Edwin A. Pollock
Encyclopedia
General Edwin A. Pollock USMC, was a highly decorated combat veteran of World War II and Korea who commanded both the 1st and 2d Marine Divisions and is the only man to have served as Commanding General of both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Marine Force. He had been advanced to the rank of general upon retirement by reason of having been specially commended in combat.
Pollock was awarded the Navy Cross
for heroism on Guadalcanal
the night of 20–21 August 1942. He was then a lieutenant colonel serving as a battalion commander with the 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. His citation states in part:
, where he attended the Summerville Academy. He also studied for a year at Staunton Military Academy
in Virginia before entering The Citadel
at Charleston, South Carolina
. Graduating from The Citadel in 1921 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, he was appointed a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve that June. He resigned that commission to accept appointment as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve 1 July 1921.
After completing the Company Officers' Course, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia, Pollock reported to the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, in November 1922. He began his first tour of expeditionary duty in 1923 when he was ordered to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In 1926, after duty with the West Coast Expeditionary Forces at San Diego, California, and a brief period at Quantico, he joined the 11th Marine Regiment in Nicaragua
for his second tour of expeditionary service. He was promoted to first lieutenant in September 1926. He later joined the Staff of the Commanding General, 2d Brigade Marines, in Nicaragua, before returning to Quantico
in late 1927.
In August 1928, as a member of the Marine Detachment aboard the , Pollock was ordered once more to Nicaragua, during the U.S. military intervention in the Central America
n country. From June 1930 to August 1934, he served on the staff of the Marine Corps Schools. He was also attached to the 1st Marines during a period of intensive training aboard the in Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific waters. In August 1934, he was assigned duty aboard the as Commanding Officer, Marine Detachment. That November he was promoted to captain. He continued to command the Marine Detachment until June 1936.
During the following year, Pollock served at the Marine Barracks, Naval Ammunition Depot, St. Julien's Creek, Virginia. In June 1937, he was ordered to Philadelphia where he served as Officer in Charge of the Publicity Bureau. He was promoted to major in September 1938. Leaving Philadelphia in June 1939, Pollock was assigned to the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico. There he completed the Senior Course and served as Assistant Instructor in the Base Defense Weapons and Reserve Officers' courses. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in January 1942.
In April 1942, Pollock took command of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines
. He embarked for the Pacific area in June and two months later participated in the action which earned him the Navy Cross on Guadalcanal. That September, he as named Executive Officer of the 1st Marines, and in July 1943 became Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 (Operations), 1st Marine Division. He was promoted to colonel in November 1943.
Pollock later took part in the Eastern New Guinea and Cape Gloucester operations, earning the Legion of Merit
with Combat "V" during the latter. He returned to the States in March 1944 as Staff Instructor at the Army, Navy Staff College. In December 1944, he rejoined the Fleet Marine Force overseas as Operations Officer and, later, Chief of Staff, 4th Marine Division. During combat on Iwo Jima
, he was awarded the Bronze Star
with Combat "V".
In November 1945, Pollock was again ordered to Quantico. He served there successively as Commanding Officer of the Basic School, Executive Officer of the Marine Corps Schools, and Chief of Staff of the Marine Barracks. Subsequently assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C., he was appointed Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps in June 1948. In July 1949, with his promotion to brigadier general, he became Director of Plans and Policies at Headquarters Marine Corps
.
Pollock was promoted to major general in October 1951. That December, he became Commanding General of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune
, North Carolina. In August 1952, he arrived in Korea
to assume command of the 1st Marine Division. The Distinguished Service Medal
was awarded to him for outstanding service in this capacity during the Korean War
from August 1952 to June 1953, during bitter engagements on the Reno-Carson-Vegas Complex.
Shortly after returning from Korea, the general reported to Quantico in July 1953 as Director of the Marine Corps Educational Center. A year later he assumed command of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. In January 1956, Pollock was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed Commandant of the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico
.
Pollock left Quantico in August 1956 to assume duty the following month at Camp H. M. Smith
as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, Honolulu, T.H. Following this assignment, he served as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, from December 1957 until his retirement on 1 November 1959.
In 1965 he was instrumental in helping found the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas and served as the schools first President and Commandant, he later served as Chairman of the Board of Visitors at The Citadel and was named Chairman Emeritus upon the completion of his term. The auditorium at the headquarters of the Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia is named in his honor and the bridge leading to the main gate at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina is named the General Edwin Pollock Causeway.
