Oliver P. Smith

Oliver Prince Smith
Nickname(s)	"O.P.", "the professor", "student general"
Born	(1893-10-26)October 26, 1893 Menard, Texas, U.S.
Died	December 25, 1977(1977-12-25) (aged 84) Los Altos, California, U.S.
Buried	Golden Gate National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1917–1955
Rank	General
Commands	Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic Camp Pendleton Assistant Commandant USMC 1st Marine Division 5th Marine Regiment 1st Battalion, 6th Marines
Battles / wars	Banana Wars Haitian intervention World War II Invasion of Iceland Battle of Cape Gloucester Battle of Peleliu Battle of Okinawa Korean War Battle of Inchon Second Battle of Seoul Battle of Chosin Reservoir Battles of Wonju
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal Air Medal Eulji Order of Military Merit (2)
Spouse(s)	Esther Laurilla King Smith

Oliver Prince Smith (October 26, 1893 – December 25, 1977) was a U.S. Marine four-star general and decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He is most noted for commanding the 1st Marine Division during the first year of the Korean War, and notably during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where he said "Retreat, Hell! We're just attacking in another direction."^[1] This is commonly misquoted as "Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction."^[2] He retired at the rank of four-star general, being advanced in rank for having been specially commended for heroism in combat.