The 7th Defense Battalion was commissioned on June 1, 1942 at Marine Corps Base San Diego, California.

Not long for Hawaii, the battalion departed on February 6 on board the USS Pinkney and the SS Robin Wentley.

[5] During May and June 1943, antiaircraft guns of the 10th Defense Battalion engaged numerous Japanese air raids against the newly constructed airfield on Banika.

During July 1943, M3A1 Stuart Light Tanks of the 10th Defense Battalion were assigned to support the 43rd Infantry Division securing Munda Point on New Georgia.

[7] On December 30, 1943 the US Army's 13th Antiaircraft Group assumed responsibility for air and coastal defense of the Russell Island.

The ships departed the Russell Islands on February 10 and arrived at Tarawa, where it received verbal orders to proceed to Kwajalein Atoll.

The 10th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion was decommissioned on November 25, 1944 by authority of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific Special Order Number 104-44.