Walter McIlhenny
| Walter Stauffer McIlhenny | |
|---|---|
Brigadier General Walter S. McIlhenny
|
|
| Nickname(s) | "Tabasco Mac" |
| Born |
October 22, 1910 Washington, D.C. |
| Died | June 22, 1985 (aged 74) Lafayette, Louisiana |
| Buried at | Avery Island, Louisiana |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps
|
| Years of service | 1931-1935 (VNG); 1935-1959 (USMCR) |
| Rank |
 Brigadier General
|
| Battles/wars |
World War II *Battle of Guadalcanal *New Britain *Battle of Peleliu |
| Awards |
Navy Cross Silver Star Purple Heart (2) |
| Other work |
McIlhenny Company, president Marine Military Academy, co-founder |
Walter Stauffer McIlhenny (October 22, 1910 - June 22, 1985) served as president of McIlhenny Company, maker of Tabasco brand pepper sauce, from 1949 until his death in 1985. He also distinguished himself as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve — receiving the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal and retiring as a brigadier general. He was a co-founder, trustee, and president emeritus of the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas.
Having joined the Virginia National Guard in 1931 and served on its rifle team, McIlhenny transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1935, attended Platoon Leaders Class, and served as captain of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve rifle team.
Called to active duty when the United States became involved in World War II, McIlhenny spent 31 months in the western Pacific as a member of B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. At Guadalcanal, he received the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, and the Purple Heart. He also saw action at New Britain and at Peleliu, where he received a second Purple Heart.
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