John H. Griebel

John Houghton Griebel (June 28, 1901 - March 10, 1969) was a decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Brigadier general. A veteran of Nicaraguan Campaign and Yangtze Patrol, he later distinguished himself as commanding officer, 5th Marine Regiment during the Battle of Okinawa.

Early years

John H. Griebel was born on June 28, 1901, in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of William H. and Catherine Houghton Griebel. Following the high school, he entered the Rutgers University, where he was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and reached the rank of captain.

Griebel subsequently served with the Marine Detachment at the Rapidan Camp at Criglersville, Virginia, which served as rustic retreat for President Herbert Hoover and his wife Lou Henry Hoover. He served in that assignment until December 1930 and embarked again for Nicaragua for duty with the 2nd Marine Brigade under Brigadier general Frederic L. Bradman. Upon his return stateside, Griebel served with the Marine Barracks at New York Navy Yard until January 1932, when he was ordered to the Panama Canal Zone for guard duties. While in this capacity, he was promoted to first lieutenant in November 1932.

Griebel participated in the training of 10th Defense Battalion in San Diego until August 1942, when he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and ordered to Midway for duty as commanding officer, 6th Defense Battalion. His battalion was tasked with defense against possible Japanese attack from the sea or air just few weeks following the Battle of Midway, a decisive naval battle in the Pacific Theater. For his service on Midway, Griebel received Army Commendation Medal.

The 2nd Marine Division, including 2nd Marines, finally embarked for Saipan, Mariana Islands in late May 1944 and Griebel took part in landing on June 15. The regiment subsequently assaulted Tinian Island in July/August 1944 and Griebel received Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for his service in the Marianas.

Griebel was again tasked with the rebuilding of the regiment and after almost six months there, Fifth Marines embarked as the part of 1st Marine Division under Major general Pedro del Valle for Okinawa. He landed on Okinawa on April 1, 1945, and led his regiment during the heavy fighting of Awacha Pocket, Wana ridge, Shuri Castle and Makabe town. He distinguished himself during the campaign and was decorated with Legion of Merit with Combat "V".

Postwar service

Following the Okinawa campaign, Griebel assumed command of 8th Service Regiment on Hawaii and his regiment consisted of engineer company, signal company, military police company, ordnance company, supply company, transport company and several Marine ammo companies, which provided logistics support for 2nd Marine Division units. Griebel's command was later redesignated 2nd Service Group and he led that command until May 1948.

Griebel was subsequently ordered to New York City, where he assumed duty as Director, 3rd Marine Corps Reserve District. His duty included also inspection of reserve and recruitment units, and to make calls on governors and other public officials. He held that command until August 1, 1956, when he retired after 30 years of commissioned service. Griebel was subsequently advanced to the rank of brigadier general for having been specially commended in combat.

Brigadier general John H. Griebel died of heart failure on March 10, 1969, aged 67, at his apartment in Harrison, New York.

Decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Brigadier General Griebel: