean and Adriatic Seas to conduct Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) missions in support of combat operations had U.S. or NATO aircrews required assistance. While in the Aegean, 1/6 participated in humanitarian assistance efforts in [[North Macedonia|Macedonia]] to assist Kosovar refugees with food, water, shelter and medical aid. (Navy Unit Commendation, Kosovo Campaign Medal, NATO Medal Kosovo)

===Global War on Terrorism (2001–2021)===

[[File:US Marines in Operation Enduring Freedom.jpg|left|thumb|U.S. Marines from Alpha Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines, startle the owner of a compound who refused to open his door for a search during Operation EL DORADO 2004.]]
(National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service awarded for active service during Global War on Terrorism from 11 September 2001 to December 31, 2022)

In 2004, 1st Battalion 6th Marines deployed as the ground combat element of the [[22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit]] to [[Oruzgan Province]] in [[Afghanistan]] in support of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]. (Navy Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal ISAF)

In 2005, 1/6 deployed to [[Fallujah]], [[Iraq]] in support of [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]]. (Iraq Campaign Medal)

In 2006–2007 1/6 deployed to [[Ar Ramadi]], Iraq, where they participated in the [[Battle of Ramadi (2006)|Battle of Ramadi]]. (Navy Unit Commendation, Iraq Campaign Medal)
[[File:1st Battalion 6th Marines - Iraq - June 2005 - DM-SD-06-03268.JPEG|right|thumb|Marines of Bravo Company, 1/6, clear an abandoned house during a weapons sweep in Iraq in June 2005]]
In 2007, 1/6 became Battalion Landing Team 1/6, attached to the [[24th Marine Expeditionary Unit]] and provided reserve support in 5th and 6th Fleet for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. (Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal)

In 2008, 1/6 deployed to [[Helmand Province]] in Afghanistan between February and September in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During its tasking, the battalion reinforced British and Afghan forces in the [[Helmand Province campaign]]. Most combat operations took place in the Taliban-held town of [[Garmsir]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna24360073|title=Marines launch assault in Afghanistan|publisher=MSNB|date=29 April 2009|access-date=4 July 2009}}</ref> (Meritorious Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal ISAF)
[[File:Marines in Garmsir.jpeg|left|thumb|Marines of Charlie Company, 1/6, return fire on Taliban forces during the [[battle of Garmsir]], Afghanistan 2008]]

In December 2009 1/6 deployed again to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This was part of the 20,000-troop increase approved just a week before by President Barack Obama, originally ordered by George W. Bush. On 13 February 2010, 1/6 took part in the invasion of [[Marjah]] in Helmand Province, known as [[Operation Moshtarak]], and was the first Afghan-led operation of the war. The invasion began with members of Alpha and Bravo companies inserting via CH-53 Super Stallion helicopters with approximately 300 Marines and Afghan soldiers and Charlie company using mobile forces to clear and hold a major portion of the city. By 14 June 2010, 1/6's advanced party had returned to the US and by late July the entire battalion was back from the deployment.<ref>[http://www.marines.mil/unit/iimef/2ndmeb/_layouts/imagemeta.aspx?image=http://www.marines.mil/unit/iimef/2ndmeb/PublishingImages/091219-M-1012C-003.jpg Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, disembark a C17 cargo plane at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, 15 December 2009, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom]</ref> (Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal ISAF)
[[File:6th Marine Rgt. on patrol in Marja 2010-02-22.jpg|thumb|Marines of 1/6 on Patrol in Marjah, Afghanistan 2010]]
[[File:Dust off Marjah.jpeg|right|thumb|Marines of 1/6 provide security on a rooftop while a medical evacuation is in progress during [[Operation Moshtarak]] in Marjah, Afghanistan 2010]]

In 2011, 1/6 again deployed to Helmand Province and engaged in [[Operation Eastern Storm]], in an effort to clear Sangin and Kajaki Districts of Taliban insurgents, while Charlie Company supported 3rd Battalion 6th Marines in the Marjah district of Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marines in Kajaki Sofla begin transition in Operation Eastern Storm |url=http://www.dvidshub.net/image/481952/marines-kajaki-sofla-begin-transition-operation-eastern-storm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914230755/https://www.dvidshub.net/image/481952/marines-kajaki-sofla-begin-transition-operation-eastern-storm |archive-date=14 September 2020 |access-date=31 October 2011}}</ref> (Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal ISAF)

In 2014 1/6 deployed as the ground element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit as the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) located in the 5th and 6th Fleet in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and the evacuation of the US embassy in Tripoli by 3rd Battalion 8th Marines([[Operation Oaken Lotus]]). After the evacuation of the US embassy in Tripoli the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit’s deployment was extended to support ongoing operations in Iraq, and Syria. Detachments of Marines were sent to Iraq to reinforce the US embassy in Baghdad, and support special operations forces in Kurdistan.(Navy Unit Commendation, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal)

