Holland Smith

Holland Smith
General Holland M. Smith
Birth nameHolland McTyeire Smith
Nickname(s)"Howlin' Mad"
Father of Modern Amphibious Warfare
Born(1882-04-20)April 20, 1882
Seale, Alabama, U.S.
DiedJanuary 12, 1967(1967-01-12) (aged 84)
San Diego, California, U.S.
Place of burial
Allegiance United States
Service / branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service1905–1946
RankGeneral
CommandsAssistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
1st Marine Brigade
1st Marine Division
V Amphibious Corps
Battles / wars
AwardsNavy Distinguished Service Medal (4)
Purple Heart Medal
Croix de Guerre

Holland McTyeire "Howlin' Mad" Smith, KCB (April 20, 1882 – January 12, 1967) was a general in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He is sometimes called the "father" of modern U.S. amphibious warfare. His nickname, "Howlin' Mad" Smith, had been given to him by his troops in the Dominican Republic in 1916.[1]

On the eve of World War II, General Smith directed extensive Army, Navy, and Marine amphibious training, which was a major factor in successful U.S. landings in both the Atlantic and Pacific. He subsequently helped prepare U.S. Army and Canadian troops for the Kiska and Attu landings, then led the V Amphibious Corps in the assaults on the Gilbert Islands, the Marshall Islands, the island of Saipan, and Tinian in the Marianas.

During the Marianas operation, besides the V Amphibious Corps, he commanded all Expeditionary Troops, including those that recaptured Guam. He then served as the first commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, and headed Task Force 56 (Expeditionary Troops) at Iwo Jima, which included all the assault troops in that battle.

  1. ^ p.87 Hearn, Chester G. Marines: An Illustrated History : The U.S. Marine Corps from 1775 to the 21st Century Zenith Imprint, 15/11/2007