2d Battalion, 23d Marines

2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines
2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines insignia
Active	Early 1920s
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States
Branch	USMC
Type	Infantry battalion
Role	Locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver
Size	1000
Part of	23rd Marine Regiment 4th Marine Division
Garrison/HQ	Pasadena, California
Motto(s)	"Prepared and Professional"
Engagements	Battle of Kwajalein Battle of Tinian Battle of Saipan Battle of Iwo Jima Operation Desert Storm Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom
Commanders
Current commander	LtCol. Massy

2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines (2/23) is a reserve infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps located throughout the Western United States consisting of approximately 1000 Marines and Sailors. They fall under the command of the 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division.

Provide trained combat personnel and units to augment and reinforce the active component in time of war, national emergency, and at other times as national security requires.

Activated on 20 July 1942 at New River, North Carolina, 23rd Marines was assigned to the 4th Marine Division in February 1943 and relocated during July 1943 to Camp Pendleton, California. 23rd Marines participated in the following campaigns during World War II: Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima.

For Siapan the 23rd landed on beaches blue 1 & 2. Shore party for 2/23 was the third battalion 20th Marines which was the 121st Seabees.

For Iwo Jima 2/23 was the right Assault Battalion on yellow beach. They landed from APA 207 the USS Mifflin on yellow beach 2. The 23rd did not have a Pioneer Battalion so the 133rd Seabees were posted TAD to the Regiment in that assignment. B Co. 133 NCB was Shore Party for 2/23 until relieved on D-plus 18.

During the fierce fighting which occurred in the Pacific Theater, four Marines of the 23rd Marine Regiment were awarded the Medal of Honor. In October 1945, the Regiment was again relocated to Camp Pendleton and was subsequently deactivated on 15 November 1945.