The 3rd Marine Division is an infantry division in the United States Marine Corps. It is an active duty division, one of three, that was first formed during the second World War. Activated in September 1942, the 3rd Marine operated in the Pacific theatre of the war. They engaged in massive conflicts like the Battle of Guam, where they lost 667 of its members but were able to kill over 5,000 Japanese soldiers. They were one of the many Marine divisions where were trained and prepared for the invasion of Japan, which did not occur due to the surrender of Japan in August 1945. The 3rd Marine was reactivated for the Korean and Vietnam Wars. They saw the most action in the latter conflict, engaging in nine separate operations. 20 of its members received the Medal of Honor. Currently, the 3rd Marine Division is fighting in Afghanistan.