Bertram A. Bone

Bertram Allison Bone (September 19, 1893 – October 22, 1961) was a decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of brigadier general. He is most noted for his service as commanding officer, 1st Defense Battalion during the early phase of the World War II. He later served with V Amphibious Corps during Battle of Leyte and led 10th Marine Regiment during the Battle of Okinawa.

Early years

Bertram A. Bone was born on September 19, 1893, in San Diego, California, and studied high school there. Upon the graduation, he attended University of California, Berkeley and graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in April 1917. He was commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Corps one month later and ordered to the Basic School for further officers' training. Bone was subsequently attached to the Marine barracks at Mare Island Navy Yard and ordered for his duty overseas.

At the beginning of March 1940, 2nd Defense Battalion was activated at San Diego Base and Bone again supervised the formation. He handed over the command to Major Lewis A. Hohn in July of that year and retook command of 1st Defense Battalion.

His battalion was transferred to Hawaii in March 1941 and Bone was subsequently in charge of the construction of anti-aircraft, seacoast and beach defenses on Palmyra Atoll and the establishment of logistical facilities for his command there. In spite of a severe shortage of building materials and equipment and limited shipping facilities for procuring them, he displayed sound judgment and high professional skill in solving the many problems which confronted him.

Retirement

Colonel Bone was appointed officer in charge of the Ordnance Section, Service Command Fleet Marine Force, Pacific under Major General Earl C. Long. In this capacity, Bone was co-responsible for the supply, salvage, evacuation, construction, personnel management, quartering and sanitation needs of all FMFPac units and other marine units in its area. He was ordered back to the States in May 1946 and following the brief leave home, he was appointed commanding officer of the Recruit Depot within Marine Corps Base San Diego under Major General Leo D. Hermle. In this capacity, he was responsible for the recruit training of all new marines on the West Coast of the United States.

When Marine Corps Base San Diego was redesignated Marine Corps Recruit Depot in January 1948, Bone was appointed assistant chief of staff for operations and training. He served in this capacity until his retirement on June 30, 1949. Bone was advanced to the rank of brigadier general for having been specially commended in combat.

1st RowLegion of Merit2nd RowNavy Commendation MedalWorld War I Victory MedalSecond Nicaraguan Campaign MedalAmerican Defense Service Medal with Base Clasp 3rd RowAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three 3/16 inch service starsAmerican Campaign MedalWorld War II Victory MedalPhilippine Liberation Medal