USMC 3rd Tank Battalion 3rd MARDIV Patch — USMC Embroidered Patch Shock, Mobility, Firepower — 3rd Tank Battalion, 3rd Marine Division From the flame tanks of Iwo Jima to the DMZ in Vietnam to the burning oil fields of Kuwait, 3rd Tank Battalion brought devastation to every enemy of the Marine Corps for nearly half a century. This patch carries the insignia of a unit that helped define what armored warfare looks like in the Pacific — and beyond. Formed on 16 September 1942, 3rd Tank Battalion's companies were built from the tank companies organic to the 3rd Marine Division's regimental combat teams. The battalion's flame tanks played a critical role in securing Iwo Jima during World War II, and its scout company became the forerunner of modern Marine Division reconnaissance assets. Reactivated at Camp Pendleton on 5 March 1952, the battalion deployed to Japan and then Okinawa with the 3rd Marine Division. In July 1965, 3rd Tanks deployed to Da Nang, South Vietnam, becoming the first Marine tank unit in-country. The battalion fought through the Tet Offensive, the Battle of Huế, and the siege of Khe Sanh, serving as an armored defense along the DMZ until redeployment in November 1969. Later based at Twentynine Palms, 3rd Tanks joined the 1st Marine Division for Desert Storm in 1991 as Task Force Ripper. The battalion was deactivated for the last time in 1992. Perfect For: Veterans of 3rd Tanks, 3rd Marine Division personnel, Vietnam-era tankers, Desert Storm armor veterans, and Pacific War historians. Shock. Mobility. Firepower. Third Tanks delivered all three.
