Vandegrift (FFG 48) - Naval Cruise Book

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GE ERAL A.A. VANDEGRIFT, USMC Alexander A. Vandegrift was born on March 13, 1887, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Attending the University of Virginia, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1909. In 1912, Vandegrift participated in the capture of Coyotepe, Nicaragua, and two years later in the occupation of Veracruz, Mexico. He also served aboard the USS MINNESOTA, USS VIRGINIA, USS DELAWARE, and USS CHESTER until ordered to Haiti in 1915 for action against the Cacos Bandits. For service in Haiti, where he continued to serve in various capacities until 1923, the President of the Republic of Haiti awarded him their Distinguished Service Medal and the Haitian Medaille Melitaire with one Silver Star. The following 18 years were spent in various posts and stations in the United States with the exception of two tours in China. In 1942 Vandegrift sailed to the South Pacific as Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division and led his men to the initial landing of the U.S. Forces against the japanese at Guadalcanal. For this action on August 1942, he was awarded the Navy Cross. Later Vandegrift was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The citation reads, For outstanding and heroic accomplishments above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the First Marine Division in operations against the enemy japanese forces in the Solomon Islands during the period August 7, 1942 to December 9, 1942. With the adverse factors of weather, terrain and disease making his task a difficult and hazardous undertaking, and with his command eventually including sea, land and air forces to the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Major General Vandegrift achieved marked success in commanding the initial landings of the United States Forces in the Solomon Islands and in their subsequent occupation. His tenacity, courage and resourcefulness prevailed against a strong, determined and experienced enemy, and the gallant fighting spirit of the men under his inspiring leadership enabled them to withstand aerial, land and sea bombardment, to surmount all obstacles and leave a disorganized and ravaged enemy. This dangerous but vital mission, accomplished at the constant risk of his life, resulted in securing a valuable base for further operations of our forces against the enemy, and its successful completion reflects great credit upon Major General Vandegrift, his command and the United States Naval Service. With the successful conclusion of the Solomon Island campaign, Vandegrift assumed command injuly of 1943 of the 1st Marine Amphibious Corps and directed the initial landing at Empress Augusta Bay, Bourgainville. ' On january 1, 1945, Vandegrift was appointed General, the first active duty Marine Officer to reach four star rank. For guiding the Marine Corps through the final years of the war and the demobilization that followed, Vandegrift received the Distinguished Service Medal. This citation reads in part, for exceptional meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commander of the United States Marine Corps from january 1, 1944 to june 30, 1946. General Vandegrift exerCiSCCl extraordinary foresight, initiative and judgment in directing the policies and organization of the Corps. A leader of uncompromising integrity and indefatigable energies, General Vandegrift upheld and quickened the incomparable esprit de corps of his command and developed such a level of combat efficiency to be end that the enemy was overwhelmed by the Marine Wherever met. In December 1947 he left active duty and was placed on the retired list in April of 1949. General Vandegrift died at Bethesda, Maryland, May 8, 1973 at the age of 86.

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Table of Contents. . . GEN Vandegrift . . . Commanding Officer Executive Officer . . Wardroom ........ Chief Petty Officers Combat Systems . . . Engineering ........ Operations ..... SupplyfSupport lr Departure Ports of Call Gulf Operations Tigers Steal Beach Homecoming Odds and Ends A' ....,....

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