Lewis J. Fields

Lewis Jefferson Fields (October 1, 1909 – March 5, 1988) was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of lieutenant general. He served with 1st Marine Division during Vietnam War and later as commanding general of United States Marine Corps Development and Education Command.

Early life and education Fields was born on October 1, 1909, in Delmar, Maryland, and later attended a high school in Crisfield, Maryland, in 1927. He subsequently enrolled at St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, and graduated with Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics on June 3, 1931. During his junior high school years, Fields entered the Maryland National Guard and served continuously with that organization until January 1932. He struggled to find a job during the Great Depression, but decided to enlist in the Marine Corps in January 1932, hoping to obtain a commission.

He was subsequently assigned to the Sea School Detachment at Portsmouth Navy Yard, Virginia and remained in that assignment until June 1936. Fields was subsequently attached to the Marine detachment aboard the newly commissioned cruiser and took part in the evacuation of the United States nationals during the Spanish Civil War.

Fields and his battalion were ordered to Guadalcanal at the beginning of August 1942 and took part in the heavy fighting with tenacious Japanese forces. His battalion of 105mm howitzers was tasked with the Fire support of advancing 1st Marine Division units. Fields also participated in the famous Battle of Edson's Ridge in September 1942, and his artillery provided support for Marine Raiders.

In May 1944, Fields was promoted to the staff of 1st Marine Division under Major General William H. Rupertus and appointed to the capacity of assistant chief of staff for operations. He took part in the planning and coordination of Peleliu and Ngesebus operation between September and November 1944 and was decorated with the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for his service.

His official citation reads:

... coordinated the training of the various elements of the division and obtained a high degree of combat efficiency. Closely collaborating with staff members in the various Naval Attack Forces, he prepared operational orders for the embarkation and landing, effectively coordinating them with the inland scheme of maneuver. Preparing plans and orders for the combined elements of the United States Armed Forces, he contributed materially to the seizure of the hazardous terrain dominating the airdromes on each island, thus insuring their complete security. His professional skill, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service ...

Decorations Below is the ribbon bar of Lieutenant General Lewis J. Fields: