Ross E. Rowell
| Ross Erastus Rowell | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nickname(s) | "Rusty" |
| Born |
September 22, 1884 Ruthven, Iowa |
| Died | September 6, 1947 (aged 62) San Diego |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps
|
| Years of service | 1906–1946 |
| Rank |
 Lieutenant General
|
| Commands held |
VO-1M 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Marine Corps Aviation |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Flying Cross Legion of Merit |
Ross Erastus Rowell (22 September 1884 – 6 September 1947) was a highly decorated United States Marine Corps aviator who achieved the rank of lieutenant general by the end of his 40 years of service. He served as Director of Marine Corps Aviation from May 30, 1935 until March 10, 1939 and was one of the three senior officers of Marine Corps aviation during World War II.
Ross Rowell was born on September 22, 1884 in Ruthven, Iowa, attending grade and high school in Ruthven. He was graduated from Iowa State College and then studied electrical engineering for two years at the University of Idaho. He then worked for two years as topographer and draftsman for the U.S. Geological Survey at Sanke River Valley, Idaho.
He was appointed as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in August 1906. He served in Cuba from 1906 until 1909. Rowell was designated a Student Naval Aviator in 1923, taking his fight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida and at Kelly Field in San Antonio, Texas. General Rowell was commended by the Secretary of the Navy for making the highest bombing score during the gunnery year 1924-25, and in 1926 he was praised by the Commandant of the Marine Corps for the high state of efficiency prevailing at Naval Air Station San Diego, California, where he then was group commander.
...
Wikipedia