Holland Smith
| Holland Smith | |
|---|---|
General Holland M. Smith
|
|
| Birth name | Holland McTyeire Smith |
| Nickname(s) | "Howlin' Mad" Father of Modern Amphibious Warfare |
| Born |
April 20, 1882 Seale, Alabama |
| Died | January 12, 1967 (aged 84) San Diego, California |
| Place of burial | Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps
|
| Years of service | 1905–1946 |
| Rank |
 General
|
| Commands held |
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps 1st Marine Brigade 1st Marine Division V Amphibious Corps |
| Battles/wars |
Banana Wars World War I World War II |
| Awards |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal (4) Purple Heart Medal Croix de Guerre |
Holland McTyeire "Howlin' Mad" Smith, KCB (April 20, 1882 – January 12, 1967) was a general in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He is sometimes called the "father" of modern U.S. amphibious warfare. His nickname, "Howlin' Mad" Smith, had been given to him by his troops in the Dominican Republic in 1916.
On the eve of World War II, General Smith directed extensive Army, Navy, and Marine amphibious training, which was a major factor in successful U.S. landings in both the Atlantic and Pacific. He subsequently helped prepare U.S. Army and Canadian troops for the Kiska and Attu landings, then led the V Amphibious Corps in the assaults on the Gilbert Islands, the Marshall Islands, the island of Saipan, and Tinian in the Marianas.
During the Marianas operation, besides the V Amphibious Corps, he commanded all Expeditionary Troops, including those that recaptured Guam. He then served as the first Commanding General of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, and headed Task Force 56 (Expeditionary Troops) at Iwo Jima, which included all the assault troops in that battle.
Holland Smith was born on April 20, 1882 in Hatchechubbee, Alabama to John V. Smith and his wife Cornelia Caroline McTyeire. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University (then known as Alabama Polytechnic Institute) in 1901. He had already decided on a military career and had become first sergeant of a cavalry company in the Alabama National Guard. However, he obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Alabama in 1903 and practiced law in Montgomery, Alabama for a year. He then sought a commission in the Army, but as none were then open he was appointed a Marine second lieutenant on March 20, 1905. (He was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Alabama Polytechnic Institute.)
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