Part of 6th Marine Division | ||
 | ||
Country United States of America Branch United States Marine Corps Engagements World War II
Battle of Saipan (1st Battalion only)
Battle of Okinawa Notable
commanders Victor Bleasdale
William J. Whaling | ||
The 29th Marine Regiment (29th Marines) is a United States Marine Corps regiment.
Contents
History
The regiment was activated at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina as a separate reinforced regiment on May 1, 1944. Its first commander was Colonel Victor Bleasdale, an expert instructor and decorated World War I veteran, who served as Chief of Staff of the training center in Camp Lejeune. The regiment was assigned to the 6th Marine Division under Major General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. on September 10, 1944.
The regiment's first engagement in combat occurred during the Battle of Saipan on June 15, 1944. The regiment's 1st Battalion was attached to the 2nd Marine Division during the battle. Following Saipan, the regiment subsequently participated in the Battle for Sugar Loaf Hill in Okinawa, where it sustained substantial casualties.
In popular culture
The novel Take China: The Last of the China Marines by Harold Stephens depicts the 29th Marine Regiment and takes place in China during its civil war.