3rd Battalion, 1st Marines

a
1st Marine Division
Camp Pendleton, California
 

The primary mission of the infantry battalion is to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver or to repel his assault by fire and close combat.

FALLEN HEROES

This page is dedicated in memory of our Fallen Marines who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation in either Afghanistan or Iraq.

Third Battalion, First Marines deployed to Kuwait in 2002 and participated in an urban exercise as part of Exercise Eager Mace. The following Marine paid the ultimate sacrifice during this deployment:
LCpl Sledd, Antonio Died Of Wounds 08-Oct-02
Third Battalion, First Marines deployed to Iraq in 2004. In November 2004, the battalion participated in Operation Al Fajr, the second assault on the city of Fallujah. The following Marines paid the ultimate sacrifice during this deployment:
Sgt Nachampassak, Krisna
27, of Burke, Virginia
Accident 10-Jul-04
PFC Reed, Christopher
20, of Craigmont, Idaho
Accident 10-Jul-04
Cpl Holmes, Terry
22, of Hollywood, Florida
Accident 10-Jul-04
SSgt Spink Trevor
36, of Farmington, Missouri
Accident 10-Jul-04
Sgt Calderon, Juan
26, of Weslaco, Texas
Killed In Action 2-Aug-04
LCpl Hannon, Fernando
19, of Wildomar, California
Died Of Wounds 15-Aug-04
LCpl Perez, Geoffrey
24, of Los Angeles, California
Killed In Action 15-Aug-04
Cpl Alvarez, Nicanor
22, of San Bernardino, California
He was attached from First Combat Engineer Battalion, First Marine Division, First Marine Expeditionary Force
Killed In Action 21-Aug-04
Cpl Rintamaki, Steven
21, of Lynnwood, Washington
Killed In Action 16-Sep-04
Cpl Oliveira, Brian
22, of Raynham, Massachusetts
Died Of Wounds 25-Oct-04
Sgt James, William
24, of Huntington Beach, California
Killed In Action 9-Nov-04
LCpl Larson, Nicholas
19, of Wheaton, Illinois
Killed In Action 9-Nov-04
LCpl Segura, Juan
26, of Homestead, Florida
Killed In Action 9-Nov-04
SSgt Slay, Russell
28, of Humble, Texas
He was attached from Second Assault Amphibian Battalion, Second Marine Division, Second Marine Expeditionary Force
Killed In Action 9-Nov-04
LCpl Wood, Nathan
19, of Kirkland, Washington
Killed In Action 9-Nov-04
LCpl Simpson, Abraham
19, of Chino, California
Killed In Action 9-Nov-04
Cpl Bowling, Theodore
25, of Casselberry, Florida
Killed In Action 11-Nov-04
Sgt Strader, Morgan
23, of Crossville, Indiana
Killed In Action 12-Nov-04
Sgt Norwood, Byron
25, of Pflugerville, Texas
Killed In Action 13-Nov-04
LCpl Bryan, Benjamin
23, of Lumberton, North Carolina
Killed In Action 13-Nov-04
LCpl McLeese, Justin
19, of Covington, Louisiana
Killed In Action 13-Nov-04
Cpl Burger, Dale
21, of Bel Air, Maryland
Killed In Action 14-Nov-04
Cpl Perez, Andres
21, of Santa Cruz, California
Killed In Action 14-Nov-04
LCpl Swain, James
20, of Kokomo, Indiana
He was attached from Headquarters Battalion, First Marine Division, First Marine Expeditionary Force
Killed In Action 15-Nov-04
LCpl Ailes, Jeramy
22, of Gilroy, California
Killed in Action 15-Nov-04
LCpl Qualls, Louis
20, of Temple, Texas
He was attached from Second Battalion, Fourteenth Marine Regiment, Fourth Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve
Killed In Action 16-Nov-04
Sgt Heflin, Christopher
26, of Paducah, Kentucky
Killed In Action 16-Nov-04
LCpl Hanks, Michael
22, of Gregory, Michigan
Killed In Action 17-Nov-04
LCpl Figueroa, Luis
21, of Los Angeles, California
Killed In Action 18-Nov-04
LCpl Arms, Bradley
20, of Charlottesville, Virginia
He was attached from Fourth Combat Engineer Battalion, Fourth Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve
Killed In Action 19-Nov-04
LCpl West, Phillip
19, of American Canyon, California
Killed In Action 19-Nov-04
LCpl Welke, Joseph
20, of Rapid City, South Dakota
Died Of Wounds 20-Nov-04
LCpl Dickinson, Joshua
25, of New Port Richey, Florida
Killed In Action 12-Dec-04
The battalion re-deployed back to Iraq in September, 2005. While conducting security and stabilization operations in Western Iraq, the following Marines paid the ultimate sacrifice during this deployment:
Sgt Murray, Jeremy
27, of Atwater, Ohio
Killed In Action 16-Nov-05
LCpl Terrazas, Miguel
20, of El Paso, Texas
Killed In Action 19-Nov-05
Cpl Arellano-Pandura, Carlos
22, of Los Angeles, California
Killed In Action 20-Jan-06
LCpl Dewey, Brandon
20, of San Joaquin, California
Killed In Action 20-Jan-06
In 2007, Third Battalion, First Marines deployed as the ground combat element of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The battalion was ordered into Iraq as part of Operation Phantom Thunder. The following Marines paid the ultimate sacrifice during this deployment:
LCpl Villarreal, Emmanuel
21, of Eagle Pass, Texas
He was attached from First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Marine Division, First Marine Expeditionary Force
Accident 27-May-07
LCpl Stacy, Steven
23, of Coos Bay, Oregon
Died Of Wounds 5-Jul-07
Cpl Stokes, Sean
24, of Auburn, California
Died Of Wounds 30-Jul-07
Cpl Woods, Travis
21, of Redding, California
After deploying to Iraq, Cpl Woods was detached and served in Afghanistan during this deployment. He was assigned to First Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Pendleton, California.
Died Of Wounds 9-Sep-07
In 2010, Third Battalion, First Marines deployed to Afghanistan - Operation Enduring Freedom. The following Marines paid the ultimate sacrifice during this deployment:
Sgt May, Kenneth
26, of Kilgore, Texas
Killed In Action 11-May-2010
Cpl Johnson, Jeffery
21, of Tomball, Texas
Killed In Action 11-May-2010
HM3 Wood, Zarian
29, of Houston, Texas
He was attached from Naval Branch Health Clinic, Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas.
Died Of Wounds 14-May-2010
Sgt Bury, Brandon
26, of Kingwood Texas
Accident 06-Jun-2010
Cpl Marler, Donald
22, of St. Louis, Missouri
Accident 06-Jun-2010
LCpl Hernandez, Derek
20, of Edinburg, Texas
He was attached from Military Police Support Company, Headquarters Group, First Marine Expeditionary Force
Accident 06-Jun-2010
Sgt Rankel, John
23, of Speedway, Indiana
Died of Wounds 07-Jun-2010
HN Ortega, William
23, of Miami, Florida
Killed In Action 18-Jun-2010
Sgt Caskey, Joseph
24, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Killed In Action 26-Jun-2010
Cpl Harris, Larry
24, of Thornton Colorado
Killed In Action 01-Jul-2010
Cpl Donahue, Max
23, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado
He was assigned from First Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, First Marine Expeditionary Force
Died of Wounds 07-Aug-2010
Cpl Greer, Kristopher
25, of Ashland City, Tennessee
He was assigned from Fourth Combat Engineering Battalion, Fourth Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve
Died of Wounds 08-Aug-2010
GySgt Holley, Floyd
36, of Casselberry, Florida
He was assigned from Seventh Engineer Support Battalion, First Marine Logistics Group, First Marine Expeditionary Force
KIA 29-Aug-2010
Cpl Thomas, Matthew
24, of Great Britain
He was attached from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
Died Of Wounds 25-Sept-2010

