List of historic United States Marines

The following is a list of the prominent names in U.S. Marine Corps lore—the people who make up what the Marines call "knowledge". Names in this list are notable for actions made as a Marine; individuals whose notability is unrelated to service in uniform can be found at List of United States Marines.

Medal of Honor recipients

William Earl Barber – Marine Corps Colonel who fought in Iwo Jima during World War II and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. Barber and his company of 220 men held off more than 1,400 Chinese soldiers during six days of fighting in North Korea, known as the last stand of Fox Company, only 82 US Marines walked away alive.
John Basilone – only enlisted Marine Medal of Honor recipient to return to combat and be killed^[1]
Gregory "Pappy" Boyington – commanded the "Black Sheep Squadron" (VMA-214) during WWII^[2]
Smedley Butler – awarded two Medals of Honor for two different acts,^[3] outspoken critic of war profiteers, testified in Congress regarding a plot to overthrow the government
Louis Cukela – awarded both Navy and Army Medals of Honor^[3]
Daniel Daly – awarded two Medals of Honor for two different acts in two different conflicts^[3]
Merritt A. Edson – commander of the 1st Marine Raider Battalion
Joe Foss – leading fighter ace of the Marine Corps during World War II and the Guadalcanal campaign
Allan J. Kellogg – platoon sergeant of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during the Vietnam War.
Jacklyn H. Lucas – youngest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor^[4]
John F. Mackie – first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor^[5]
David M. Shoup – was a general of the United States Marine Corps who was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II, served as the 22nd Commandant of the Marine Corps, and, after retiring, became one of the most prominent critics of the Vietnam War.
France Silva – first Hispanic Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor
John Lucian Smith – flying ace in the Guadalcanal campaign
Edward Sullivan – awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Spanish–American War of 1898
Louis H. Wilson Jr. – commanding officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Fonte Hill, Guam, Marianas Islands

Marine Corps firsts

Vernice Armour – first female African-American combat pilot in United States military
Bryan B. Battaglia – first Marine appointed Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Frederick C. Branch – first African-American Marine officer
Marion Carl – first Marine ace (18.5 victories), member of the Cactus Air Force, first Marine helicopter pilot
John L. Estrada – first Hispanic Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps^[6]
John Glenn – first Marine astronaut, first American to orbit the Earth
Annie Neal Graham – first African-American woman Marine^[7]
Opha May Johnson – first woman Marine^[8]
James L. Jones Sr. – commanded the Observer Group, the first amphibious reconnaissance unit in the United States; father of James L. Jones Jr., the 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps
Kurt Chew-Een Lee – first Chinese-American Marine officer. Led an infantry platoon at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism.
Alfred Masters – first African American Marine^[9]^[10]^[11]
Dennis M. McCarthy – first reserve general officer to command an active duty Marine division
Alford L. McMichael – first African American Marine to serve as Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
Samuel Nicholas – first Commandant of the Marine Corps^[8]
Presley O'Bannon – first to raise the U.S. Flag over foreign soil as a result of combat, "Hero of Derna" which are the "shores of Tripoli" in the Marine hymn
Peter Pace – first Marine to become the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Frank E. Petersen – first African-American aviator Marine, first African-American Marine general, first African-American to command a fighter squadron, a fighter air group, an air wing and a major base.^[12]
Staff Sergeant Reckless – first horse to hold an official rank in the United States Marines and U.S. military in general.^[13]^[14]
Angela Salinas – first Hispanic female to obtain a general rank in the Marines^[15]
Pedro del Valle – first Hispanic to reach the rank of lieutenant general, played an instrumental role in defeating Japanese forces during the Battle of Okinawa
Minnie Spotted-Wolf – first enlisted Native American woman Marine^[16]

