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The FMDA is an Association where
Marines and Sailors who now serve,
or who have served, come together
as a “Family of Warriors” and share that unexplained Quality that
makes us stand apart, known as “Esprit de Corps”.
(1st Marine Division Association, National)
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American Legion Post 716, Los Alamitos.
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History of 1st Marine Division
The 1st Marine Division is the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force
(I MEF) and is stationed at Camp Pendleton in California.
While some of the Old Breed Regiments were in existence as
early as 1911, the 1st Marine Division was activated on February 1, 1941 aboard
the battleship USS Texas (BB-35).
This was the first Division to be formed in U.S. Marine Corps history. Following the outbreak of World War II, the Division sailed to the Southwest Pacific.
On August 7, 1942, the Blue Diamond conducted the initial assault against the Japanese occupied islands of Guadalcanal and Tulagi. After defeating the Japanese in a six month long struggle, which cost over 3000 casualties, the Division moved to Australia for rest and reorganization. It was in Melbourne that the division adopted the Australian folk song "Waltzing Matilda" as its marching song. To this day, 1st Division Marines still ship out to this song being played.
(Courtesy: militaryvetshop.com/History/1stMarDiv)
This was the first Division to be formed in U.S. Marine Corps history. Following the outbreak of World War II, the Division sailed to the Southwest Pacific.
On August 7, 1942, the Blue Diamond conducted the initial assault against the Japanese occupied islands of Guadalcanal and Tulagi. After defeating the Japanese in a six month long struggle, which cost over 3000 casualties, the Division moved to Australia for rest and reorganization. It was in Melbourne that the division adopted the Australian folk song "Waltzing Matilda" as its marching song. To this day, 1st Division Marines still ship out to this song being played.
(Courtesy: militaryvetshop.com/History/1stMarDiv)
More historical information
1stMardiv
1st Marine Division - Korean War Records
History of the Orange County California Chapter
On 14 June 1979, the Anaheim Chapter of the First Marine Division Association received its charter. It was presented to the Chapter and its founder, Bob Wolfenstein by Colonel Mitchell Paige (MOH).
In 1991, the Chapter was officially renamed the "Orange County Chapter".
The original charter is on display at the American Legion Post 716 hall in the city of Los Alamitos. This is also the current location where the Chapter meets on the third (3rd) Wednesday of each month.
Visit our Meeting and Events page
On 14 June 1979, the Anaheim Chapter of the First Marine Division Association received its charter. It was presented to the Chapter and its founder, Bob Wolfenstein by Colonel Mitchell Paige (MOH).
In 1991, the Chapter was officially renamed the "Orange County Chapter".
The original charter is on display at the American Legion Post 716 hall in the city of Los Alamitos. This is also the current location where the Chapter meets on the third (3rd) Wednesday of each month.
Visit our Meeting and Events page
The Orange County Chapter
Proudly Sponsors
The Award for the Series Honor-man
of the Marine Combat Instructor School - Instructor Course
School Of Infantry - West
View: Inaugural Recipient
Page last update 10/25/2013
