"The First Marine Division's three infantry regiments, the First Marines, the Fifth Marines, and the Seventh Marines, were stationed in Tientsin, Peiping, and Chinwangtao respectively. Sledge (who had seen heavy combat already with the 1st Marine Division) was diverted to China after the fighting stopped on Okinawa. The duty was lonely and dangerous with the men not having, at least initially, adequate quarters, clothing, or rations to endure the harsh winter of North China."ħth Marines guard a train on the Tientsin-Chinwangtao RailroadĮ.B. Often the outpost units were little more than the size of an average infantry squad. The regiment remained occupied in this task for nearly 6 months. Their mission was to make sure that rail traffic, especially coal destined for Shanghai, moved uninterrupted along the line. In conjunction with safeguarding of the railroad, detachments were placed along the route in fixed positions- the most common being bridges and train stations. And on occasions fighting did break out between Marines and Communist Chinese soldiers. They were instructed to prepare for an eventuality including combat with hostile units. Under LTC Gormley, the 7th Marines succeeded in bringing to an end the fighting that sporadically erupted between the Communists on one side and the Japanese and their Chinese allies on the other.Although technically the fighting had stopped in China, Marines did not come to view their assignment there as one normally associated with a peacetime garrison force. "Upon arrival, the 1st Battalion received further orders sending the unit to Chinwangtao on 1 October 1945. (courtesy of "A Brief History of the 7th Marines", Div HQ, USMC, Washington DC)Īccording to the History of the 7th Marines, Marines on parade through Tientsin, China October 1945 The 7th Marine regiment left Okinawa on Septemand arrived in Tangku, China Septemaccepting the surrender of the Japanese Octoin the Tientsin-Tangku-Chinwangtao areas. There was a 3-fold reason why thousands of US Marines were diverted to Northern China following the surrender of the Japanese 2 September, 1945 ġ) to accept the surrender and disarm Japanese troops 2) to reinforce the Nationalist political party's dominance over a surging Communist party andģ) to act as a buffer both in ideals and politics against Soviet imperialism. Extending from 1818- 1949 the USMC had activity in China. (courtesy of "A Brief History of the 7th Marines,Div HQ, USMC, Washington DC)įew people know about the long history the US Marine Corps has had in China. HOPEH Area of Operations, 1st Marine Division It is the author's opinion that this flag was given to the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division Marines who occupied the Chinwangtao region of Northern China starting in October 1945. It was given to me as a gift when a family was getting rid of their father's War items. In addition to being an organizational hub for members of 1/7 Vietnam, this website is a source of information for families of 1/7 members, active duty Marines and members of the public who want to learn about the 1st Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment and its role in the Vietnam war and the men who served in that unit.I'm really proud of this artifact, and have never seen another one like it. Our reunions provide an opportunity for Marines to visit and share time with those with whom they served 50 years ago and to honor the 566 Marines and Corpsmen who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is our pleasure to share with them the history of 1/7 in Vietnam. We are often joined at our gatherings by Marines currently on active duty. The Marine Corps is unique and rich with tradition that we respect. Family members of those who served with 1/7 are also invited to attend and meet the men who served with their loved one. The 2020 reunion will take place in Palm Springs, CA, with a day trip to 29 Palms to meet current 1/7 Marines. We meet every two years at a time around Memorial Day. If you are a Marine or Corpsman who served in 1/7 in Vietnam we would like to hear from you and we invite you to join us. The 1/7 Marine Vietnam Association is comprised of the Marines and Corpsmen who served in that Battalion in the Republic of South Vietnam from 1965-1970. Welcome to the webpage of the First Battalion of the Seventh Marine Regiment - Vietnam.
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