| 1st Battalion 9th Marines | |
|---|---|
 1/9 Insignia | |
| Active | 1 March 1942 – 9 September 2001 April 2007 – August 29, 2014 |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Locate, close with and destroy the enemy through fire and maneuver |
| Part of | 9th Marine Regiment 2nd Marine Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune |
| Nickname(s) | "The Walking Dead" |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. Carey A. Randall George W. Smith |
The 1st Battalion 9th Marines (1/9) was an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Formed during World War I, it served until the mid-2000s when it was deactivated to make room for one of three light armor reconnaissance battalions. During the Vietnam War, 1/9 sustained an especially high casualty rate as they faced extraordinary challenges and hardships during their tour. General Võ Nguyên Giáp promised President Ho Chi Minh that he would wipe out the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, as a present for the leader's birthday (May 19, 1966). In describing the fate that awaited the Marines in the valley, Giap allegedly used the term "Di Bo Chet", translated as the "Walking Dead". He viewed that the Marines should be considered already dead, just not buried yet. However, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, proudly and defiantly adopted "The Walking Dead" as its nickname due to the unit's persistence and resilience.
In late 2005, the battalion was reactivated and attached to the 8th Marine Regiment at MCB Camp Lejeune; additionally, Motor Transport Drivers and Mechanics were assigned to Headquarters Company, 6th Marine Regiment, Camp LeJeune. Although the first full company has deployed, 1/9 was not expected to be ready for deployment as a battalion until May 2008. On 19 April 2007, 1/9 was officially stood up with all of its subordinate units fully manned.
As of 29 August 2014 the battalion has been deactivated due to a force shaping initiative and downsizing of the Marine Corps.[1] On the occasion of this deactivation, one of its former officers lauded: "Not a better battalion in the world".[2]