US Marine Officer. He advocated changing the Marine mission from small groups guarding bases and ships to amphibious battalions deployed as the vanguard of offensive operations. In 1921 Ellis traveled to the South Pacific in the guise of a businessman to study the Japanese Navy, and died two years later under mysterious circumstances in the Caroline Islands. Chronic alcoholism has often been cited as the cause of his death. His remains were eventually disinterred, cremated and returned to the US. Ellis foresaw Japan's World War II ocean-based plans to dominate the Pacific, including aircraft carriers and amphibious landings, and developed a counter-strategy. His thoughts on tactics and strategy are still studied today. He changed the focus of the Marines, most notably as the author of "A Tentative Manual for Landing Operations", which is still recognized as the authoritative work on amphibious warfare.
US Marine Officer. He advocated changing the Marine mission from small groups guarding bases and ships to amphibious battalions deployed as the vanguard of offensive operations. In 1921 Ellis traveled to the South Pacific in the guise of a businessman to study the Japanese Navy, and died two years later under mysterious circumstances in the Caroline Islands. Chronic alcoholism has often been cited as the cause of his death. His remains were eventually disinterred, cremated and returned to the US. Ellis foresaw Japan's World War II ocean-based plans to dominate the Pacific, including aircraft carriers and amphibious landings, and developed a counter-strategy. His thoughts on tactics and strategy are still studied today. He changed the focus of the Marines, most notably as the author of "A Tentative Manual for Landing Operations", which is still recognized as the authoritative work on amphibious warfare.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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