3rd Battalion, 24th Marines

3rd Battalion, 24th Marines
3/24 Insignia
Active	February 1, 1943 – May 19, 2013
Country	United States of America
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Type	Infantry battalion
Role	Locate, close with and destroy the enemy with fire and maneuver
Size	800
Part of	24th Marine Regiment 4th Marine Division
Garrison/HQ	Bridgeton, Missouri
Motto(s)	"Always Ready"
Engagements	World War II Battle of Kwajalein Battle of Saipan Battle of Tinian Battle of Iwo Jima Operation Desert Storm Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom
Commanders
Notable commanders	Austin R. Brunelli Frank E. Garretson

3rd Battalion, 24th Marines (3/24) was a reserve infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps. The battalion was first formed in 1943 for service in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, taking part in a number of significant battles including those at Saipan and Iwo Jima before being deactivated at the end of the war. In the early 1960s, the unit was reactivated as a reserve battalion. It was located throughout the Midwestern United States and consisted of approximately 800 marines and sailors. The battalion was part of the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. Recent operations included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. On May 19, 2013, the battalion was deactivated (retired) as a part of 2013 Marine Corps Force Restructuring, along with the 24th Marine Regiment. 3/24 personnel were reallocated to 23rd Marine Regiment, with the majority of the companies becoming 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines.^[1]