In 2015, 1/6 participated in [[BALTOPS]] (Baltic Operations), an annual exercise with allied NATO forces in Poland, Sweden, Germany, and the Baltic States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.marforeur.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/602120/1st-battalion-6th-marines-gear-up-for-baltops/|title=1st Battalion, 6th Marines gear up for BALTOPS|website=Marine Corps Forces Europe|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-09}}</ref>
[[File:160829-N-ZE250-083 (32465304251).jpg|thumb|Battle of Sirte 2016 22nd MEU provides naval gunfire and air support to the GNA]]
[[File:160829-N-ZE250-074 (31776050933).jpg|thumb|Members of the 22nd MEU on watch during the Battle of Sirte 2016]]

[[Battle of Sirte (2016)|Operation Odyssey Lightning]]: In 2016, 1st Battalion 6th Marines deployed as the ground combat element of the [[22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit]]. Aboard the {{USS|Wasp|LHD-1|6}}, {{USS|San Antonio}}, and {{USS|Whidbey Island|LSD-41|6}}, Marines conducted precision  strikes in support of the Libyan Government of National Accord-aligned forces against ISIS and Daesh targets in [[Sirte]], Libya, as part of the [[Battle of Sirte (2016)]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/uss-san-antonio-joins-libya-operation-1.435175|title=USS San Antonio joins Libya operation|website=Stars and Stripes|access-date=2019-11-13}}</ref> Before joining the operation in Libya, elements of 1/6 aboard the USS San Antonio came under attack as it moved through the [[Bab-el-Mandeb|Bab al-Mandeb]] strait on the southern end of the [[Red Sea]] while conducting operations in support of [[Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa|Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa]], [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen|Operation Restoring Hope]], and Operation Oaken Steel. Shortly after the attacks, the {{USS|Nitze}} destroyed three radar sites in Yemen in retaliation for the two separate attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea. This was credited as the first surface naval battle since the Persian Gulf War.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/navy/uss-san-antonio-leaves-red-sea-after-missile-attack-enters-mediterranean-1.435044|title=USS San Antonio leaves Red Sea after missile attack, enters Mediterranean|website=Stars and Stripes|access-date=2019-11-13|archive-date=13 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113185356/https://www.stripes.com/news/navy/uss-san-antonio-leaves-red-sea-after-missile-attack-enters-mediterranean-1.435044|url-status=dead}}</ref> Members of the 22nd MEU received the Presidential Unit Citation and Combat Action Ribbons for operations in Libya and Yemen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/flashpoints/2019/08/23/22-meu-rocked-isis-fighters-in-libya-with-naval-gunfire/|title=22nd MEU Marines rocked ISIS fighters in Libya in 2016 with naval gunfire|last=Snow|first=Shawn|date=2019-08-28|website=Marine Corps Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2017/11/03/four-ship-crews-receive-combat-action-ribbon/|title=Four ship crews receive Combat Action Ribbon|last=Ziezulewicz|first=Geoff|date=2017-11-03|website=Navy Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-05}}</ref> (Navy Unit Commendation, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal)
[[File:US fire support for SDF at Raqqa.png|thumb|Battle of Raqqa 2017]]

[[Operation Inherent Resolve]]: In September 2017 elements of 1st Battalion 6th Marines deployed to Syria with [[1st Battalion, 10th Marines|1st Battalion 10th Marines]] as a part of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in order to support operations against ISIS militants in the [[Battle of Raqqa (2017)|Battle of Raqqa]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.military.com/dodbuzz/2017/11/30/victory-declared-raqqa-marine-artillery-unit-syria-return-home.html|title=With Victory Declared in Raqqa, Marine Artillery Unit in Syria to Return Home|last=Seck|first=Hope Hodge|date=2017-11-30|website=Military.com|language=en|access-date=2019-11-13}}</ref> (Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal)

In 2018, 1/6 deployed as part of the [[Black Sea Rotational Force]] (18.1) postured in [[Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base]], [[Romania]], which enabled the continuation of promoting regional stability, and building and maintaining enduring partnerships with allied and partner nations. 1/6 also sent Marines to Norway to train with allied NATO forces for a potential cold-weather fight with North Korea or Russia. Upon completion of their training the Marines of 1/6 had their deployment extended due to [[Hurricane Florence]] preventing them from returning to Camp Lejeune on schedule.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2018/03/09/new-rotation-headed-for-norway-as-marines-keep-eyes-on-a-cold-weather-fight/|title=New rotation headed for Norway as Marines keep eyes on a cold-weather fight|last=Snow|first=Shawn|date=2018-03-23|website=Marine Corps Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-09}}</ref> (Navy Arctic Service Ribbon)

In 2020, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment deployed under the Unit Deployment Program to Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan under 3rd Marine Division. (Meritorious Unit Commendation)

In 2021, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment participated in Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 a multinational maritime exercise, involving sea, land, and air components, and is co-hosted by the United States and Ukraine to enhance interoperability and capability among participating forces in the Black Sea region.

