23rd Marines participated in the following campaigns during World War II: Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima.

As a Marine Corps Reserve unit during Vietnam era, the battalion's weekend drills and annual two week training were often held at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton as well as other Southern California military installations that included Twentynine Palms, Coronado, and Port Hueneme.

Six Marines were activated in late November 1990 from Fox Company in Salt Lake City, Utah.

From there they proceeded to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for preparation before deploying to Al Jabail, Saudi Arabia.

Just before its one-year deactivation date, the battalion's active duty status was extended in order for the unit to deploy to the Middle East to participate in the Iraq War.

A scout sniper attached to Fox company, Sergeant Scott Montoya, was awarded Navy Cross for "extraordinary heroism in combat" during this engagement.

Weapons company successfully completed missions out of Al-Taqaddum Air Base where they were part of the quick reaction force.

The battalion participated in BALTOPS and conducted training with Estonian Forces in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Elements were forward deployed in Okinawa, Southeast Asia, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.

During this time, a new Marine Corps distance record for Osprey flights in the Western Hemisphere was set.

The Ospreys traveled over 6,165 miles from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to Rio de Janeiro.

The element conducted operations, participated in the Korean Marine Exercise Program, and received the Korea Defense Service Medal during this period.

Members who participated in actions that merited the award are authorized to wear the medal or ribbon on their uniforms.