Harry Schmidt (USMC)

Harry Schmidt (USMC) was a highly decorated General in the United States Marine Corps who commanded large formations during the Pacific War of World War II. He led the V Amphibious Corps through several critical campaigns, including the Battle of Saipan and the Battle of Iwo Jima. Known for his methodical planning and calm demeanor under pressure, Schmidt played a pivotal role in the Marine Corps' island-hopping advance toward Japan.

Early life and education

Harry Schmidt was born on September 25, 1886, in Holdrege, Nebraska. He attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln before his military aspirations led him to secure a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1909. His early professional education included courses at the Army War College and the Naval War College, which prepared him for high-level command and staff duties.

Military career

Schmidt's early career included service in the Philippines and with the Marine Corps Expeditionary Force in Cuba. He saw action during the Banana Wars, including the United States occupation of Veracruz in 1914 and later expeditions in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. During World War I, he served with the American Expeditionary Forces in France as a staff officer, though not in frontline combat. Between the wars, he held significant posts, including Director of the Division of Operations and Training at Marine Corps Headquarters and commanded the 5th Marine Regiment.

World War II service

Promoted to Major General, Schmidt took command of the newly formed 4th Marine Division in 1943, leading it to its first combat victory at the Battle of Kwajalein. In July 1944, he assumed command of the V Amphibious Corps from General Holland Smith. Schmidt led the corps through the brutal Battle of Saipan and the subsequent Battle of Tinian. His most famous and costly command was during the Battle of Iwo Jima in early 1945, where his corps, consisting of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Marine Divisions, secured the island after a month of intense fighting against the Imperial Japanese Army forces under Tadamichi Kuribayashi.

Post-war life and death

After World War II, Schmidt remained in the Pacific, serving as Commanding General of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific and later of the Marine Training and Replacement Command in San Diego, California. He retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1948 after nearly forty years of service. General Harry Schmidt died on February 10, 1968, in San Diego, California, and was interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Awards and decorations

General Schmidt's military decorations include two awards of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. His other honors encompass the World War I Victory Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four service stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was also made a Companion of the Order of the Bath by the United Kingdom.

Category:United States Marine Corps generals Category:United States Marine Corps personnel of World War I Category:United States Marine Corps personnel of World War II Category:Recipients of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal Category:1886 births Category:1968 deaths