General (Retired)
Louis H. Wilson
26th Commandant of the Marine Corps (1975-1979)
General Louis H. Wilson, a holder of the Medal of Honor, served as the 26th Commandant of the Marine Corps from July 1, 1975 until July 1, 1979. For his "exceptionally distinguished service" during his four-year tenure as Commandant, and his contributions as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), upon his retirement on July 1, 1979.
General Wilson earned a B.A. degree in 1941 from Millsaps College, Jackson, Miss., where he participated in football and track.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in May 1941, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in November of that year. After attending officer basic training, he was assigned to the 9th Marine Regiment at Marine Corps Base, San Diego, Calif.
General Wilson went overseas with the 9th Marines in February 1943 making stops at Guadalcanal, Efate, and Bougainville. He was promoted to captain in April 1943.
During the assault on Guam, on July 25 and 26, 1944, while commanding Company F, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, he earned the Nation's highest honor for heroism in combat when he and his company repelled and destroyed a numerically superior enemy force. Because of wounds received he was evacuated to the U.S. Naval Hospital, San Diego, where he remained until Oct. 16, 1944.
General Wilson returned to duty as Commanding Officer, Company D, Marine Barracks, Camp Pendleton, Calif. In December 1944, he was transferred to Washington, D.C., where he served as a Detachment Commander at the Marine Barracks. While in Washington he was presented the Medal of Honor by President Truman. He was promoted to major in March 1945.
From June 1946 until August 1951, General Wilson had consecutive tours as Dean and Assistant Director, Marine Corps Institute; Aide-de-Camp, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific; and Officer in Charge, District Headquarters Recruiting Station, New York City.
Promoted to lieutenant colonel in November 1951, while stationed at Quantico, Va., he served consecutively as Commanding Officer of The Basic School's 1st Training Battalion/Commanding Officer of Camp Barrett and Executive Officer of The Basic School. He completed the Officer's Senior Course in August 1954.
After a brief tour as a Senior School Instructor, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, he departed for Korea to serve as Assistant G-3, 1st Marine Division. In August 1955, he returned to the United States with the 1st Division, and was named as Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.
In March 1956, General Wilson was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps, serving two years as Head, Operations Section, G-3 Division. He returned to Quantico, first as Commanding Officer of The Basic School.
In June 1962, after graduation from the National War College, he was assigned as Joint Plans Coordinator, to the Deputy Chief of Staff (Plans and Programs), Headquarters Marine Corps. He transferred to the 1st Marine Division and deployed with the Division in August 1965, stopping at Okinawa before going to Vietnam. As Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, 1st Marine Division, he was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star.
Upon return to the United States in August 1966, General Wilson assumed command of the 6th Marine Corps District, Atlanta, Ga. Promoted to brigadier general in November 1966, he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps in January 1967, as Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps until July 1968. He then served as Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, until March 1970, earning a second Legion of Merit.
He was advanced to the grade of major general in March 1970. He assumed command of I Marine Amphibious Force/3rd Marine Division on Okinawa, and was awarded a third Legion of Merit for his service.
In April 1971, he returned to Quantico for duty as Deputy for Education/Director, Education Center, Marine Corps Development and Education Command. He was promoted to lieutenant general in August 1972 and on September 1, 1972 assumed command of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. During that tour, General Wilson was presented the Korean Order of National Security Merit, GUK-SEON Medal, 2d Class and the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Commander) for his service to those countries.
He was promoted to general on July 1, 1975.