Oliver P. Smith
United States Marine Corps general / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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For other people with the same name, see Oliver Smith (disambiguation).
Oliver Prince Smith (October 26, 1893 – December 25, 1977) was a U.S. Marine four-star general and decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He is most noted for commanding the 1st Marine Division during the first year of the Korean War, and notably during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where he said "Retreat Hell! We're just attacking in another direction."[1], which is commonly misquoted as "Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction."[2] He retired at the rank of four-star general, being advanced in rank for having been specially commended for heroism in combat.
Quick Facts Nickname(s), Born ...
Oliver Prince Smith | |
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Nickname(s) | "O.P.", "the professor", "student general" |
Born | (1893-10-26)October 26, 1893 Menard, Texas, U.S. |
Died | December 25, 1977(1977-12-25) (aged 84) Los Altos, California, U.S. |
Buried | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1917–1955 |
Rank | General |
Commands held | Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic Camp Pendleton Assistant Commandant USMC 1st Marine Division 5th Marine Regiment 1st Battalion 6th Marines |
Battles/wars | |
Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal Air Medal Eulji Order of Military Merit (2) |
Spouse(s) | Esther Laurilla King Smith |
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