David A. Stafford

David Anderson Stafford (October 16, 1893 – July 21, 1959) was a decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of brigadier general. He is most noted for his service as assistant chief of staff for personnel (G-1) of V Amphibious Corps during Battle of Iwo Jima.

Early career

David A. Stafford was born on October 16, 1893, in Plattsburgh, New York, as the son of Dexter A. Stafford and his wife Elizabeth. His father was a Republican politician and local commissioner of elections in Plattsburgh. Following the attending of high school, young David received a state scholarship at prestigious Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He graduated in summer of 1917 with Bachelor of Arts degree and enlisted the United States Marine Corps as many other young men eager to see combat in France.

However he was stationed at Marine Barracks Quantico, Virginia, and reached the Non-commissioned rank. Stafford was decorated with Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal for his exemplary service and selected for the Marine Officers' School for Service Afloat at Norfolk Navy Yard. He was commissioned second lieutenant in late 1918, but the war had ended prior to his assignment to duty at sea during the First World War.

The base was commissioned on August 1 of that year and Stafford served as commander of the Marine Barracks there. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in January 1942 and to colonel in May of the same year. He was also decorated with Navy Commendation Medal for his part in the construction of the Naval Station Trinidad.

In this capacity, Stafford was responsible for Corps personnel matters and took part in the amphibious landing during Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945. He distinguished himself and received the Legion of Merit with Combat "V".

Postwar service

Following the surrender of Japan, Stafford sailed with V Amphibious Corps to Kyushu for occupation duty. He returned to the States in February 1946 and following the deactivation of the Corps during the same month, Stafford was appointed Personnel officer of the Marine Training and Replacement command at Camp Pendleton. He served again under general Schmidt and was promoted to the capacity of chief of staff within that command. Stafford also served as Inspector of 1st Marine Division, before he was appointed commanding officer of the Marine barracks at Bremerton Navy Yard in late 1947.