U.S. Marine Corps Generals of World War II

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Ken McCanliss
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U.S. Marine Corps Generals of World War II

#1

Post by Ken McCanliss » 28 Apr 2008, 01:15

A Biographical Dictionary

Clark, George B. McFarland & Company, Inc. Jefferson, NC. 2008. ISBN: 978-0-7864-3203-5
200 pp. hardcover (7 x 10) $55.

This biographical dictionary profiles each of the 98 men who served as generals of the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Arranged alphabetically, the entries detail each general's background and education; military schooling; military service, both before and during World War II; service abroad (France, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Mexico, Cuba, China, and Panama); medals and awards for courage and skill in combat; and retirement and death dates.


~ Ken McCanliss

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Ken McCanliss
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Major General Samuel Lutz Howard (1891-1960)

#2

Post by Ken McCanliss » 07 May 2008, 00:40

Samuel L. Howard was a colonel (from 1 Oct 1938) at the outbreak of World War II. He was in command of the 4th Marines on Corregidor, and became a POW upon the fall of that island fortress to the Japanese. Finally liberated in August 1945, Col. Howard was retroactively promoted to major general effective 30 March 1942. He retired from the Marine Corps on 31 March 1953, and was advanced to the grade of lieutenant general.

Gen. Howard is profiled in the above described biographical dictionary, but he is not listed in Ancell & Miller's "The Biographical Dictionary of World War II Generals and Flag Officers".


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Peter H
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Re: U.S. Marine Corps Generals of World War II

#3

Post by Peter H » 07 May 2008, 13:20

Thanks Ken

Photo of Howard from: http://www.fourthmarinesband.com/

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Ken McCanliss
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4th Marine Regiment

#4

Post by Ken McCanliss » 07 May 2008, 19:18

Upon the outbreak of war in the Far East, the 4th Marines were offered to General MacArthur by Admiral Hart. Instead of being used as infantry in the ensuing campaign (they were considered to be the best fighting regiment in the Philippines), the 4th Marines were instead used as guards over MacArthur's Army headquarters.

When Lieutenant General Wainwright surrendered, he was forced by his Japanese captors to surrender all units, including the 4th Marines. The Marines destroyed their weapons, and as Colonel Howard ordered the colors burned, he turned to his Executive Officer, Colonel Donald Curtis, and exclaimed, "My God ... and I had to be the first Marine officer ever to surrender a regiment!"

He was, however, awarded a Navy Cross for his courage and service to the nation as the leader of the 4th Marines at Corregidor.

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