1st Battalion, 8th Marines

Who we are

Our mission is to locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver or repel the enemy's assault with fire and close combat.

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104th Anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood

U.S. Marines and Sailors from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines participate in a memorial ceremony in Belleau, France marking the 104th Anniversary of the...

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104th Anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood

U.S. Marines and Sailors from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines participate in a memorial ceremony in Belleau, France marking the 104th Anniversary of the...

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104th Anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood

U.S. Marines and Sailors from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines participate in a memorial ceremony in Belleau, France marking the 104th Anniversary of the...

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Belleau Wood

Belleau Wood has become a symbol of Marine courage and tenacity. We pause to honor the Marines who fought at Belleau Wood a century ago.

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Honoring the Fallen

We pay highest tribute to the sacrifices they made and the remarkable warrior spirit they embodied. It is a great privilege to carry on the legacy...

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Legacy and Commitment

“Belleau Wood was a demonstration of an unrivaled commitment to our allies and our partners, and to the cause of liberty…just as it was necessary...

BATTALION LEADERS

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph A. Fontanetta
Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 6th Marine Regiment

Lieutenant Colonel Joe Fontanetta was born and raised on Long Island, NY. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies, with a focus in International Business.  He graduated from Officer Candidate School and commissioned in the Marine Corps in March 2007.

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Major Daniel J Crain
Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 6th Marine Regiment

Major Daniel Crain is a native of Milaca, Minnesota.  He graduated from the University of Saint Thomas in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management. He graduated from Officer Candidate School and commissioned in the Marine Corps in 2011. Major Crain subsequently graduated from the Basic Officer Course and the Infantry Officer Course in 2012.

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Sergeant Major Gilbert Gillis IV
Sergeant Major, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 6th Marine Regiment

Sergeant Major Gillis was born in May 1983 and hails from Annapolis, Maryland. He entered the Marine

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Master Gunnery Sergeant Levi R. Canty
Operations Chief, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 6th Marine Regiment

Levi Canty enlisted in the Marine Corps on 6 June 2005 and attended Recruit Training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. Following graduation, he reported to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Infantry Training Battalion East and acquired the MOS of 0311 Rifleman. In November of 2005 Private Canty reported to Marine Corps Security Force School in Chesapeake, Virgina for training and obtained the MOS of 8152 Marine Security Force Guard.

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Contact Us

Officer of the Day: 910-376-7097