Donald M. Weller

Donald McPherrin Weller (May 1, 1908 – March 8, 1985) was a decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general. He is most noted as pioneer of Naval gunfire support and author of many publications on this topic. Weller also commanded 3rd Marine Division and ended his career as deputy commander, Fleet Marine Force Pacific.

Early career

Donald M. Weller was born on May 1, 1908, in Hartford, Connecticut, as the son of a Methodist clergyman. He attended a grade school in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and later high school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Following his graduation, he spent a year at Carnegie Tech, before he received appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, in June 1926. As a midshipman, he was an avid swimmer and saved the life of classmate in a boating accident in a stormy sea. In his final year at the academy, Weller shared a room with future Commandant of the Marine Corps, Wallace M. Greene.

For his experiences in naval gun fire matters, Weller was transferred as Naval Gun Officer to the staff of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific under his old superior, General Holland Smith. While at Headquarters in Hawaii, Weller developed the shore bombardment training program for the Pacific Fleet and Marine units in the Pacific areas.

For his distinguished service with the Fleet Marine Force on Hawaii and during the Battle of Iwo Jima, Weller was decorated with the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and received also the Navy Presidential Unit Citation.

He spent a year with service in the Far East, before finally left for Hawaii in September 1961, when he was appointed to his final assignment as deputy commander, Fleet Marine Force Pacific under Lieutenant General Alan Shapley.

1st RowLegion of Merit with Combat "V"2nd RowBronze Star Medal with one " gold star and Combat "V"Navy Presidential Unit Citation with one starNavy Unit CommendationAmerican Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp3rd RowAmerican Campaign MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four 3/16 inch service starsWorld War II Victory MedalNational Defense Service Medal with one star