9th Amphibian Tractor Battalion
The 9th Amphibian Tractor Battalion ("9th Amtrac Battalion") is an inactive amphibious assault battalion of the United States Marine Corps. The battalion supported the 6th Marine Division during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.
| 9th Amphibian Tractor Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Mechanized Battalion |
| Role | Amphibious Assault |
| Size | 103 LVTs |
| Part of | Inactive |
| Engagements | World War II |
History
Battle of Okinawa
Along with the 2nd Amphibian Tractor Group, the 9th Amtrac Battalion (part of the 1st Amphibian Tractor Group) landed the 6th Marine Division and its subordinate units on the island of Okinawa on L-Day. The battalion supported the division throughout the campaign, utilizing the LVT 4 as its main amphibious vehicle.[1] Further inland, the LVTs were used similar to conventional armor, as their mounted Browning machine guns could deliver devastating firepower in support of an infantry unit. However, mines, artillery, and other hazards plagued the amtracs throughout the campaign. By the time the 9th assaulted the Oroku Peninsula, only 17 of its original 103 LVTs were still serviceable.[2]
After its World War II service, the 9th Amphibian Tractor Battalion was inactivated and its personnel assigned to other units.
References
- Rottman, Gordon. "U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle - Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War, 1939 - 1945." Greenwood Press, 2002, p. 300
- "4th Marines Pass Wrecked LVT-4 Amtrac." The World War II Multimedia Database. http://worldwar2database.com/gallery/wwii1360 (accessed June 13, 2014).