On August 18, 2021; Bravo Company and other elements from the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment deployed aboard the USS Arlington (LPD 24) in U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations off the coast of Haiti in support of Joint Task Force-Haiti, following a [[2021 Haiti earthquake|7.2-magnitude earthquake]] that struck Haiti on August 14. They returned on September 6. (Humanitarian Service Medal)

===Post-Global War on Terrorism (2021 to Present)===

From 2022-2023, 1st Battalion 6th Marines deployed as Battalion Landing Team 1/6, [[26th Marine Expeditionary Unit]] to USEUCOM and USCENTCOM, providing critical support during the Israel-Hamas crisis and supporting numerous combatant commander requirements in Europe and the Middle East. (Navy Unit Commendation)

==Honors and awards==
The 1st Battalion 6th Marines has been awarded the following:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.6thmarines.marines.mil/Units/1st-Battalion/Honors-Lineage/|title=6th Marine Regiment > Units > 1st Battalion > Honors & Lineage|website=www.6thmarines.marines.mil|access-date=2019-12-06}}</ref>
*[[File:United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Presidential Unit Citation (US)|Presidential Unit Citation Streamer]] with Bronze star
** World War II Tarawa – 1943
**Afghanistan 2009–2010
*[[File:Joint Meritorious Unit Award (USMC and USN frame).svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Joint Meritorious Unit Award]]
**Operation Sea Signal 1994
**Operation Pacific Haven 1996-1997 B Co
**Operation Inherent Resolve 2017
*[[File:Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Navy Unit Commendation|Navy Unit Commendation Streamer]] with Silver Star and Bronze Star
** Panama – 1989
**Southwest Asia – 1990–1991
**Kosovo – 1999
**Afghanistan – 2004, 2010
**Iraq – 2006 – 2007
**BLT 1/6 2014
**BLT 1/6 2016
**OIR 1/6 C - 2017
**Israel-Hamas Conflict 2023-24
*[[File:Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation|Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer]] with Bronze Star
**1986–1987
**Afghanistan 2008
**1/6 UDP 2020
*[[File:World War I Victory Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[World War I Victory Medal (United States)|World War I Victory Streamer]] with five [[Award star|Bronze Stars]]
*[[File:Army of Occupation of Germany ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Army of Occupation of Germany Medal|Army of Occupation of Germany streamer]]
*[[File:Yangtze Service Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Yangtze Service Medal|Yangtze Service Streamer]]
*[[File:China Service Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[China Service Medal|China Service Streamer]]
*[[File:Marine Corps Expeditionary ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal|Marine Corps Expeditionary Streamer]] with two [[Award star|Bronze Stars]]
*[[File:American Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[American Defense Service Medal|American Defense Service Streamer]] with one Bronze Star
*[[File:European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal|European – African – Middle Eastern Campaign Streamer]]
*[[File:Asiatic-Pacific Campaign ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal|Asiatic – Pacific Campaign Streamer]] with one Silver And One Bronze Star
*[[File:World War II Victory Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[World War II Victory Medal (United States)|World War II Victory Streamer]]
*[[File:Army of Occupation ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Navy Occupation Service Medal|Navy Occupation Service Streamer]] With "Asia" And "Europe"
*[[File:National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[National Defense Service Medal|National Defense Service Streamer]] with three Bronze Stars
*[[File:Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal|Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer]] With one Bronze star
*[[File:Southwest Asia Service Medal ribbon (1991-2016).svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Southwest Asia Service Medal|South West Asia Service Streamer]] with two Bronze Stars
*[[File:Kosovo Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|60px]] [[Kosovo Campaign Medal|Kosovo Campaign Streamer]] with on Bronze Star
*[[File:Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon.svg|60px]] [[Global War on Terrorism Service Medal|Global War on Terrorism Service Streamer]]
*[[File:Afghanistan Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|60px]] [[Afghanistan Campaign Medal|Afghanistan Campaign Streamer]] with three Bronze Stars
*[[File:Iraq Campaign ribbon.svg|60px]] [[Iraq Campaign Medal|Iraq Campaign Streamer]] with three Bronze Stars
*[[File:Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary ribbon.svg|60px]] [[Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal|Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Streamer]]
*[[File:Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|60px]] [[Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal|Inherent Resolve Campaign Streamer]]
*[[File:Croix de Guerre 1914-1918 ribbon.svg|60px]]&nbsp;&nbsp;[[French Croix de guerre]] With Two Palms And One Gilt star, allowing the members to wear a Croix de guerre [[Fourragère]].

==See also ==
{{Commons category}}

*[[Organization of the United States Marine Corps]]
*[[List of United States Marine Corps battalions]]
*''[[Operation Moshtarak|The Battle for Marjah]]''
*[[Operation Asbury Park]]
{{Clear}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
:{{Marine Corps}}

;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book
 | last = Henry
 | first = Mark R.
 | year = 1999
 | title = US Marine Corps in World War I 1917–18
 | publisher = Osprey Publishing Company
 | location = New York
 | isbn = 1-85532-852-6}}
{{Refend}}

;Web
{{Refbegin}}
* [http://www.6thmarines.marines.mil/Units/1st-Battalion/ 1/6's official website]
{{Refend}}

{{US Marine Corps navbox}}
{{2ndMarDiv}}

[[Category:Infantry battalions of the United States Marine Corps]]