6th Machine Gun Battalion (United States Marine Corps)
| 6th Machine Gun Battalion | |
|---|---|
Shoulder sleeve insignia of the 6th Machine Gun Battalion.
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| Active | 17 August 1917 – 13 August 1919 |
| Allegiance |
 United States
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| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Infantry Battalion |
| Role | Fire support |
| Part of | 4th Marine Brigade |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Edward B. Cole Littleton W. T. Waller Jr. Matthew H. Kingman |
The 6th Machine Gun Battalion was a battalion of the United States Marine Corps which served during World War I. Along with the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments, the battalion was part of the 4th Marine Brigade. After being formed in 1917, the battalion supported the Marine regiments by detaching machine gun companies to operate with the regimental battalions along the Western Front and to provide fire support to them during the fighting. In addition to this role, the battalion was sometimes employed as a complete unit with all its companies being concentrated together to ensure that maximum firepower was applied to various points along the front line in support of Allied attacks and also to defend against German assaults. The battalion also supported the operations of the 2nd Infantry Division. After the war, the unit undertook occupation duties in Germany before returning to the United States in mid-1919 where it was subsequently deactivated.
The 6th Machine Gun Battalion was formed as the 1st Machine Gun Battalion on 17 August 1917 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, under the command of Major Edward B. Cole. When the battalion was formed, it consisted of the Headquarters, 77th, and 81st Companies. Provision was made to add two more companies at a later date. Each company (excluding the HQ) was issued 16 Lewis Guns and 33 hand carts apiece. Between 27 August 1917 and 7 December 1917, the battalion undertook extensive training at Quantico which included weapon familiarization, pillbox construction, fire discipline and trench warfare doctrine. In addition, the 12th and 20th Companies and an Aviation Detachment were also attached to the battalion at this time and it was re-designated as a "provisional battalion". On 14 December 1917, the battalion embarked on the USS DeKalb and set sail for St. Nazaire, France.
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