Randolph Carter Berkeley | |
---|---|
Born | Staunton, Virginia, US | January 9, 1875
Died | January 31, 1960 Beaufort, South Carolina, US | (aged 85)
Buried | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1898–1939 |
Rank | Major General |
Commands | 11th Regiment |
Battles / wars | Occupation of Veracruz World War I Banana Wars |
Awards | Medal of Honor Navy Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal |
Relations | Lieutenant General James P. Berkeley (son) |
Randolph Carter Berkeley (January 9, 1875 – January 31, 1960) was a major general in United States Marine Corps and Medal of Honor recipient.
Commissioned a Marine second lieutenant during the Spanish–American War, Berkeley completed over 40 years' active duty in the Marine Corps, including service at sea and in the Philippines, Cuba, Panama, China, Haiti, Nicaragua and Guam. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he was awarded the Navy Cross as commander of the 11th Regiment in Nicaragua in 1927, and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal as chief of staff of the 2d Marine Brigade in that country in 1928–29.
As a major Berkeley was commanding the 1st Battalion of the 2d Advanced Base Regiment when he took part in the action which earned him the United States' highest decoration on April 22, 1914. Relations between the United States and the Huerta government of Mexico had been strained for some time, and a landing force of Marines and sailors was ordered ashore at Vera Cruz after a Huerta officer had arrested several U.S. Naval personnel at Tampico. The 2nd Regiment was the first ashore, meeting resistance from Mexican troops about noon on April 21. Major Berkeley was awarded the Medal of Honor for distinguished conduct and leadership in that battle.