Lieutenant Colonel Wendell Cushing Neville was a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 21, 1914 in Vera Cruz, Mexico during the 1914 Veracruz expedition. At the time he was serving with 2d Marine Regiment. Neville was 43 years old.
40 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Major General.
Neville was born on May 12, 1870 in Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia. Neville died on July 8, 1930 in Edgewater Beach, Maryland, at the age of 60. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His medal is held by National Museum of the US Marine Corps, Quantico, VA.
Neville is one of 56 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1914 Veracruz expedition.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For distinguished conduct in battle engagements of Vera Cruz, 21-22 April 1914. In command of the 2d Regiment Marines, Lt. Col. Neville was in both days' fighting and almost continually under fire from soon after landing, about noon on the 21st, until we were in possession of the city, about noon of the 22d. His duties required him to be at points of great danger in directing his officers and men, and he exhibited conspicuous courage, coolness, and skill in his conduct of the fighting. Upon his courage and skill depended, in great measure, success or failure. His responsibilities were great, and he net them in a manner worthy of commendation.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Wendell Cushing Neville received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Boxer Rebellion, World War I, Mexican Revolution, Banana Wars, Spanish–American War.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Offices held: Commandant of the Marine Corps
- Education: United States Naval Academy
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Timeline
- May 12, 1870Born in Portsmouth, Portsmouth County, Virginia
- April 21, 1914Act of valor — Vera Cruz, MexicoAge 43. 2d Marine Regiment
- July 8, 1930Died in Edgewater Beach, MarylandAge 60.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Wendell Cushing Neville (May 12, 1870 – July 8, 1930) was a major general of the Marine Corps as well as a Medal of Honor recipient and the 14th Commandant of the Marine Corps between 1929 and 1930.
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