General Alexander A. Vandegrift
1st Marine Division, Commandant of the Marine Corps, U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)
 Background
Alexander Archer Vandegrift was born March 13, 1887 in Charlottesville, Virginia. He attended the University of Virginia for three years between 1906–1908 then after a week long competitive examination entered the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). On January 22, 1909 Vandegrift was commissioned with the rank of second lieutenant and began his military career.
Wartime History
During November 1941, Brigadier General Vandegrift was assigned to the 1st Marine Division (1st MarDiv). On December 7, 1941 he became the Assistant Commander of 1st MarDiv. In March 1942 promoted to the rank of Major General. In April 1942 assumed command of 1st MarDiv. During May 1942 deployed for the South Pacific, the first U.S. Marine Division deployed overseas. During the voyage to the Solomon Islands aboard USS McCawley APA-4 a Rear Admiral Richmond K. Turner and Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift were photographed on the flag bridge.
On August 7, 1942 led the U.S. Marine amphibious assault landings at Tulagi, Gavutu and Guadalcanal and commanded the 1st Marine Division during the pivotal Guadalcanal campaign.
On November 1, 1943 during "Operation Cherryblossom" commands the 1st Marine Amphibious Corps for their landng at Cape Torokina on western Bougainville with the the 3d Raider Battalion with one reinforced company lands on Puruata Island.
On January 1, 1944 as a Lieutenant General he became the 18th commandant of the Marine Corps. On April 4, 1945 he was appointed as a four star General, the first Marine officer on active duty to achieve this rank.
Medal of Honor
On February 5, 1943 at the White House, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt bestowed him with the Medal of Honor "for outstanding and heroic accomplishment above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the First Marine Division in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands during the period 7 August to 9 December 1942... resulted in securing a valuable base for further operations of our forces against the enemy."
Medal of Honor (August 7, 1942–December 9, 1942)
 "For outstanding and heroic accomplishment above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the 1st Marine Division in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands during the period from 7 August to 9 December 1942. With the adverse factors of weather, terrain, and disease making his task a difficult and hazardous undertaking, and with his command eventually including sea, land, and air forces of Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Maj. Gen. Vandegrift achieved marked success in commanding the initial landings of the U. S. forces in the Solomon Islands and in their subsequent occupation. His tenacity, courage, and resourcefulness prevailed against a strong, determined, and experienced enemy, and the gallant fighting spirit of the men under his inspiring leadership enabled them to withstand aerial, land, and sea bombardment, to surmount all obstacles, and leave a disorganized and ravaged enemy. This dangerous but vital mission, accomplished at the constant risk of his life, resulted in securing a valuable base for further operations of our forces against the enemy, and its successful completion reflects great credit upon Maj. Gen. Vandegrift, his command, and the U.S. Naval Service." |
Awards
He earned the Navy Cross "for extraordinary heroism and distinguished devotion to duty as Commanding General of the First Marine Division and all ground troops action with enemy Japanese forces during the attack on the Solomon Islands 7 August 1942". He also earned the Distinguished Service Medal for his service as commandant of the Marine Corps between January 1, 1944–June 30, 1946.
Postwar
After World War II, as commandant of the Marine Corps Vandegrift advocated to keep the U.S. Marines against pressure from the U.S. Army and leaders including U.S. President Harry Truman to cut the branch. On May 6, 1946 he delivered a speech dubbed the "Bended Knee Speech" to U.S. Senate Committee on Naval Affairs that helped preserve the branch.
On November 8, 1946 he presented the Medal of Honor
bestowed on Major Henry T. Elrod to his widow, Elizabeth J. Elrood.
During 1964, he wrote his memoirs "Once a Marine: The Memoirs of General A. A. Vandegrift Commandant of the U.S. Marines in WW II".
Memorials
Vandegrift passed away on May 8, 1973 after a long illness. On May 10, 1973 was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at section 2, Lot 4965-B.
References
Once a Marine: The Memoirs of General A. A. Vandegrift Commandant of the U.S. Marines in WWII (1964) by Alexander A. Vandegrift
Congressional Medal of Honor Society - Alexander Archer Vandegrift
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC Explorer) -
Alexander A. Vandegrift (grave photos)
FindAGrave - Alexander Archer Vandegrift (photo, grave photo)
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