Major General Wendell Cushing Neville, A Marine's Story
Major General Wendell Cushing Neville, A Marine's Story
Major General Wendell Cushing Neville was born on May 12, 1870, in Portsmouth, Virginia. He entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1886 and graduated in 1890, beginning a Marine Corps career that would span nearly four decades and multiple global conflicts.
Early in his service, Neville saw action during the Spanish-American War, participating in the naval operations at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. He later deployed to China during the Boxer Rebellion, where U.S. forces joined an international coalition to protect foreign legations during the uprising.
His subsequent assignments reflected the United States' expanding global presence in the early 20th century. Neville served in the Philippines, Cuba, Nicaragua, Panama, and Hawaii. In 1914, during the United States intervention at Veracruz, Mexico, he commanded the 2nd Advance Base Regiment during the April 21 landing operations. For his conspicuous conduct in battle and leadership under fire, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
In 1915, Neville again returned to China to command the Allied Guard protecting American and foreign interests. As World War I intensified, he was promoted and, in January 1918, assigned to command the 5th Regiment of Marines. Deployed to France as part of the American Expeditionary Forces, Neville played a critical role during the Battle of Belleau Wood. His leadership in coordinating the seizure of Hill 142 secured a vital foothold and helped halt the German advance during one of the most significant Marine Corps engagements of the war.
Following World War I, Neville returned to the United States and continued to rise through the ranks. He served as Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and later as Commanding General of the Fleet Marine Force, helping shape the postwar direction of Marine expeditionary operations.
On March 5, 1929, Major General Wendell Cushing Neville was appointed the 14th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps. His tenure coincided with a period of transition and institutional refinement for the Corps, as it applied lessons learned from World War I and prepared for future challenges.
Major General Neville died suddenly on July 8, 1930, while serving as Commandant. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
From Guantánamo Bay to Belleau Wood, from Veracruz to the office of Commandant, Neville’s career reflects the formative decades of the modern Marine Corps. He was not only present at key moments in American military history, but he also helped define them.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
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