March 29th is National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
On March 29, 1973, the last remaining American troops withdrew from Vietnam, and President Nixon declared “the day we have all worked and prayed for has finally come.”
Today we honor and remember all of the brave men and women who served during the Vietnam War, as well as their families who also sacrificed so much. Let us give these veterans the long overdue recognition and welcome home they deserve!
U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy emblems adorn several panels at the Iwo Jima display at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA. Each emblem represents a serviceman who lost their life during the battle.
March 26, 1945, marked the end of the 36-day long battle that resulted in over 26,000 American casualties, including 6,800 killed in action.
The battle for Iwo Jima also saw 27 Medals of Honor awarded to Marine and Navy personnel for gallantry above and beyond the call of duty.
(Photo courtesy of Sgtgrunt0331)
On March 26, 1945, after 36 days of some of the bloodiest and most ferocious combat in World War II, the island of Iwo Jima was declared secure.
A total of 27 Medals of Honor were awarded to Marine and Navy personnel for gallantry above and beyond the call of duty during the battle.
Nearly the entire Japanese garrison of 21,000 troops were killed, while American forces suffered over 26,000 casualties. Iwo Jima was the only battle in World War II where Marines suffered more casualties than the Japanese.
March 25th is National Medal of Honor Day.
First celebrated on March 25, 1991. The 25th of March was chosen because it was on that date in 1863 that the first Medals of Honor were presented to six members of Andrews’ Raiders.
To its Recipients, the Medal of Honor represents more than recognition of combat actions. Instead, it symbolizes the sacrifices of those we served alongside and those who came before.
Today, we honor and remember those who went above and beyond the call of duty to receive our nation's highest military honor.
On March 23, 2003, the battle of An Nasiriyah began. It was one of the first major engagements of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
By the fifth day of the battle, on March 27, most Iraqi resistance in the city had been subdued and the focus had shifted from full combat to cordon-and-search operations. Small groups of Fedayeen Saddam militia continued to hide throughout the city and launched sporadic attacks on Marine patrols with small arms and RPGs. These attacks were mostly uncoordinated and the resulting firefights were lop-sided, with large numbers of Iraqi militiamen killed.
In the end, Iraqi casualties were listed at 359–431 dead, with more than 300 wounded and 1,000 captured. US losses were 32 dead, 60 wounded, and six captured.
A special shout-out to all my fellow veterans who fought in this battle. I'm proud to have chewed the same sand and mud as you. Rah!
On March 20, 2003, the ground campaign of Operation Iraqi Freedom began.
Pictured above: Sgt. Jeff Seabaugh, gives commands to his fellow Marines from Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), during the first days of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
(Photo by LCpl. Brian L. Wickliffe)
Lance Cpl. Andrew Day and his military working dog search an area for weapons and explosive materials during a patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 27, 2014.
Day, an improvised explosive device detection dog handler, is assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment.
(Photo courtesy of the DoD)
From 19 February through 26 March 1945, the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy participated in one of the most impactful battles during World War II, the battle of Iwo Jima.
This battle saw more than 26,000 American casualties and a total of 27 Medals of Honor awarded to men who went beyond the call of duty during the fight for that eight-square mile volcanic island.