George W. Smith (USMC)

George William Smith
MG George W. Smith, USMC
Born	(1925-07-08)July 8, 1925 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Died	September 30, 2014(2014-09-30) (aged 89) Newport Beach, California
Buried	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1943–1977
Rank	Major general
Service number	0-50104
Commands	3rd Marine Division 1st Marine Brigade The Basic School 1st Battalion, 9th Marines
Battles / wars	World War II Battle of Okinawa Korean War Vietnam War Operation Dewey Canyon Operation Purple Martin Operation Utah Mesa
Awards	Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Navy Commendation Medal
Relations	George W. Smith Jr. (son)

George William Smith (July 8, 1925 – September 30, 2014) was a decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps who rose to the rank of major general. He began his 34-year career as an Enlisted Reservist during World War II, later integrating into the regular Marine Corps and distinguishing himself as commanding officer, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines during the Vietnam War. His last assignment was commanding general, 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa, Japan.^[1]

Both of his sons followed his footsteps and joined the Marine Corps. His elder son, George W. Smith Jr., as of 2019 serves as lieutenant general and commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force, while Andrew H. Smith as of 2019 serves as colonel and chief of staff, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.