Commanding Officer, 8th Marine Regiment
Colonel Martin F. Wetterauer III

Colonel Wetterauer, is a native of New Iberia, Louisiana. After graduating from New Iberia Senior High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. He served with 3d Bn, 23rd Marines in Operation DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM in 1990-1991 as a Gunner/Section leader. He then enrolled at Louisiana State University and graduated in December 1992 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant.

He served as a platoon commander with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines from August 1993-1996 and deployed with the 24th MEU to Boznia-Herzegovina.  Afterwards he served as part of the Marine Corps Security Forces Company in London until 1999.

In 2000 he served as a Company Commander and Battalion Operations Officer with 3d Bn, 4th Marines where he deployed as part of a UDP to Okinawa, Japan and Korea from 2001-2002. In 2003 he deployed as part of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Colonel Wetterauer was then assigned to The Basic School in Quantico, VA where he served as the Warfighting-Command Selection Head and the Commanding Officer for Delta and India companies. In 2005 he assumed duties as the Infantry Officer Course director until July of 2007.

After leaving Quantico Col. Wetterauer became the Battalion Executive Officer of 1st Bn, 7th Marines and deployed with them back to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In April 2008 he assumed duties as the 7th Marine Regiment Operations Officer.

In November of that 2008 Colonel Wetterauer assumed command of 3d Bn, 4th Marines. In 2009 he deployed with his Battalion to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In July 2011 Colonel Wetterauer served with the Joint Special Operations Command including a 2013 deployment back to Afghanistan as part of the ISAF in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2014, he reported to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operation Command to serve as the AC/S and G7.

In 2015, he assumed command of the 8th Marine Regiment.

Colonel Wetterauer’s personal awards include: Bronze Star w/ Combat Distinguishing Device (V) and 2 gold stars, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ Combat Distinguishing Device (V), Navy Marine Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon with three  gold stars.