Other prominent Marines

John F. Bolt – only Marine aviator to achieve the title of ace in both WWII and the Korean War; remains to this day the only Marine jet aircraft ace^[17]
Evans Carlson – commanded the World War II Marine Raiders, also credited with introducing the term Gung ho into the Marine Corps
Alfred Cunningham – patron of Marine Corps aviation,^[18] innovative thinker in introducing air support, helped create the Advanced Base Force^[19]
Lou Diamond – "Mr. Leatherneck," namesake of the actor Lou Diamond Phillips
Earl H. Ellis – conducted espionage missions in Micronesia that influenced the planning of the island-hopping campaigns of World War II
Guy Gabaldon – captured (or persuaded to surrender) about 1,000 Japanese soldiers and numerous civilians during the Battle of Saipan
Carlos Hathcock – renowned Marine sniper with 93 confirmed kills during the Vietnam War
Ira Hayes – Native American flag raiser on Iwo Jima during World War II^[20]
Archibald Henderson – "Grand old man of the Marine Corps," longest-serving Commandant of the Marine Corps (1820–1859)^[8]^[21]
Albert L. Ireland – received nine Purple Hearts, the most of any Marine
Victor H. Krulak – developed new concepts in expeditionary warfare, such as use of Higgins landing craft and helicopters;^[22] father of Charles C. Krulak, 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps
Robert Leckie – served with the 1st Marine Division during World War II; in later life an author of books including Helmet for My Pillow
John A. Lejeune – 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Commanding General of the U.S. Army's 2nd Infantry Division, and author of the birthday message read aloud at every Marine Corps Birthday Ball ceremony
James Mattis – American veteran and former government official who served as the 26th United States Secretary of Defense from January 2017 through December 2018
Chuck Mawhinney – Marine sniper with the most confirmed kills, all occurring during the Vietnam War^[23]
Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller – received five Navy Crosses^[24] and the Army Distinguished Service Cross
John Ripley – highly decorated Marine, only living person (at the time) to be memorialized in the Naval Academy's museum, first Marine inducted into the Ranger hall of fame
Lawson H. M. Sanderson – aviation pioneer, father of dive bombing technique
Eugene Sledge – author of the 1981 memoir With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa, which chronicled his combat experiences during World War II
JD Vance – military journalist, U.S. senator from Ohio, and current vice president of the United States
George O. Van Orden – brigadier general and "Father of Marine Snipers"
Donald M. Weller – major general and pioneer of Naval gunfire support
William J. Whaling – major general and highly decorated Marine, created the basics for Marine Scout and sniper Company and for Marine Recon
Dion Williams – patron of naval and amphibious reconnaissance, hoisted the first American flag raised over Spanish soil in the Spanish–American War

References

[1]
"John Basilone Parade Website". Archived from the original on 2011-09-05. Retrieved 2008-05-25.
[2]
"Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington – C.O. VMF-214, Black Sheep Squadron". AcePilots.com. Retrieved 2008-05-25.
[3]
"Double Recipients". Full List of MOH Recipients. Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 2007-10-14.
[4]
"WWII vet who was youngest Medal of Honor winner dies". The Seattle Times via Associated Press. June 5, 2008. Archived from the original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 19 June 2011.
[5]
"John Freeman Mackie". Military Times.
[6]
"Sgt. Maj. of Marine Corps sword of office changes hands" (Press release). Division of Public Affairs, United States Marine Corps. July 2, 2003. Release # 0703-03-0537. Retrieved 2007-01-24.
[7]
"African American Milestones in Naval History". Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 2012-02-12.
[8]
"Marine Corps Board Knowledge". Retrieved 2008-05-25.
[9]
Shaw, Henry I. Jr.; Donnelly, Ralph W. (1995). "Blacks in the Marine Corps". Air University. Archived from the original on December 14, 2000. Retrieved December 1, 2011. p. 2
[10]
Coral Anika Theill. "WORLD WAR II Montford Point Marines: Honoring And Preserving Their Legacy". Leatherneck Magazine. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
[11]
Williams, Janette (2011-09-20). "Political activist Isabell Masters, whose presidential ambitions started in Pasadena, dies at 98". Pasadena Star-News. Archived from the original on 2012-06-04. Retrieved 2011-10-08.
[12]
Williams, Rudi (February 6, 2004). "Marine Corps' Magnetism Beckons Future General into World of Elite Warfighters". DefenseLINK News. U.S. Department of Defense. Archived from the original on 2006-10-14. Retrieved 2006-10-15.
[13]
"Sergeant Reckless Korean War horse statue going to KY Horse Park".
[14]
"Statue of heroic Korean War horse Sgt. Reckless to be dedicated at Kentucky Horse Park on May 12 – KyForward.com". 1 May 2018.
[15]
"Official Biography of Angela Salinas". United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on 2007-12-12. Retrieved 2007-12-28.
[16]
"History of the Women Marines". Women Marines Association. Archived from the original on 2006-06-16. Retrieved 2006-08-10.
[17]
Dorr (2005), p.164–65.
[18]
"Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Austell Cunningham, USMC". Marine Corps Legacy Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-07-04. Retrieved 2008-05-25.
[19]
Allan R. Millett, "Semper Fidelis: The History of the United States Marine Corps", (New York, NY: The New Press, 1991).
[20]
"Corporal Ira Hamilton Hayes, USMCR". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on 2006-10-31. Retrieved 2006-09-01.
[21]
"Colonel and Brevet Brigadier General Archibald Henderson, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on 2011-06-15. Retrieved 2008-05-25.
[22]
Miller, Steven (2009-01-03). "Military Innovator Who Sought New Approach to Battle in Vietnam". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
[23]
Perry, Tony (2000-01-22). "A Sniper at Peace With His Duties". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2011-04-16.
[24]
"USMC Knowledge". NROTC, Boston University. Retrieved 2008-05-25.

