Oliver P. Smith
| Oliver Prince Smith | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nickname(s) | "O.P.", "the professor", "student general" |
| Born |
October 26, 1893 Menard, Texas |
| Died | December 25, 1977 (aged 84) Los Altos, California |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps
|
| Years of service | 1917–1955 |
| Rank |
 General
|
| Commands held |
Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic Camp Pendleton Assistant Commandant USMC 1st Marine Division 5th Marine Regiment 1st Battalion 6th Marines |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Air Medal |
Oliver Prince Smith (October 26, 1893 – December 25, 1977) was a highly decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He is most noted for commanding the 1st Marine Division during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where he said "Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction." He retired at the rank of four-star general, being advanced in rank for having been specially commended for heroism in combat.
Smith was born in Menard, Texas but grew up in Northern California. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, working his way through college doing odd jobs but mostly gardening and was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity He graduated in 1916 and reported for active duty as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on May 14, 1917.
The following month he was assigned his first overseas tour at Guam, Marianas Islands, where he served with the Marine Barracks, Naval Station. While in Guam, (then) Lieutenant Smith was married to Esther Laurilla King of Hayward, California. They remained married for 58 years. In May 1919, he returned to the United States for duty with the Marine Barracks at Mare Island, California.
Ordered to sea duty in October 1921, Lieutenant Smith served as Commanding Officer of the Marine Detachment aboard the USS Texas (BB-35) until May 1924. At that time he was assigned to Marine Corps Headquarters, Washington, D.C., for duty with the personnel section.
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Wikipedia