Graves B. Erskine

Graves B. Erskine was a highly decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps who rose to the rank of lieutenant general. His extensive career spanned both World War I and World War II, where he commanded the 3rd Marine Division during the critical Battle of Iwo Jima. Following the war, he held significant command and staff positions, including leading the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War and serving as director of the Central Intelligence Agency's Office of National Estimates.

Early life and education

Graves Blanchard Erskine was born in Columbia, Louisiana, and later attended Louisiana State University. His education was interrupted by the United States' entry into World War I, prompting him to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1917. He received his commission as a second lieutenant after completing training at the Marine Corps Officers' School in Quantico, Virginia.

Military career

Following his commission, Erskine was assigned to the 6th Marine Regiment and deployed to France as part of the American Expeditionary Forces. After the Armistice of 11 November 1918, he participated in the occupation of Germany. During the interwar period, he served in various posts, including tours in Haiti and Nicaragua as part of the Banana Wars. He also served aboard the USS *Wyoming* and attended the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.

World War II service

At the outbreak of World War II, Erskine served on the staff of the Commandant of the Marine Corps and later with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C.. In 1944, he was given command of the 3rd Marine Division, leading it through the brutal Battle of Iwo Jima. His leadership during the assault on Mount Suribachi and the subsequent campaign across the island was recognized with the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. Following the surrender of Japan, he commanded occupation forces in North China before returning to the United States.

Post-war service and later life

After the war, Erskine commanded the Marine Corps Schools at Quantico, Virginia. During the Korean War, he took command of the 1st Marine Division in 1952, participating in operations along the Korean Demilitarized Zone. His final active-duty assignment was as commanding general of the Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps in 1953, he was appointed director of the Office of National Estimates for the Central Intelligence Agency, a position he held until 1961. He spent his later years in Washington, D.C. and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards and decorations

Lieutenant General Erskine's awards include two awards of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, and the Purple Heart. He also received the World War I Victory Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Korea Medal.

Category:United States Marine Corps generals Category:American military personnel of World War I Category:American military personnel of World War II Category:American military personnel of the Korean War Category:Recipients of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal Category:1897 births Category:1973 deaths