Sources

Dorr, Robert F. (2005). Marine Air – The History of the Flying Leathernecks in Words and Photos. Penguin Group. ISBN 0-425-20725-0.

External links

USMC History Division Who's Who

Wikimedia Commons has media related to People of the United States Marine Corps.

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Medal of Honor recipients

William Earl Barber – Marine Corps Colonel who fought in Iwo Jima during World War II and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. Barber and his company of 220 men held off more than 1,400 Chinese soldiers during six days of fighting in North Korea, known as the last stand of Fox Company, only 82 US Marines walked away alive.
John Basilone – only enlisted Marine Medal of Honor recipient to return to combat and be killed^[1]
Gregory "Pappy" Boyington – commanded the "Black Sheep Squadron" (VMA-214) during WWII^[2]
Smedley Butler – awarded two Medals of Honor for two different acts,^[3] outspoken critic of war profiteers, testified in Congress regarding a plot to overthrow the government
Louis Cukela – awarded both Navy and Army Medals of Honor^[3]
Daniel Daly – awarded two Medals of Honor for two different acts in two different conflicts^[3]
Merritt A. Edson – commander of the 1st Marine Raider Battalion
Joe Foss – leading fighter ace of the Marine Corps during World War II and the Guadalcanal campaign
Allan J. Kellogg – platoon sergeant of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, during the Vietnam War.
Jacklyn H. Lucas – youngest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor^[4]
John F. Mackie – first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor^[5]
David M. Shoup – was a general of the United States Marine Corps who was awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II, served as the 22nd Commandant of the Marine Corps, and, after retiring, became one of the most prominent critics of the Vietnam War.
France Silva – first Hispanic Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor
John Lucian Smith – flying ace in the Guadalcanal campaign
Edward Sullivan – awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Spanish–American War of 1898
Louis H. Wilson Jr. – commanding officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Fonte Hill, Guam, Marianas Islands

