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Major General · U.S. Marine Corps

Alexander Archer Vandegrift

Major General Alexander Archer Vandegrift, Marine Corps, received the Medal of Honor for actions between August 7 and December 9, 1942 in Solomon Islands during World War II.

World War II August 7 - December 9, 1942

Serving as a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps, Major General Alexander Archer Vandegrift received the Medal of Honor for his actions between August 7 and December 9, 1942 in Solomon Islands during World War II. At the time he was serving with 1st Marine Division. Vandegrift was 55 years old.

The medal was presented on February 4, 1943. He later rose to the rank of General.

Vandegrift was born on March 13, 1887 in Charlottesville, Charlottesville County, Virginia. His Medal of Honor is credited to Virginia. Vandegrift died on May 8, 1973 in Bethesda, Maryland, at the age of 86. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Vandegrift is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 48 credited to Virginia.

Official Medal of Honor citation

For outstanding and heroic accomplishment above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the 1st Marine Division in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands during the period from 7 August to 9 December 1942. With the adverse factors of weather, terrain, and disease making his task a difficult and hazardous undertaking, and with his command eventually including sea, land, and air forces of Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, Maj. Gen. Vandegrift achieved marked success in commanding the initial landings of the U.S. forces in the Solomon Islands and in their subsequent occupation. His tenacity, courage, and resourcefulness prevailed against a strong, determined, and experienced enemy, and the gallant fighting spirit of the men under his inspiring leadership enabled them to withstand aerial, land, and sea bombardment, to surmount all obstacles, and leave a disorganized and ravaged enemy. This dangerous but vital mission, accomplished at the constant risk of his life, resulted in securing a valuable base for further operations of our forces against the enemy, and its successful completion reflects great credit upon Maj. Gen. Vandegrift, his command, and the U.S. Naval Service.

Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.

Other decorations and honors

Besides the Medal of Honor, Alexander Archer Vandegrift received:

Navy CrossPurple HeartAmerican Campaign MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign MedalCompanion of the Order of the BathGrand Cross of the Order of Orange-NassauGrand Officer of the Legion of HonourKnight Commander of the Order of the British EmpireNavy Distinguished Service MedalWorld War I Victory Medalhonorary doctor of Harvard Universityhonorary doctor of the University of Marylandhonorary doctorate from Brown Universityhonorary doctorate from Columbia University

Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.

Battles and campaigns

Also served in: World War II, Mexican Revolution, Banana Wars.

Life beyond the battlefield

Source: Wikidata.

Places

  • Born: Charlottesville — map
  • Died: Bethesda — map
  • Buried: Arlington National Cemetery — map

Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Virginia →

Timeline

  1. March 13, 1887
    Born in Charlottesville, Charlottesville County, Virginia
  2. August 7 - December 9, 1942
    Act of valor — Solomon Islands
    Age 55. 1st Marine Division
  3. February 4, 1943
    Medal of Honor presented
  4. May 8, 1973
    Died in Bethesda, Maryland
    Age 86.
  5. Resting place
    Arlington National Cemetery
    Arlington, Virginia

Biography

Alexander Archer Vandegrift (March 13, 1887 – May 8, 1973) was a highly decorated United States Marine Corps four-star general, Medal of Honor recipient, and a Commandant of the Marine Corps. During World War II, he commanded the 1st Marine Division to victory in its first ground offensive of the war, the Battle of Guadalcanal. For his actions on August 7, 1942 in the Solomon Islands, he was awarded the Navy Cross; and, for his actions from August 7 to December 9, 1942, during the Solomon Islands campaign, he received the Medal of Honor. From January 1, 1944 to December 31, 1947, Vandegrift served as the 18th Commandant of the Marine Corps, becoming the first active-duty U.S.

From the Wikipedia article “Alexander Vandegrift”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →

More World War II recipients from Virginia

George Levick Street III Lieutenant Commander · Navy World War II · 1945 Ernest Herbert Dervishian Second Lieutenant · Army World War II · 1944 FP Frank D. Peregory Technical Sergeant · Army World War II · 1944 ✦ Desmond Thomas Doss Private First Class · Army World War II · 1945 Jacklyn Harold Lucas Private First Class · Marine Corps World War II · 1945 Raymond Harrell Wilkins Major · Air Force World War II · 1943 ✦
Sources. Service and award details compiled from the recipient record of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Wikidata and Wikipedia. The narrative summary is generated from these records. Spotted an error? Send a correction.