Francis M. McAlister

Francis Marion McAlister (March 29, 1905 – September 2, 1965) was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general. He distinguished himself several times during World War II and later received the Silver Star for gallantry in action in Korean War. McAlister concluded his career as commanding general of Department of the Pacific.

Early career

Francis M. McAlister was born on March 29, 1905, at Houck, Arizona, but his family later moved to Mississippi. He attended Mississippi Heights Academy at Blue Mountain and following graduation in 1922, he spent a year at Mississippi State College, before he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

He was ordered to the Basic School at Philadelphia Navy Yard for his officer training and after finishing the instruction in January 1928, he was assigned to the 11th Marine Regiment under Colonel Robert H. Dunlap at Norfolk, Virginia. His regiment had been recently reactivated and attached to the 2nd Marine Brigade under Brigadier General Logan Feland.

Major General Francis M. McAlister subsequently retired from the Marine Corps, after 33 years of commissioned service and settled in Blue Mountain, Mississippi. He died there on September 2, 1965, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Major General Francis M. McAlister:

Silver Star citation Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Francis Marion McAlister (MCSN: 0-4264), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 25 April 1951. Assigned the mission of denying the enemy the mountainous terrain covering the approaches to a vital bridge, Colonel McAlister, despite multiple wounds sustained by hostile mortar fire, refused to be evacuated and continued to lead and direct his units until the numerically superior enemy forces were repulsed. By his inspiring and determined leadership, superb tactical ability and heroic devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds, Colonel McAlister contributed materially to the success of his regiment's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bronze Star citation Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to Colonel Francis Marion McAlister (MCSN: 0-4264), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service as Corps Engineer and Commanding Officer of the Engineer Group of the Third Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 April to 21 June 1945. During the planning phase of the operation, Colonel McAlister skillfully combined engineer units of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps into a successful hard-working engineer group. After the initial landing when a swiftly-moving front over difficult terrain and a primitive road net called for the maximum engineer effort, he directed his units in constructing bridges and roads despite adverse weather conditions that rendered the roads impassable. During numerous and arduous trips to the front lines, he observed the activities of combat engineers in removing mines and constructing bridges and roads under fire. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.