1st Battalion, 9th Marines
The 1st Battalion 9th Marines (1/9) was an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Formed during World War I, it served until the mid-2000s when it was deactivated to make room for one of three light armor reconnaissance battalions. During the Vietnam War, 1/9 sustained an especially high casualty rate, such that it received the nickname "The Walking Dead".
| 1st Battalion 9th Marines | |
|---|---|
1/9 Insignia | |
| Active | 1 March 1942 – 9 September 2001 April 2007 – August 29, 2014 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Locate, close with and destroy the enemy through fire and maneuver |
| Part of | 9th Marine Regiment 2nd Marine Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune |
| Nickname(s) | "The Walking Dead" |
| Engagements | World War II
Vietnam War
Operation Desert Storm
|
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. Carey A. Randall George W. Smith |
In late 2005, the battalion was reactivated and attached to the 8th Marine Regiment at MCB Camp Lejeune; additionally, Motor Transport Drivers and Mechanics were assigned to Headquarters Company, 6th Marine Regiment, Camp LeJeune. Although the first full company has deployed, 1/9 was not expected to be ready for deployment as a battalion until May 2008. On 19 April 2007, 1/9 was officially stood up with all of its subordinate units fully manned.
As of 29 August 2014 the battalion has been deactivated due to a force shaping initiative and downsizing of the Marine Corps. On the occasion of this deactivation, one of its former officers lauded: "Not a better battalion in the world".