The 5th Marine Regiment marked the 100th Anniversary of its founding in a ceremony Friday morning at Camp Pendleton.
The commemorative event at the 5th Marines Memorial Park, in the San Mateo area of the base drew 150 Marines, Sailors, guests, and community members.
The Regiment was activated June 8, 1917 just before U.S. armed forces deployed to France during World War I.
The Regiment earned its nickname, the “Fighting Fifth,” on the battlefields of western Europe during World War I. The 5th Marines played a historical role in the Battle of Belleau Wood and other victories in France. The French government awarded the Regiment the Croix de Guerre with two palms and one gilt star.
Today, Marines in the Regiment wear the Fourragere, a French unit award, on the left shoulder of their uniforms to honor the regiment’s legacy of valor.
The Regiment was organized under the 1st Infantry Division, and later the 2nd Infantry Division during World War I.
Since then, this unit has participated in every major conflict since, including WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Fighting Fifth is known as the most decorated infantry regiment in the and continues a long history of warfighting prowess.
The regimental headquarters recently completed a tour as the command element for the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force “Crisis Response” Central Command, which supported the fight against ISIS in the Middle East and two battalions currently serve with the 15th and 31st Marine Expeditionary Units.
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