Edwin A. Pollock

Edwin Allen Pollock (21 March 1899 – 5 November 1982) was a United States Marine Corps General and a highly decorated combat veteran of World War II and Korea; he commanded both the 1st and 2d Marine Divisions and is the only man to have served as commanding general of both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Marine Force. He had been advanced to the rank of general upon retirement by reason of having been specially commended in combat.

Early career

Edwin A. Pollock was born on 21 March 1899 in Augusta, Georgia. He attended the local Summerville Academy, South Carolina. He spent one year at Staunton Military Academy, Virginia, before he enrolled at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, during the summer of 1918. Graduating with the class of 1921, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and subsequently was appointed a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve that June. Pollock resigned his army commission to accept appointment as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on July 1, 1921.

The next orders for sea duty came in August 1928, when he was attached to the Marine Detachment aboard the cruiser USS Galveston. He sailed with that ship to the Panama Canal and participated in the watchful cruises between Balboa and Corinto.

Following his return in June 1930, Pollock was assigned to the staff of the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico. During his time there, he spent a period of intensive training aboard the battleship USS Arkansas, while attached to the 1st Marine Regiment. At the beginning of August 1934, Pollock was transferred to the cruiser USS Salt Lake City, where he assumed command of the Marine detachment aboard. While in this capacity, he was promoted to the rank of captain in November 1934.

During June 1936, Pollock was assigned to the Marine barracks at Naval Ammunition Depot St. Julien's Creek, Virginia and spent there one year of duty, before he was ordered to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where he was appointed as officer in charge of the Publicity Bureau. He was promoted to the rank of major during September 1938 and finally left Philadelphia in June 1939. Pollock was subsequently attached to the Senior Course at the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico and following his graduation, he remained in Quantico Schools as Assistant Instructor in the Base Defense Weapons and Reserve Officers' courses.

World War II From left to right: Lieutenant colonel Leonard B. Cresswell (1st Battalion), Lieutenant colonel Edwin A. Pollock (Executive Officer 1st Marines), Colonel Clifton B. Cates (Commanding Officer 1st Marines), Lieutenant colonel William N. McKelvy (3rd Battalion) and Lieutenant colonel William W. Stickney (2nd Battalion) on Guadalcanal, October 1942 Following the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor, Pollock was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel January 1942 and subsequently assumed command of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment under Colonel Clifton B. Cates. The 1st Marines went overseas as a part of the 1st Marine Division in June 1942 and Pollock subsequently led his troops on Guadalcanal during the Battle of the Tenaru at the end of August 1942. During the Japanese attack in the night of 20–21 August, 2nd Battalion under Pollock's command hold defensive positions on Tenaru River. Pollock left his command post and advanced through severe enemy mortar and machine-gun fire to a position in the front line, where he directed the defense of his forces for next twelve hours. The men under his command destroyed practically the entire enemy force of seven hundred. For his courage and leadership during the battle, Pollock was decorated with the second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat, Navy Cross.

"When the troops under his command were subjected to a powerful and determined surprise attack at the Tenaru River, Lieutenant-Colonel Pollock, immediately leaving his Command Post, advanced through severe enemy mortar and machine-gun fire to a position in the front line, and while thus constantly exposed to extreme danger, directed the defense of our forces for a period of twelve hours. As a result of his excellent judgment and superb leadership, the men under his command destroyed practically the entire enemy force of seven hundred."

Pollock was succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel William W. Stickney on 23 September 1942 and was subsequently appointed Executive Officer of the 1st Marines. He was later transferred to the staff of the 1st Marine Division under Major General William H. Rupertus and appointed Assistant Chief of Staff (G-3) for plans and operations in July 1943. Pollock was promoted to the rank of colonel in November 1943 and then served in this capacity during the Battle of Cape Gloucester in December 1943. He later earned the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for his part in the battle.

Awards and decorations A complete list of the general's medals and decorations include: