Biography:

Marine Corps general. Born– Apr. 20, 1882 in Seale, Russell Co., Ala. Parents– John V. and Corrie E. (McTyeire) Smith. Married– Ada B. Wilkinson in 1909. Children– One. Education– Alabama Polytechnic Institute, B.S.; University of Alabama, LL.B. Admitted to bar in 1903 but left practice after two years; commissioned U.S. Marines in 1905 and served in France in World War I; successful trainer for combat, known as “father of modern amphibious warfare”; in World War II led marine invasions of Tarawa, Taipan, and Iwo Jima, gaining nickname “Howlin’ Mad”; later commander of fleet Marine force in Pacific; retired 1946 as full general.

Source:

Who Was Who in America, Vol. 4; National Cyclopedia of American Biography, Vol. G.

Publication(s):

Coral and Brass. New York; Scribner, 1949.