21st Marine Regiment (United States)

21st Marine Regiment
File:21st Marines.jpg 21st Marines’ Insignia
Active	July 14, 1942 — December 20, 1945
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Type	Infantry regiment
Role	Locate, close with and destroy the enemy with fire and maneuver
Part of	Deactivated
Engagements	World War II * Battle of Bougainville * Battle of Guam * Battle of Iwo Jima

The 21st Marine Regiment (21st Marines) was an infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps. Activated for service in World War II, they fought in the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima. They fell under the 3rd Marine Division and were deactivated after the end of the war on December 20, 1945.

Subordinate units

The Regiment was composed of three infantry battalions and one headquarters battalion:

Battalions
Headquarters Company 21st Marines
1st Battalion 21st Marines (1/21)
2nd Battalion 21st Marines (2/21)
3rd Battalion 21st Marines (3/21)

History

Sketch of 21st Marines position after the 1st day of fighting on Guam.

The 21st Marine Regiment was activated on July 14, 1942 at Camp Elliot, San Diego, California but was actually organized at New River, North Carolina. Many of the first members of the regiment came from the 6th Marine Regiment. They were assigned to the 3rd Marine Division, however from January to June 1943 they were an independent regiment. During the war, the regiment took part in the Battle of Bougainville, Battle of Guam and the Battle of Iwo Jima. Following the Japanese surrender, 21st Marines moved to Guam where they were deactivated on December 20, 1945.

Notable members

• Hershel W. Williams - Medal of Honor recipient

See also

• List of United States Marine Corps regiments
• Organization of the United States Marine Corps

References

Notes

Bibliography

• Rottman, Gordon L. (2002). U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle – Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War.. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-31906-5.