Marine Reconnaissance Foundation

Recon Foundation athletes with our Expeditions Branch summit Mt Rainer (14,410 feet) on 13 June 2026, demonstrating the technical skills, mental and physical toughness of the Reconnaissance Marine/Sailor.

LOE3: Historic Preservation

Reconnaissance History.... 60 years ago today, the Battle for Hill 488, also know as “Howard’s Hill” after legendary Recon man Staff Sergeant Jimmie Howard (who earned the Medal of Honor) took place.

Reconnaissance Marines and Corpsmen from 1st Recon Bn were surrounded and defended their position from being overrun by an estimated NVA force of ~400 enemy soldiers.

During the battle the Reconnaissance men had to resort to hand to hand combat and throwing rocks due to ammunition being so low.

This combat action resulted in dozens of enemy killed and six Reconnaissance men Killed In Action.

Often considered one of the most decorated combat actions in American history, the battle resulted in one Medal of Honor, Four Navy Crosses and Thirteen Silver Stars being awarded to our Recon Marines and Corpsmen.

The Arleigh Burke-class guide missile destroyer USS Howard, named in honor of Jimmie E. Howard, was christened on November 20, 1999

forcerecon 1st Reconnaissance Battalion