Smedley Butler, USMC

[Story]

Do we have any fans of the good General out there? Seems like quite the period character.

For those who are unfamiliar with Butler's exploits, here's some background:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler

"The Business Plot" also sounds like the inspiration for Sinclair Lewis' IT CAN'T HAPPEN HERE.

 

[Harp]

The Commandant

I recall a remark about General Butler (overheard inside a Navy messhall
in Naples, Italy), that rumor had it that he mistakenly willed the USMC Commandant's Washington residence at Eight/Eye Street to his children.

 

[VintageJess]

Yes, quite the character. Hard not to be a fan of a Marine with two Medals of Honor (although the criteria was a bit different at that time.)

In my opinion, he seemed to get a bit cranky after being passed over for Commandant, but truly a legendary figure in Marine Corps history. I love the story of him digging up Stonewall Jackson's arm in 1921 while he was the Base Commander at Quantico.

http://www.fowb.org/E17.html
http://www.usa-civil-war.com/Jackson/jackson_arm.html

My husband is stationed at Quantico now, and there are some great old pictures of Gen Butler around the base.

As far as other favorite Marines from that time period, I have always been a big fan of John Lejeune. He contributed a great deal to make the Marine Corps the professional organization that it is today.

MARINE CORPS ORDERS
No. 47 (Series 1921)
HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS
Washington, November 1, 1921

759. The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the
10th of November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it
will be read upon receipt.

(1) On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental
Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is
fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the
glories of its long and illustrious history.

(2) The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous
military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the
Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the
Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and is the long eras of tranquility at home,
generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every
corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

(3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves
with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come
to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received
from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit
which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of
the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal
to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will
regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of
the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.


JOHN A. LEJEUNE,
Major General Commandant
75705--21

 

[Story]

Another article on Butler -

http://coat.ncf.ca/our_magazine/links/53/butler01-by_schmidt.html

History ultimately proved Butler wrong in his isolationist views. He was anti-Fascist and probably a 'useful idiot' of the Communists, and yet he preached isolation. [huh]

Anyone have any biographies of him in their libraries?

 

[Mojave Jack]

I've never read a biography of Butler, though a few years ago I came across a work of fiction about him. It's titled A Few Good Men, by William Overgard, and is not to be confused with the Tom Cruise movie of the same name. It's not the best book I've ever read, but it was entertaining. It also featured appearances by Chesty Puller, then a Captain, and (then) Lieutenant C.F. Schilt. Overgard definately knows his Marine Corps history, and I think he captured the essence of those men pretty well. It's worth a read, anyway.

On a side note, I had an interesting experience today. I went to give my part of the newcomer's brief here at 29 Palms, and discovered I was briefing my old unit, Weapons Co., 1/24. I left the unit in 1989, so there were no familiar faces, but it still a lot like catching up with old friends.