Major Brian Kerg, U.S. Marine Corps
Lieutenant Colonel Earl Hancock “Pete” Ellis (1880–1923). Despite battling lifelong alcoholism, Pete Ellis was a visionary strategist and thought leader whose theories and experiments laid the bedrock for amphibious warfare. He anticipated the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and wrote the basis for the campaign that led to the defeat of Japan in World War II. He is a true kindred spirit of those innovators rising up in today’s Marine Corps.
William C. Bell, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Major General Smedley Butler. He met the description I learned at officer candidate school of a Marine officer—arrogant, cocky, conceited, self-centered, and overbearing. I would have followed him through the gates of Hell.
Rear Admiral T. E. McKnight, U.S. Navy (Retired)
General Alexander Vandegrift during World War II when he commanded the 1st Marine Division to victory in the Battle of Guadalcanal, its first ground offensive of the war. After a massive set back at Pearl Harbor, General Vandegrift gave our country the victory it needed.
Captain Tom Brovarone, U.S. Navy (Retired), Life Member
General Alfred M. Gray Jr, the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps. I had the honor to be mentored by him during my Warfare Center Command tour. He instilled in me the true meaning of judgment: “The ability to make a well-reasoned decision based on the available information and be accountable for the outcome.”
Jim Kelly, U.S. Navy Veteran
My ex-father-in-law landed with the First Marine Raider Battalion on Tulagi while serving as a Navy pharmacist mate. Years later, he spoke very highly of General Lew Walt, who was then leading the Marines in I Corps in Vietnam. Based on his memories and what I have read of the general, I would have liked to serve under him in that conflict. I deployed twice on a destroyer and once on a heavy cruiser. Both ships provided gunfire support to the Marines in I Corps.
Chris Kolakowski, Life Member
I would have served under General Roy Geiger. He was the first Marine general to lead an army-sized force in World War II. He was a leader of vision and diverse experiences who could develop and direct teams effectively in the air and on the ground. Plus, his common sense, general calm, and approachable personality would have made for a solid and respectful working environment.
J. C. Smith, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Captain Donn F. Draeger, who served from 1943 to 1956. He studied the Indo-Pacific keenly and was an internationally known teacher and practitioner of Japanese martial arts. He was the author of several important books on Asian martial arts and was a pioneer of international judo in the United States and Japan. Captain Draeger is the kind of Marine leader who fits the Commandant’s vision now, perfect for the expeditionary advanced base operations concept in the Pacific.
Captain Adam Goler, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
In the spirit of furthering the Navy–Marine Corps team, I will pick a non-Marine: Rear Admiral Grace Hopper. Her story is one of innovation and ingenuity, and her technical acumen rivals that of just about any equivalent Marine officer of similar rank, particularly for her era. When the most important space on the battlefield is between the ears, I prefer a leader with more can-do where it counts.
John Connaughton, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Colonel Tallman C. “Tim” Budd. He was a first lieutenant when he led my company at Basic School Class 1-56. He was congenial but tough, as evidenced by the Silver Star he later wore.
Don Chappell
The Marines I served with are all hard to beat, but getting to know Lieutenant Colonel “Pete” (Earl Hancock) Ellis (1880–1923) and discussing with him the possibilities of amphibious doctrine and a Pacific war would have been fascinating. Plus, maverick personalities are always fun to be around.
Nikki Burgess, U.S. Navy Veteran
Samuel Nicholas at Nassau in 1776. The Marine Corps has had many great leaders, but only he had to dream everything up himself—the others at least had history (if not always tactics) to tell them they could do it! He must have been quite a guy.
Sergeant Edwin S. Jacob, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
My Parris Island senior drill instructor C. D. Mortis was an inspiration in many ways. He was an extremely tough Marine and could be a frightening individual, but also displayed a sincere empathy and compassion for his recruits. His close-order drill cadence was beautiful; it was an uplifting experience to march with rifles under his command. His love for the Marine Corps was contagious. I would have been honored to serve under him in any circumstance.
Bill Strupczewski
Then-Major James Deveraux of Wake Island fame. I was first introduced to the story in elementary school and it always said to me to push on, no matter the odds.