George D. Webster (USMC)

George Davis Webster (November 27, 1919 – December 16, 1992) was a decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of brigadier general who is most noted as commanding general, Marine Corps Development and Education Command at Quantico, Virginia.

Early years

George D. Webster was born on November 27, 1919, in Macon, Georgia, but his family moved to High Point, North Carolina, and young George attended high school there. He was then accepted to the University of North Carolina and graduated in summer 1940 with Bachelor of Science. He entered the Marine Corps service in February 1941 and because of his university education, he was sent to the Officer Candidate School at Quantico Base, Virginia. Following the four-month Reserve officers course, he was commissioned second lieutenant on May 29, 1941.

Following Roi Namur, Webster was appointed Intelligence officer of 1st Battalion and took part in the Battle of Saipan in June 1944. He was wounded by enemy fire on June 15 and evacuated to the rear for treatment. Webster was declared fit for duty soon afterwards and joined 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines as major and executive officer under the command of Major Frank E. Garretson. He took part with that unit in the capture of Tinian in August of that year and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for his service at Saipan and Tinian and Purple Heart for wounds sustained at Saipan.

Postwar service Webster served with 24th Marines at Hawaii until October 1945, when the regiment was ordered to San Diego, California for deactivation. The 24th Marines were deactivated on October 31, 1945, and Webster then assumed duty as special services officer at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. His main responsibilities were to establish, operate, or supervise the operation of rest camps and rest areas for Camp Lejeune garrison. Webster served in this capacity for almost year until he was ordered for Junior Course at Amphibious Warfare School at Quantico Base.

Following the graduation from the course in summer 1947, Webster was ordered to Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island, where he served as the commanding officer of the Marine Barracks until June 1950. He was then ordered to the Naval Station Anacostia, where he attended the courses in Intelligence and Italian language. While attending the language school, Webster was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in January 1951.

In December 1966, when he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and ordered to Coronado, California, as new commanding general of Landing Force Training Command, Pacific Fleet. He was responsible for the amphibious training of all units of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific including that ones going to Vietnam and received the Legion of Merit for his service in this capacity.

Task Force X-Ray was deactivated at the beginning of August 1968 and Webster was ordered to Okinawa as Deputy Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (Forward). He also held additional temporary duty as assistant commander, 3rd Marine Division under Major General Raymond G. Davis until November 7. His second tour in Vietnam ended in June 1969 and Webster received the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for "exceptional initiative and ability while rendering invaluable assistant in the enormous task of directing Marine Corps support activities in the Western Pacific area". They had together two children.

Decorations Webster was awarded the following decorations: