Louis Earnest Woods | |
|---|---|
 LtGen Louis E. Woods | |
| Nickname(s) | Bullets and Beans[1] |
| Born | October 7, 1895 Fredonia, New York |
| Died | October 20, 1971 (aged 76) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service |  United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1917–1951 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant general |
| Commands | 4th Marine Aircraft Wing Tactical Air Force, Tenth Army 1st Marine Aircraft Wing 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Aircraft, FMF Atlantic Marine Air, West Coast |
| Battles / wars | World War I |
| Awards | Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (4) |
Lieutenant General Louis Earnest Woods (7 October 1895 – 20 October 1971), one of the Marine Corps' outstanding aviators, served as commanding general, aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, prior to his retirement. During World War II, he commanded the Cactus Air Force at Guadalcanal during November and December, 1942, and later, at Okinawa, was commanding general, Tactical Air Force, Tenth Army, and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
For outstanding services rendered in the former named position he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a third Legion of Merit, and in the second capacity a Distinguished Service Medal. His citation for the latter reads in part, "…Continually exposed to terrific fire from enemy ship and shore batteries, as well as bombing and strafing attacks by hostile aircraft, Brigadier General Woods directed the operations of his forces with such daring skill and tenacious determination that a total of twenty-two Japanese surface craft was sunk and sixty-five planes destroyed.
Brigadier General Woods by his dauntless courage and outstanding leadership, contributed in a great measure to the success of our forces in that area."
LtGen Woods retired on 1 July 1951, after 34 years of Marine Corps service.
- ^ DeChant, Devilbirds, p.153.