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1st Battalion, 5th Marines

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LtCol Savage

1st Battalion, 5th Marines
Commanding Officer

LtCol Thomas B. Savage

LtCol Savage was born in Waterville, Maine and grew up in Maine, Montana, and California. He graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in history and was commissioned in August 1991. After completing The Basic Officer’s Course, he was assigned to the Infantry Officer’s Course. His first posting was to 1st Bn, 9th Marines where he served as a Platoon Commander in Company B and deployed to Somalia with the 13th MEU as part of Operation RESTORE HOPE. Upon return to CONUS 1st Bn 9th Marines was redesignated 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines where he served as the Executive Officer Company F, and deployed to WESTPAC with the 11th MEU.

In 1996, Captain Savage reported for duty to EWTGLANT in Virginia Beach, Va. where he served as an instructor in the Amphibious Raid Branch and then as the Assistant Officer in Charge of the Amphibious Reconnaissance School. In 1999 he received orders to the Infantry Captain’s Career Course, where he was the honor graduate.

Capt Savage then reported to 3d Bn, 5th Marines where he served as Headquarters and Services Company Commander, Bn Logistics Officer, Lima Company Commander, and Bn Operations Officer and deployed to Idaho for Operation WILDFIRE, and to Okinawa as part of the 31st MEU.

In 2002 Major Savage was assigned as the Aide de Camp to the Commanding General, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. In November of 2002 he deployed to Kuwait in preparation for the invasion of Iraq and participated in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I and II.

In 2004 Major Savage reported to Command and Staff College where he was a distinguished graduate receiving a Masters Degree in Military Studies. He then attended the School of Advanced Warfighting where he received a Masters Degree in Operational Studies.

In 2006 Major Savage was assigned to the 1st Marine Division as the G-3 Operations Officer. In 2007 he reported for duty as the Future Operations Officer, and then Operations Officer 1st Marine Regiment where he deployed to Iraq with Regimental Combat Team 1. Returning from Iraq in 2009 he was assigned as the Executive Officer, 1st Marine Regiment and served in that capacity until being assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.

LtCol Savage’s personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with one gold star and the Combat Action Ribbon. He is a graduate of U.S. Army Ranger School, Airborne School, and the Basic Reconnaissance Course.