Author Description

THE Fifth Marine Division had its origin in a letter written by the Commandant of the Marine Corps on November 11, 1943. This letter was sent to the Commanding General at Camp Lejeune and to the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, San Diego Area. It stated in part: "The Fifth Marine Division consisting of the 22nd Marines (Infantry), 26th Marines (Infantry), 27th Marines (Infantry), 13th Marines (Artillery), 16th Marines (Engineer), and Headquarters and Service Troops, will be organized during the months of December 1943, and January and February 1944." It was intended at this time that Headquarters and Service Troops would have two components: Special Troops and Service Troops. The former was to contain a Special Weapons Battalion, a Headquarters Battalion, and a Tank Battalion. The latter was to have a Service Battalion, a Motor Transport Battalion, a Medical Battalion, and an Amphibian Tractor Battalion. The Division's original plan of organization was modified, however. Another letter from the Commandant on January 20,1944, stated that the 22nd Marines would not become part of the Division, and directed that the 28th Marines be formed instead.