The 8th Marine Regiment: Ground Pounding Infantry

Based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the 8th Marine Regiment is under the command of the 2nd Marine Division. This infantry regiment was formed in 1917 in Quantico, Virginia during World War I. While in training for this war, the command was actually transferred to Fort Crockett, Texas. Its duties included guarding the Mexican Oil Fields. The 9th Marines joined the men of the 8th Marines and formed the 3rd Marine Brigade. It was the first Advance Base Force of World War I. Because of this designation, these Marines did not see action during World War I, but were tasked with defending naval bases in the West Indies should this action be need. In 1919, the 8th Marines were deactivated.

A year later, the 8th Marines were reactivated and deployed to Haiti to fight the Cacos bandits. Through patrols and some intermittent clashes, the 8th was able to eliminate these bandits that had been in place for over a hundred years. Once this mission was finished, the 8th Marines were deactivated yet again in 1925. This time it would be fifteen years before they would be reactivated again.

In 1940, the 8th Marines were deployed Samoa for jungle training. These brave men would travel to Guadalcanal to assist the 1st Marine Division and earn their first Presidential Unit Citation. The second citation would come after the 8th Marines seized New Zealand after 76 hours of some of the bloodiest and deadliest fighting in American history. This battle effectively opened the door to Japan. After this deployment, the 8th Marines would travel to Saipan and Tinian, which resulted in the capturing of these key bases. This lead to an effective air war against Japan.

During the 1980s, the 8th Marines would participate in Operation Urgent Fury, which resulted in the rescue of American students in Grenada. From 1990 to the present, the 8th Marines have participated in every operation in the Persian Gulf, including Desert Storm, Iraq Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. The 8th Marines would be responsible for securing many of the cities in Iraq and Afghanistan. This led to the elections in Iraq, a great turning point for the Iraqi people. Currently, the 8th Marines are deployed to Afghanistan and that current deployment is expected to last until 2012.

If you have a loved one serving in the 8th Marines, what better way to show your support than with one of the many styles of Army rings? A fantastic visual reminder of your loved one’s service and dedication, the insignia of the 8th Marines can be highlighted on the either side of the ring. You can also have the insignia placed under the semi-precious stone. These Army rings are certain to be well-received and you can easily personalize this Army ring with an engraved message inside the band. Ordering online is easy and you can have the Army ring shipped almost anywhere in the world. Imagine the surprise when your Marine opens up that box and sees his or her personally designed Army ring!