Clarence R. Wallace

Clarence Rodney Wallace (January 11, 1897 – August 1, 1988) 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 of the 8th Marine Regiment during World War II.

Early career

Clarence R. Wallace was born on January 11, 1897, in Manitou Springs, Colorado, and later attended Manitou Springs High School (Manitou High School) there. He received appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, in June 1916 and following graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in June 1919, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Corps at the same time.

In early July 1919, Wallace went to the Basic School at Marine Barracks Quantico, Virginia. He spent almost six months there and upon the completion of his course at the end of the year, was transferred to the Marine Corps Aviation. He was subsequently ordered to the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida one month later and entered Naval aviator training.

He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in January 1942 and transferred back to Headquarters Marine Corps, but now to the Division of Plans and Policies. Within this assignment, Wallace made an observation tour to London in England. Following the creation of 4th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California, he was attached to the division staff for another observation duty during the Battle of Kwajalein in February 1944. General Simon B. Buckner shortly before he was killed on Okinawa. Here at 8th Marines observation post with Colonel Clarence R. Wallace (center) and Major William Chamberlin (left). Wallace was later promoted to the rank of colonel and appointed commanding officer of 8th Marine Regiment on April 10, 1944. The 8th Marines were located on Hawaii, to prepare for the upcoming Marianas Islands Campaign. Wallace led his regiment ashore during the Battle of Saipan in June 1944. It landed in the southwestern part of Saipan, not far from Chalan Kanoa village. The 8th Marines assaulted the beach fortifications and later helped seized the airstrip in Chalan Kanoa.

Wallace brought his regiment up to the front on June 18, 1945, in order to relieved the exhausted 7th Marine Regiment. The 8th Marine Regiment was tasked with cutting off the lines and reaching the coast. Lieutenant General Bucker had visited Wallace's forward command post to observe the progress of his regiment. While Wallace briefed the general about the situation, a Japanese artillery shell hit nearby coral rock and its fragments mortally wounded the general. Wallace and his executive officer, Major William C. Chamberlin, remained unharmed.

The 8th Marine Regiment later assaulted Ibaru Ridge and defeated all entrenched Japanese forces there. The regiment later conquered the town of Makabe on June 21, 1945, and the new Tenth Army Commander, Lieutenant General Roy S. Geiger, declared Okinawa secured during the following day. Wallace later led several mopping-up operations in order to destroy or capture remaining minor Japanese units.

For his part in this battle, Wallace received his second Legion of Merit with "V" Device and also received the Navy Presidential Unit Citation.