Evans Carlson

Evans Carlson was a highly decorated United States Marine Corps officer who achieved fame for his leadership of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, known as "Carlson's Raiders," during World War II. His innovative tactics and philosophy of leadership, heavily influenced by his observations in China, left a lasting impact on United States special operations forces. Carlson is best remembered for the epic "Long Patrol" on Guadalcanal, a grueling month-long operation behind enemy lines that inflicted heavy casualties on Imperial Japanese Army forces.

Early life and military career

Born in Sidney, New York, he left high school and enlisted in the United States Army in 1912, serving in the Philippines and Hawaii. After World War I, during which he served as a captain, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1922. His early service included deployments to Nicaragua, where he participated in the Banana Wars, and China, where he was first assigned to the Legation Guard in Beijing. These formative experiences in Latin America and Asia shaped his understanding of guerrilla warfare and irregular tactics. He later served as an intelligence officer with the 4th Marine Regiment in Shanghai, further deepening his knowledge of the region.

Carlson's Raiders and the Long Patrol

Following a second tour in China as an observer with the Eighth Route Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War, Carlson was deeply impressed by the Communist Party of China's tactics and their ethic of mutual respect between officers and men. Upon returning to the United States, he advocated for the creation of a similar elite unit within the Marine Corps. With approval from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose son James Roosevelt served as his executive officer, Carlson formed and commanded the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion. The unit's most famous action was the "Long Patrol" on Guadalcanal from November to December 1942. Over 29 days, his Raiders marched over 150 miles through dense jungle, engaging in numerous skirmishes and effectively destroying the Japanese 228th Infantry Regiment near the Matanikau River.

World War II service

Prior to the Long Patrol, Carlson led his Raiders in the Makin Island raid in August 1942, a diversionary attack following the Battle of Midway. He was wounded during the later stages of the Battle of Guadalcanal and subsequently received the Navy Cross for his heroism there. After recovering, he commanded the Marine Raiders during the Battle of Tarawa, though his battalion was held in reserve. He later served as the chief of staff of the 4th Marine Division during the Battle of Saipan and the Battle of Tinian. His final combat command was leading a regiment of the 5th Marine Division during the intense Battle of Iwo Jima, where he was again wounded in action.

Later life and death

Following the surrender of Japan, he served in various post-war assignments, including a role in China. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1946 with the rank of brigadier general. He then moved to Portland, Oregon, and began a career as a writer and lecturer. His health, however, had been compromised by his numerous combat wounds and the physical toll of his service. He died suddenly of a heart attack in Portland, Oregon on May 27, 1947, and was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Legacy and honors

Carlson's legacy is profound within the United States Marine Corps and the broader United States special operations forces community. His leadership concept, "Gung Ho" (a term he adopted from the Chinese phrase for "work together"), emphasized shared hardship, ethical indoctrination, and teamwork. The tactics and esprit de corps of Carlson's Raiders are considered a direct precursor to modern units like the Marine Forces Special Operations Command. His decorations include two awards of the Navy Cross, the Legion of Merit, and the Purple Heart. The USS *Carlson* was named in his honor, and his writings continue to be studied in military leadership courses.

Category:United States Marine Corps generals Category:United States Army personnel Category:Recipients of the Navy Cross