3rd Tank Battalion
| 3rd Marine Tank Battalion | |
|---|---|
3rd Tank Battalion insignia
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| Active | 16 September 1942 - 7 January 1946 5 March 1952 - 1 June 1992 |
| Country |
 United States |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Armored |
| Role | Armor protected firepower and shock action. |
| Size | Battalion |
| Nickname(s) | 3rd Tanks |
| Motto(s) | Shock, Mobility, Firepower! |
| Engagements |
World War II Operation Desert Storm |
World War II
The 3rd Tank Battalion (3rd Tanks) was an armor battalion of the United States Marine Corps.
The 3rd Tank Battalion was formed during World War II on 16 September 1942. Each of the three regimental combat teams of the 3rd Marine Division had their own tank company and a scout car platoon. The 9th Marines tank company became Company A, 21st Marines company became Company B, and the 23rd Marines (later redesigned Third Marines) company became Company C.
When the battalion was formed it absorbed the three companies; a Headquarters and Service Company, Company D, and Company E (a Scout and Sniper Company). Company E (Scouts) was a combined arms reconnaissance (CAR) unit that had three scout platoons. They were formed from a group of reassigned reconnaissance scouts from the Scout and Sniper companies within the 3rd Marine Division. They became the forerunner of the Marine Division Reconnaissance assets used by the Marine divisions today. For greater mobility and firepower, the division commander equipped his scout company with light tanks to reinforce his regimental infantry units; especially useful for reconnaissance in force (RIF) tasks. Its mechanized armor uses are also in effect today. During the 1980s, the Light Armored Reconnaissance battalions were formed, revitalizing the same methods used during World War II.
In January–February 1943, they deployed to Auckland, New Zealand.
They participated in the Battle of Bougainville, Battle of Guam and the Battle of Iwo Jima. Arriving on Iwo Jima on 20 February 1945, the battalion played an important role in the capture of the island. Following the end of the war the battalion returned to the US via Guam, sailing to San Diego in December, 1945. On 7 January 1946, the battalion was deactivated at Camp Pendleton.
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