| 3rd Marine Tank Battalion | |
|---|---|
 3rd Tank Battalion insignia | |
| Active | 16 September 1942 – 7 January 1946 5 March 1952 – 1 June 1992 |
| Country |  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 |
The 3rd Tank Battalion (3rd Tanks) was an armor battalion of the United States Marine Corps. It was formed during World War II and played a part in several Pacific island battles, most notably Iwo Jima, where its flame tanks played a key role in securing the island. After the war, the battalion was based at Camp Pendleton but remained inactive until the outbreak of the Korean War, eventually moving to Okinawa. Along with the 1st Tank Battalion, 3rd Tanks was involved in major combat operations in South Vietnam from 1965 to 1969. Afterwards it concentrated on desert warfare and fought in the first Gulf War in 1991. It was deactivated for the last time in 1992.