It is the battalion’s utmost desire to ensure accurate information is displayed in the testimony of each Marine and his family’s ultimate sacrifice and patriotic service. If any of the information displayed is incorrect, please contact 3/1 immediately through the unit email address: 1mardiv31bnmailbox@usmc.mil.

SEMPER FIDELIS!

3/1 Chaplain:

LTJG Mukhtar A Haddad Belem

Office:  760-763-0540

E-MAIL the Chaplain

3rd Battalion, 1st Marines Command Religious Program (CRP)

     Lieutenant Junior Grade Haddad Belem was born in Burkina Faso, West Africa. He memorized the entire Holy Quran with meaning in Tunisia in 1998. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Islamic Study and Quranic Science, and a Master's of Divinity in 2006 from the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. He earned a second Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science and a Ph.D. in Quran and Sunnah Studies in 2011 from the International Islamic University Malaysia. He graduated from Officer Development School in September 2023, and graduated the Professinal Naval Chaplaincy Basic Leadership Course in November 2023. He is endorsed by Mr. Qaseem Ali Uqdah from the American Muslim Armed Forces and Veteran Affairs Council.

     Chaplain Haddad Belem was commissioned as a United States Naval Active Duty Chaplain in May 2023. He currently serves as the Battalion Chaplain of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, CA.

