United States Marine Corps General. After graduating from the University of San Francisco in 1942, he joined the United States Marine Corps and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. During World War II, he served in the Pacific as rifle company commander in actions on Saipan, Tarawa and the Marshall Islands. In the Korean War he was a reconnaissance officer in the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, which was credited with the first defeats of North Korean forces. Following a series of assignments, he was promoted Colonel in 1964, in command of the 5th Marine Regiment in Vietnam. For his command of the 5th Marines, he received a presidential unit citation awarded in person by President Lyndon Johnson at the White House in 1968 and promoted Brigadier General. He later commanded the 1st Marine Division and was promoted Major General in command of the 3rd Marine Division in 1973. In 1975, he was in charge of the Marine Amphibious Force during the evacuation of Saigon and also commanded the rescue of the U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez from Communist forces at Koh Tang Island, Cambodia. At the time of his retirement in 1977, he was commanding general of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. His decorations included the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, Distinguished Service Medal, three Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts and Legion of Merit with a Combat V.
United States Marine Corps General. After graduating from the University of San Francisco in 1942, he joined the United States Marine Corps and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. During World War II, he served in the Pacific as rifle company commander in actions on Saipan, Tarawa and the Marshall Islands. In the Korean War he was a reconnaissance officer in the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, which was credited with the first defeats of North Korean forces. Following a series of assignments, he was promoted Colonel in 1964, in command of the 5th Marine Regiment in Vietnam. For his command of the 5th Marines, he received a presidential unit citation awarded in person by President Lyndon Johnson at the White House in 1968 and promoted Brigadier General. He later commanded the 1st Marine Division and was promoted Major General in command of the 3rd Marine Division in 1973. In 1975, he was in charge of the Marine Amphibious Force during the evacuation of Saigon and also commanded the rescue of the U.S. merchant ship Mayaguez from Communist forces at Koh Tang Island, Cambodia. At the time of his retirement in 1977, he was commanding general of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. His decorations included the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, Distinguished Service Medal, three Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts and Legion of Merit with a Combat V.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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