2nd Battalion, 9th Marines (2/9) is an infantry battalion
of the United States Marine Corps. Formed during World War I,
the unit played an instrumental role in the defeat of the
Japanese forces in the Battles of Guam and Iwo Jima during the World War II.
The battalion distinguished itself in the defense of Khe Sanh
during the Vietnam War, and later participated in an ill fated invasion
of Koh Tang Island in Southeast Asia, with the intention
of rescuing the crew of the SS Mayaguez. During Operation Desert Storm,
the battalion served as the lead battalion for the
III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF).
2/9 also participated in various humanitarian missions.
The battalion helped evacuate Americans from Northern China
during the Chinese Civil War and in various occasions
participated in providing relief to the victims of typhoons.
In 1992, the battalion participated in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia.
2nd Battalion 9th Marines served until September 2, 1994,
when it was deactivated to make room for one of three
light armor reconnaissance battalions.
It was part of the 9th Marine Regiment and the 3rd Marine Division.
On July 13, 2007, 2nd Battalion 9th Marines was re-activated
again as part of the 6th Marine Regiment and replaced the
Anti-Terrorism Battalion (ATBN).