United States Marine Corps, 1940-1945

1st Provisional Marine Brigade

Typical Organization (1944/1945)


Commanders


Brigade Narrative

The largest of the wartime brigades, virtually of division-size (often called a "two-regiment division"), was activated under III Amphibious Corps auspices on Guadalcanal on 19 Apr 44 (the staff was formed in Hawaii on 22 Mar) with the 4th and 22d Marines.

The Brigade departed Guadalcanal in mid-Jun 44 under III Amphibious Corps control. While staging at Eniwetok, the Army's 305th Regimental Combat Team, 77th Infantry Division, was attached as the brigade reserve on 10 Jul 44. The Brigade served as the III Amphibious Corps floating reserve during the Saipan assault. It landed on Guam on 21 Jul and fought until 15 Aug 44. The 305th Infantry was returned to its parent division's control on 24 Jul. (The 5th Marine Division's 26th Marines (Reinforced) had departed San Diego in Jul 44 to reinforce the Brigade at Guam. It remained afloat, and not needed, landed in Hawaii at the end of the month.)

The Brigade began departing Guam on 31 Aug and was fully assembled at Tassafaronga, Guadalcanal by early Sep 44. The 29th Marines was attached in late August and the Brigade was redesignated the 6th marine Division on 7 Sep 44.


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Last updated: February 29, 2000

Feedback: corrections, additions, and comments are welcome!

Compiled and formatted by Patrick Clancey