Clifton B. Cates
United States Marine Corps four-star general (1893–1970) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Clifton B. Cates?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Clifton Bledsoe Cates (August 31, 1893 – June 4, 1970) served as the 19th Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1948 to 1951, holding the rank of a United States Marine Corps four-star general. He earned recognition for his heroism during World War I at the Battle of Belleau Wood and for his exceptional leadership during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Cates is widely regarded as one of the most distinguished young officers of World War I.[3] His remarkable career included commanding a platoon, a company, a battalion, a regiment, and a division, making him one of the few officers across all branches of service to have achieved this feat in combat.[4][5][6][7]
Clifton B. Cates | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | "Lucky"[1] |
Born | (1893-08-31)August 31, 1893 Tiptonville, Tennessee, US[2] |
Died | June 4, 1970(1970-06-04) (aged 76) Annapolis, Maryland, US |
Buried | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1917–1954 |
Rank | General |
Commands held | Commandant of the Marine Corps 4th Marine Division 1st Marine Regiment 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines |
Battles/wars | World War I |
Awards | Navy Cross Distinguished Service Cross (2) Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2) Silver Star (4) Legion of Merit Purple Heart Knight of the Legion of Honor (France) Croix de Guerre (France) Grand Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands) |
Spouse(s) | Jane McIlhenny[1] |
Other work | National Campaign Chairman, United Service Organizations |