Pollock died on November 8, 1982 and is buried at the National Cemetery in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Pollock was awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for heroism on Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal campaign
The Guadalcanal Campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by Allied forces, was a military campaign fought between August 7, 1942 and February 9, 1943 on and around the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theatre of World War II...
the night of 20–21 August 1942. He was then a lieutenant colonel serving as a battalion commander with the 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. His citation states in part:
"When the troops under his command were subjected to a powerful and determined surprise attack at the Tenaru RiverTenaru RiverThe Tenaru is the name of a river on the northern coast of Guadalcanal with a tributary at Savo Sound . During World War II, it was the site for the Battle of the Tenaru River.-References:...
, Lieutenant-Colonel Pollock, immediately leaving his Command Post, advanced through severe enemy mortar and machine-gun fire to a position in the front line, and while thus constantly exposed to extreme danger, directed the defense of our forces for a period of twelve hours. As a result of his excellent judgment and superb leadership, the men under his command destroyed practically the entire enemy force of seven hundred."
Biography
Pollock was born on 21 March 1899, at Augusta, GeorgiaAugusta, Georgia
Augusta is a consolidated city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located along the Savannah River. As of the 2010 census, the Augusta–Richmond County population was 195,844 not counting the unconsolidated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe.Augusta is the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County...
, where he attended the Summerville Academy. He also studied for a year at Staunton Military Academy
Staunton Military Academy
Staunton Military Academy was an all-male military academy located in Staunton, Virginia for much of its 116-year history. The school closed in 1976. Many notable American political and military leaders are graduates...
in Virginia before entering The Citadel
The Citadel (military college)
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, also known simply as The Citadel, is a state-supported, comprehensive college located in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. It is one of the six senior military colleges in the United States...
at Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the...
. Graduating from The Citadel in 1921 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, he was appointed a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve that June. He resigned that commission to accept appointment as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve 1 July 1921.
After completing the Company Officers' Course, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia, Pollock reported to the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, in November 1922. He began his first tour of expeditionary duty in 1923 when he was ordered to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In 1926, after duty with the West Coast Expeditionary Forces at San Diego, California, and a brief period at Quantico, he joined the 11th Marine Regiment in Nicaragua
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is the largest country in the Central American American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The country is situated between 11 and 14 degrees north of the Equator in the Northern Hemisphere, which places it entirely within the tropics. The Pacific Ocean...
for his second tour of expeditionary service. He was promoted to first lieutenant in September 1926. He later joined the Staff of the Commanding General, 2d Brigade Marines, in Nicaragua, before returning to Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico, sometimes abbreviated MCB Quantico, is a major United States Marine Corps training base located near Triangle, Virginia, covering nearly in southern Prince William County, northern Stafford County, and southeastern Fauquier County...
in late 1927.
In August 1928, as a member of the Marine Detachment aboard the , Pollock was ordered once more to Nicaragua, during the U.S. military intervention in the Central America
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
n country. From June 1930 to August 1934, he served on the staff of the Marine Corps Schools. He was also attached to the 1st Marines during a period of intensive training aboard the in Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific waters. In August 1934, he was assigned duty aboard the as Commanding Officer, Marine Detachment. That November he was promoted to captain. He continued to command the Marine Detachment until June 1936.
During the following year, Pollock served at the Marine Barracks, Naval Ammunition Depot, St. Julien's Creek, Virginia. In June 1937, he was ordered to Philadelphia where he served as Officer in Charge of the Publicity Bureau. He was promoted to major in September 1938. Leaving Philadelphia in June 1939, Pollock was assigned to the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico. There he completed the Senior Course and served as Assistant Instructor in the Base Defense Weapons and Reserve Officers' courses. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in January 1942.
In April 1942, Pollock took command of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines
2nd Battalion 1st Marines
2nd Battalion, 1st Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Nicknamed "The Professionals," the battalion consists of approximately 1000 Marines and Sailors...
. He embarked for the Pacific area in June and two months later participated in the action which earned him the Navy Cross on Guadalcanal. That September, he as named Executive Officer of the 1st Marines, and in July 1943 became Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 (Operations), 1st Marine Division. He was promoted to colonel in November 1943.
