Expeditionary· Pacific Defense Buildup
1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed Iceland
In the summer of 1941, before the United States entered the war, Iceland sat in a vital position in the North Atlantic.
The Allies wanted to keep the island out of German hands, and Britain needed its troops there freed up for the fight in Europe. President Roosevelt agreed to send American forces to take over, even though the country was still officially at peace with Germany. The Marines carried out that mission. The 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, built around the 6th Marines, landed at Reykjavik and relieved the British garrison. They held the island on occupation duty, guarding it against any German move. This was the first time Marines had deployed to the European and Atlantic region since World War I. They stayed until an Army unit took their place, then returned to prepare for the Pacific war.
Record no. 553