3rd Battalion 26th Marines (Vietnam)
The 3rd Battalion 26th Marine Regiment served with distinction in World War II and in the Vietnam War. Unit awards of the 26th Marine Regiment are presented below.
| Streamer | Award | Year(s) | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
_Streamer.jpg){kind=small} | Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with two Bronze Stars | 1945, 1966-67, 1968 | Iwo Jima, Vietnam, Khe Sanh |
 | Navy Unit Commendation Streamer | 1968 | Vietnam |
 | Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Streamer one Bronze Star | 1945 | Iwo Jima |
 | World War II Victory Streamer | 19444–1945 | Pacific War |
 | National Defense Service Streamer | 1966–1974 | Vietnam War |
 | Vietnam Service Streamer | ||
 | Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Streamer | ||
 | Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Streamer |
3/26 in Vietnam
Highlights
The battalion was activated on 28 May 1966 under the command of Major William A Thompson.
After training at Camp Pendleton, CA and in the Philippines 3/26 arrived in Vietnam on 11 December 1966.
The battalion was originally under the Operational Control (OPCON) of the 3rd Marine Division. In May 1968 3/26 was reassigned to be OPCON to the 1st Marine Division.
3/26 departed Vietnam on 19 March 1970 and returned to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro CA where they were greeted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
The deadliest month in the battalion history was September 1967 when 3/26 operated in the northern I Corps near C2 and Con Thien.
The battalion never had a KIA in the month of October.