Pollock later took part in the Eastern New Guinea and Cape Gloucester operations, earning the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
with Combat "V" during the latter. He returned to the States in March 1944 as Staff Instructor at the Army, Navy Staff College. In December 1944, he rejoined the Fleet Marine Force overseas as Operations Officer and, later, Chief of Staff, 4th Marine Division. During combat on Iwo Jima
Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima , or Operation Detachment, was a major battle in which the United States fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima from the Empire of Japan. The U.S...
, he was awarded the Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
with Combat "V".
In November 1945, Pollock was again ordered to Quantico. He served there successively as Commanding Officer of the Basic School, Executive Officer of the Marine Corps Schools, and Chief of Staff of the Marine Barracks. Subsequently assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C., he was appointed Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps in June 1948. In July 1949, with his promotion to brigadier general, he became Director of Plans and Policies at Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions...
.
Pollock was promoted to major general in October 1951. That December, he became Commanding General of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a United States military training facility in North Carolina. The base's of beaches make it a major area for amphibious assault training, and its location between two deep-water ports allows for fast deployments.The main base is supplemented by five satellite...
, North Carolina. In August 1952, he arrived in Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
to assume command of the 1st Marine Division. The Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
was awarded to him for outstanding service in this capacity during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
from August 1952 to June 1953, during bitter engagements on the Reno-Carson-Vegas Complex.
Shortly after returning from Korea, the general reported to Quantico in July 1953 as Director of the Marine Corps Educational Center. A year later he assumed command of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. In January 1956, Pollock was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed Commandant of the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico, sometimes abbreviated MCB Quantico, is a major United States Marine Corps training base located near Triangle, Virginia, covering nearly in southern Prince William County, northern Stafford County, and southeastern Fauquier County...
.
Pollock left Quantico in August 1956 to assume duty the following month at Camp H. M. Smith
Camp H. M. Smith
Camp H. M. Smith is a United States Marine Corps installation in the Hawaiian town of Aiea on the island of Oahu, near the community of Halawa Heights...
as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, Honolulu, T.H. Following this assignment, he served as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, from December 1957 until his retirement on 1 November 1959.
In 1965 he was instrumental in helping found the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas and served as the schools first President and Commandant, he later served as Chairman of the Board of Visitors at The Citadel and was named Chairman Emeritus upon the completion of his term. The auditorium at the headquarters of the Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia is named in his honor and the bridge leading to the main gate at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina is named the General Edwin Pollock Causeway.
Pollock died on November 8, 1982 and is buried at the National Cemetery in Beaufort, South Carolina.
Awards and decorations
A complete list of the general's medals and decorations include:| 1st Row | Navy Cross Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all... |
Army Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Service Medal (Army) The Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Army that is presented to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States military, has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great... |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Row | Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... w/ valor device Valor device The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor... |
Bronze Star Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the... w/ valor device |
Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ 3 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... s |
Navy Unit Commendation Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... w/ 1 service star |
| 3rd Row | Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is a decoration of the United States Marine Corps which was first created on 8 May 1919. Originally known as the Marine Corps Expeditionary Ribbon, a full-sized medal was authorized in July 1921 by Presidential Order of Warren G. Harding... |
Dominican Campaign Medal Dominican Campaign Medal The Dominican Campaign Medal is a military decoration of the United States Navy which was created on December 29, 1921. The medal recognizes service performed by the Navy, and the United States Marine Corps, in the Dominican Republic in the year 1916.... |
Nicaraguan Campaign Medal (1933) Nicaraguan Campaign Medal The Nicaraguan Campaign Medal is a military decoration of the United States Navy which was authorized by Presidential Order of Woodrow Wilson on September 22, 1913. The medal was again authorized by an act of the United States Congress on November 8, 1929... |
American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... |
| 4th Row | American Campaign Medal American Campaign Medal The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt... |
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was... w/ 5 service stars |
World War II Victory Medal | National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... |
| 5th Row | Korean Service Medal Korean Service Medal The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who... w/ 3 service stars |
Order of Military Merit, Taeguk Cordon Medal Order of Military Merit (Korea) The Order of Military Merit is the primary military decoration awarded by the government of Republic of Korea.-Classes of the Order:The order is divided into five classes:Notable recipients... |
Korean Presidential Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation (Korea) The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is issued by the government of South Korea to both Korean military and foreign units. The last major issuance of the decoration was during the Korean War when the decoration was bestowed to several U.S., U.K., and Commonwealth military units... |
United Nations Korea Medal |