Marine Corps firsts

Vernice Armour – first female African-American combat pilot in United States military
Bryan B. Battaglia – first Marine appointed Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Frederick C. Branch – first African-American Marine officer
Marion Carl – first Marine ace (18.5 victories), member of the Cactus Air Force, first Marine helicopter pilot
John L. Estrada – first Hispanic Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps^[6]
John Glenn – first Marine astronaut, first American to orbit the Earth
Annie Neal Graham – first African-American woman Marine^[7]
Opha May Johnson – first woman Marine^[8]
James L. Jones Sr. – commanded the Observer Group, the first amphibious reconnaissance unit in the United States; father of James L. Jones Jr., the 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps
Kurt Chew-Een Lee – first Chinese-American Marine officer. Led an infantry platoon at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism.
Alfred Masters – first African American Marine^[9]^[10]^[11]
Dennis M. McCarthy – first reserve general officer to command an active duty Marine division
Alford L. McMichael – first African American Marine to serve as Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
Samuel Nicholas – first Commandant of the Marine Corps^[8]
Presley O'Bannon – first to raise the U.S. Flag over foreign soil as a result of combat, "Hero of Derna" which are the "shores of Tripoli" in the Marine hymn
Peter Pace – first Marine to become the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Frank E. Petersen – first African-American aviator Marine, first African-American Marine general, first African-American to command a fighter squadron, a fighter air group, an air wing and a major base.^[12]
Staff Sergeant Reckless – first horse to hold an official rank in the United States Marines and U.S. military in general.^[13]^[14]
Angela Salinas – first Hispanic female to obtain a general rank in the Marines^[15]
Pedro del Valle – first Hispanic to reach the rank of lieutenant general, played an instrumental role in defeating Japanese forces during the Battle of Okinawa
Minnie Spotted-Wolf – first enlisted Native American woman Marine^[16]

Other prominent Marines

John F. Bolt – only Marine aviator to achieve the title of ace in both WWII and the Korean War; remains to this day the only Marine jet aircraft ace^[17]
Evans Carlson – commanded the World War II Marine Raiders, also credited with introducing the term Gung ho into the Marine Corps
Alfred Cunningham – patron of Marine Corps aviation,^[18] innovative thinker in introducing air support, helped create the Advanced Base Force^[19]
Lou Diamond – "Mr. Leatherneck," namesake of the actor Lou Diamond Phillips
Earl H. Ellis – conducted espionage missions in Micronesia that influenced the planning of the island-hopping campaigns of World War II
Guy Gabaldon – captured (or persuaded to surrender) about 1,000 Japanese soldiers and numerous civilians during the Battle of Saipan
Carlos Hathcock – renowned Marine sniper with 93 confirmed kills during the Vietnam War
Ira Hayes – Native American flag raiser on Iwo Jima during World War II^[20]
Archibald Henderson – "Grand old man of the Marine Corps," longest-serving Commandant of the Marine Corps (1820–1859)^[8]^[21]
Albert L. Ireland – received nine Purple Hearts, the most of any Marine
Victor H. Krulak – developed new concepts in expeditionary warfare, such as use of Higgins landing craft and helicopters;^[22] father of Charles C. Krulak, 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps
Robert Leckie – served with the 1st Marine Division during World War II; in later life an author of books including Helmet for My Pillow
John A. Lejeune – 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Commanding General of the U.S. Army's 2nd Infantry Division, and author of the birthday message read aloud at every Marine Corps Birthday Ball ceremony
James Mattis – American veteran and former government official who served as the 26th United States Secretary of Defense from January 2017 through December 2018
Chuck Mawhinney – Marine sniper with the most confirmed kills, all occurring during the Vietnam War^[23]
Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller – received five Navy Crosses^[24] and the Army Distinguished Service Cross
John Ripley – highly decorated Marine, only living person (at the time) to be memorialized in the Naval Academy's museum, first Marine inducted into the Ranger hall of fame
Lawson H. M. Sanderson – aviation pioneer, father of dive bombing technique
Eugene Sledge – author of the 1981 memoir With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa, which chronicled his combat experiences during World War II
JD Vance – military journalist, U.S. senator from Ohio, and current vice president of the United States
George O. Van Orden – brigadier general and "Father of Marine Snipers"
Donald M. Weller – major general and pioneer of Naval gunfire support
William J. Whaling – major general and highly decorated Marine, created the basics for Marine Scout and sniper Company and for Marine Recon
Dion Williams – patron of naval and amphibious reconnaissance, hoisted the first American flag raised over Spanish soil in the Spanish–American War