John C. McQueen

John Crawford McQueen (July 5, 1899 – December 7, 1985) was a decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of lieutenant general, who served as high staff officer during Pacific War. He later served as Director of Marine Corps Reserve or commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Early career

John C. McQueen was born on July 5, 1899, in Carrollton, Missouri, but grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Following the high school, he attended the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Engineering on June 3, 1921. McQueen was also commissioned Second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on the same date and assigned to the Basic School at Quantico Base for further officers education.

Major McQueen chose Captain Verne J. McCaul, Assistant Operations and Air Liaison Officer of the 1st Marine Brigade and spent next six weeks with the flying along the East coast. They surveyed the area from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Norfolk, Virginia, until their attention was caught by the 14 miles area by the New River, North Carolina. They recommended the area to the Commandant Holcomb, who evaluated the area as suitable and ordered the construction of the training camp. The training center which was later built, get the name, Camp Lejeune. McQueen and McCaul later received Letters of Commendation from Holcomb for their efforts.

His tour of duty in Europe ended in July 1941 and he subsequently returned to the United States. McQueen was subsequently promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., where he served as the Director of Marine Corps Intelligence with the Division of Plans and Policies under Brigadier General Charles D. Barrett. While served in this capacity, he was involved in the selection for the new marine training ground on West Coast. He and his team subsequently recommended the area of Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Later in summer 1942, Camp Pendleton was built on the place which McQueen designated.

McQueen was subsequently appointed director of Intelligence section (M-2) within Division of Plans and Policies in June 1942. He also simultaneously served as an intelligence officer on the staff of the Commander, Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet and participated in the planning of the battles of Kiska and Attu and its seizure and occupation. He was subsequently decorated with the Legion of Merit for his service during the campaign.

When Holland Smith was appointed commanding general of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific in August 1944, he requested McQueen as his operations officer. McQueen was meanwhile promoted to the rank of colonel and served in this capacity until November 1944. His next assignment was with newly activated 6th Marine Division under Major General Lemuel C. Shepherd, where he relieved Colonel John T. Walker as division chief of staff.

The 6th Division later participated in the Battle of Okinawa at the beginning of summer 1945 and Colonel McQueen participated in the battle with distinction. He received his third Legion of Merit for his part in the battle.