Alexander Vandegrift

Alexander Archer Vandegrift (March 13, 1887 – May 8, 1973) was a United States Marine Corps four-star general. During World War II, he commanded the 1st Marine Division to victory in its first ground offensive of the war, the Battle of Guadalcanal. For his actions from August 7 to December 9, 1942, during the Solomon Islands campaign, he received the Medal of Honor. Vandegrift later served as the 18th Commandant of the Marine Corps. He was the first four-star general on active duty in the Marine Corps.

Alexander Vandegrift
18th Commandant of the Marine Corps (1944–1947)
Nickname(s)Archie
Born(1887-03-13)March 13, 1887
Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.
DiedMay 8, 1973(1973-05-08) (aged 86)
Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.
Buried
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Marine Corps
Years of service1909–1949
RankGeneral
Commands heldCommandant of the Marine Corps
I Marine Amphibious Corps
1st Marine Division
Battles/wars
Awards
  • Medal of Honor
  • Navy Cross
  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal
  • Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (United Kingdom)
  • Companion of the Order of the Bath (United Kingdom)
  • Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands)
  • Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour (France)
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