Our History:

No military unit in the history of the United States brought more honor and glory to themselves, more pride to their countrymen, and more grief to their enemies as the four United States Marine Raider Battalions of World War II. It is imperative that their heritage and exploits live long past the surviving Raiders.

In February of 1942, the Commandant of the Marine Corps formally established the First Raider Battalion at Quantico, Virginia, under the command of Lt. Col. Merritt Edson. Two weeks later the Second Raider Battalion was formed at San Diego, California, under the command of Major Evans F. Carlson. The Third Raider Battalion was formed in Samoa under the command of Lt. Col Harry Liversedge. The Fourth Raider Battalion was formed at Camp Pendleton, California, under command of Lt. Col James Roosevelt.

The nearly 8,000 Marine Raiders and Navy Corpsmen of WWII earned 7 Medals of Honor, 136 Navy Crosses, 21 Distinguished Service Crosses, 330 Silver Stars, 18 Legions of Merit, 6 Navy & Marine Corps medals, 3 Soldier Medals, 223 Bronze Stars, and 37 Letters of Commendation.

It is to these men, living and dead, that the United States Marine Raider Foundation is dedicated. We strive to preserve the history, exploits and honor of all of “those who served” as members of the United States Marine Raiders.

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