 

Camp Pendleton Religious Services

Marriage/Personal Enrichment Retreats (CREDO)

Chaplain Care Website

3rd Battalion 1st Marines Chaplain page

 

Deployment Readiness Coordinator
Lora Garcia
Phone #: (760) 763-0536
Cell #: (760) 468-0468

lora.garcia@usmc.mil

 

 

     

Welcome to 3d Battalion, 1st Marines and to the Brahma Family!

     My name is Lora Garcia, and I am the Deployment Readiness Coordinator (DRC) for 3/1.  Our military families are the most resilient of families and can adapt and overcome the many challenges this lifestyle can throw at us.  I am here to ensure you are prepared for these challenges in the most supported way:

  • Communication
  • Information and Referral
  • Deployment Support

     Please do not hesitate to ask me questions; it is part of my job to answer them.  If you are a member of our Brahma Family and are NOT receiving emails from me, please let me know.  I also want to encourage you to get involved!  This is YOUR 3/1 Family so seize this opportunity to build a vibrant community and support our Marines and Sailors here with 3/1! 

You can do this by:

  • attending briefs
  • becoming a volunteer
  • attending a family event
  • or even attending classes provided through Marine Corps Family Team Building. 

     I welcome any ideas/feedback/information you may have so please call, text, email, or stop by any time.  I have an open-door policy so please do not hesitate to reach out.

“Welcome to the BRAHMA FAMILY

Lora Garcia

 

3/1 Deployment Readiness Useful Links

 

BATTALION OFFICER OF THE DAY

(After Business Hours*)
Comm: (760) 390-5157
FAX: (760) 763-0551
DSN: 361-0531
**Business hours are 0730 - 1630, Monday - Friday
*After business hours are 1630 - 0730, Monday - Friday
to include all day Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays

BATTALION S-1 ADMINISTRATION SECTION

(During Business Hours**)
Comm: (760) 763-0554
DSN: 361-0554

CHAPLAIN:

Comm: (760)763-0540
Cell #: (707)-416-6307
E-MAIL the Chaplain

DEPLOYMENT READINESS COORDINATOR:

Comm: (760)763-0536
Cell: (760)468-0468
E-MAIL the DRC

MARINE CORPS EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

MCO 5354.1F PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND CONDUCT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

If you have been subject to or been witness to Hazing, Bullying, Sexual Harassment, Unlawful Discrimination, or Wrongful Distribution or Broadcasting of Intimate Images, contact your trained Equal Opportunity Representative.

HM1(FMF) Williams

H&S Company Battalion Aid Station                     

+1 (832) 509-9478

Glen.Williams@usmc.mil

Conflict Management                                                                   

  • Attempt at resolution within 30 days.
  • Resolution between parties = Case Closes.
  • No Resolution between parties = Formal Resolution process begins.

Formal Resolution

  • Command Investigation within 30 Days.
  • Command investigation within 14 Days for Sexual Harassment.
  • Legal Review = 10 Days.
  • Notification to subjects = 3 Days.

"The effectiveness of the Marine Corps relies on the trust and teamwork shared between individual Marines, regardless of grade or position. Inherent in this trust is the understanding that fair and equitable treatment is the Marine Corps leadership standard.” (MCO 5354.1F)

The incredible story and sacrifice of William A. Foster, and his last words, “Make them count,” will accompany the BN in every clime and place it might be called too.

Foster enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves in April 1944. Up to this point in Foster’s life, he was employed as a planner and shaper at Cleveland’s Star Machine and Tool Company in Cleveland, Ohio, and served in the Ohio National Guard for six years.

Upon enlisting, Foster left for Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, for bootcamp. In late September, after completing combat training, PFC Foster embarked on the USS General C. G. Morton (AP 138) on its way to the Russell Islands in the Pacific. Once there, Foster checked in with his new unit, Kilo Company, 3rd Bn., 1st Marines. A short time later, in April 1945, Foster and his brothers in arms began their push into Okinawa, Japan.

After getting dug into a perimeter defensive position, Foster and a fellow Marine began to engage in a hand grenade duel with infiltrating enemy soldiers. A few moments later, an enemy grenade landed beyond their reach in their foxhole. With no regard for his own safety, Foster dove on the grenade and absorbed the entirety of the explosion.

Through this selfless act of heroism, Foster protected his fellow Marine from serious injury and possible death. Although mortally wounded, Foster refused to give up and be taken out of the fight. He quickly grabbed his two remaining grenades and gave them to his comrade. With his last breath, Foster told him to “make them count.” Later that day, May 2, 1945, Foster succumbed to his wounds.

 

3rd Battalion, 1st Marines Command Team

Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion 1st Marines

Lieutenant Colonel J. T. Frerichs

Lieutenant Colonel Frerichs was born on 19 March 1981 in Springfield, Illinois. After graduating from University of Pennsylvania, he received his commission in 2003 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program....

Read Biography

Official Photo

1st Marine Division