0331 Machine Gunner MOS Patch

0331 Machine Gunner MOS Patch (U.S. Marines) 4.5" x 3.25" Embroidered Patch with Iron-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.

Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.

Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.

Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality. 

Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
The 0331 Machine Gunner is a crucial component of the United States Marine Corps infantry, specializing in providing sustained, high-volume fire support to maneuver elements. The MOS 0331 was established as part of the broader infantry classification system, assigned specifically to Marines trained in the use and employment of medium machine guns. This role has existed since the Corps embraced machine guns as essential weapons on the battlefield, dating back to World War I and refined through successive conflicts. Machine gunners in the Marines have always been vital to ensuring their units could dominate firepower, suppress enemy positions, and enable infantry advances.

Notable Commanders
While the 0331 is an enlisted specialty rather than a unit, many Marine leaders began their careers as machine gunners or served closely alongside them. Distinguished Marines like Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, famed for his sniper skills but deeply familiar with machine gun tactics, helped evolve the understanding of combined arms on the battlefield. Senior enlisted leaders at the squad and platoon level often come from the ranks of machine gunners, thanks to their mastery of fire control and battlefield coordination. Their experience is critical to effective infantry operations, and they are frequently entrusted with leadership roles within the squad.

Major Campaigns/Operations
Machine gunners carrying the 0331 MOS have been present in every major Marine Corps operation since the role was formalized. In World War II, machine gunners played key roles in the brutal island-hopping campaigns, providing the suppressive fire needed during assaults on fortified Japanese positions at places like Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Iwo Jima.

In Korea, 0331s fought in freezing temperatures, laying down continuous fire to cover Marine movements across rugged terrain. During the Vietnam War, machine gunners were indispensable in jungle warfare, both in ambushes and in defending firebases against overwhelming numbers.

In more recent conflicts, the 0331 Marine has been a backbone of the infantry in Iraq and Afghanistan. Urban warfare in Fallujah, Helmand Province, and Sangin demanded the precise and controlled application of machine gun fire to clear buildings, suppress enemy snipers, and dominate streets. Their ability to deliver sustained, accurate fire under fire has saved countless lives.

Specialized Role/Equipment
The 0331 Machine Gunner is trained in the employment of medium machine guns, primarily the M240 series in the modern Marine Corps. The M240 provides a balance of firepower, reliability, and portability, capable of delivering continuous fire to suppress enemy troops and disrupt their movements.

Machine gunners work closely with assistant gunners and ammunition bearers to ensure a steady supply of belts during combat. They understand fields of fire, sectors of responsibility, and the delicate coordination required between machine gun teams and maneuvering infantry.

The role demands technical proficiency not just in firing but in maintenance and setup of tripods, barrels, and sights. Machine gunners train to shoot from static positions, moving with squads, and sometimes even firing from vehicles or fixed positions during base defense. Their role is both offensive and defensive, enabling their unit to take and hold ground.

Acts of Heroism
Machine gunners in the Marine Corps have a storied history of heroism. One notable story comes from the Vietnam War, where many 0331 Marines distinguished themselves by holding their positions under extreme fire. They would often continue firing until ammunition was exhausted or they were wounded, enabling their squads to maneuver or withdraw safely.

In Iraq and Afghanistan, countless 0331s have earned decorations for bravery under fire. For example, during the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004, Marine machine gunners played a key role in providing suppressive fire amid close-quarters combat in urban terrain. Their ability to rapidly set up and shift fire prevented enemy forces from overrunning American positions.

Such acts of valor are not always recorded in headlines but are the lifeblood of infantry combat, where the machine gunner’s steady stream of fire can mean the difference between life and death for the entire platoon.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
The 0331 Machine Gunner MOS represents the epitome of disciplined, controlled firepower within the Marine Corps infantry. The ability to provide suppressive and interdicting fire, support movement, and break enemy attacks is a skillset passed down through generations.

Machine gunners are often called “the backbone of the squad” because their fire shapes the battlefield and enables the riflemen to close with the enemy. The role has evolved with advances in weapons technology, but the mission remains the same: to dominate through firepower.

In every conflict from the Pacific islands to the mountains of Afghanistan, the 0331 has proven essential to Marine infantry success. They embody the Marine motto of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—not just to the Corps but to their fellow Marines who rely on their firepower to survive and prevail.