Earl C. Long

Earl Cecil Long (November 4, 1883 – August 19, 1983) was a decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps who reached the rank of major general. During World War II, he served as commanding general of Service Command Fleet Marine Force, Pacific and later as commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Early life and education Earl C. Long was born on November 4, 1883, in Clayton, New Jersey.

When the Service Command Leet Marine Force Pacific (FMFPac) was formed on April 6, 1944, Long was appointed its first commanding general. In this capacity, he was responsible for the supply, salvage, evacuation, construction, personnel management, quartering, and sanitation needs of all FMFPac units and others Marine units in its area.

Shortly before the End of the War in Pacific, Long was relieved by Brigadier General Merritt A. Edson on June 30, 1945, and returned to the U.S. He was subsequently sent to San Diego area, where he relieved Colonel John Groff, who was temporary commander of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. For his service with Service Command, FMFPac, Long received his second Legion of Merit.

He served in this capacity until the end of January 1946, when he took over the command of the Department of the Pacific, relieving Major General Julian C. Smith on February 1, 1946. His command administered Marine activities, barracks, and detachments on the West Coast, Hawaii, and outlying Pacific islands, Alaska, and Aleutian Islands.

Long retired from active service on August 1, 1946.

Long resided in Menlo Park, California during retirement. He died on August 19, 1983, at the age of 99 years.

Decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Major General Earl C. Long: