This original World War II era photograph depicts a large group of Marines some of which are in full combat uniform and helmets, while others are more relaxed sitting on  trucks in what appears to be the Pacific Theater. The photograph is labeled as the 2nd Marine Division. The 2nd Marine Division are renowned in World War II, distinguishing itself at Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. The location at this photograph was taken is unknown.

Major General Clayton B. Vogel, its first commander, activated the 2nd Marine Division at a parade and review at the Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California, during a sunny Saturday afternoon of 1 February 1941. The division consisted of the 2nd, 6th, and 8th Marines infantry regiments; the 10th Marines, an artillery regiment; engineer, medical, service, and tank battalions; and transport, signal, chemical, and antiaircraft machine gun companies. By mid-1941, because of the growing threat of a German invasion to Iceland, the 6th Marine Regiment, a battalion from 10th Marines and other scattered units were pulled from the division and sent to garrison Reykjavik. After the outbreak of war the 8th Marine Regiment with an assortment of other division assets formed the 2nd Marine Brigade and were dispatched to garrison American Samoa.

During World War II, the 2nd Marine Division (Headquarters) participated in operations in the Pacific Theater of Operations:

• The Guadalcanal Campaign, in the Solomon Islands campaign – 4 January to 8 February 1943.

  • 2nd Marines, reinforced: Guadalcanal–Tulagi landings, 7 to 9 August 1942;
    capture and defense of Guadalcanal, 10 August 1942 to 31 January 1943.

  • 8th Marines, reinforced: capture and defense of Guadalcanal, 2 November 1942 to 8 February 1943.

• The Battle of Tarawa, in the Gilbert Islands campaign – 20 November to 4 December 1943.

• The Battle of Saipan, in the Mariana Islands campaign – 15 June to 24 July 1944.

• The Battle of Tinian – 24 July to 10 August 1944.

• The Battle of Okinawa (floating Reserve) – 1 to 10 April 1945. (Detachment of Headquarters and the 8th Marines, reinforced, from 1 to 30 June 1945).