Louis Robertshaw

Louis Bentham Robertshaw (August 1, 1912 – July 14, 2003) was an American football player and lieutenant general in the United States Marine Corps. He flew combat missions in World War II and the Korean War and flew an F4B Phantom II fighter in the Vietnam War as commanding general of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He received three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 12 Air Medals, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and three Legion of Merit with Combat "V."

Biography

Early years and collegiate football Robertshaw graduated from Haverford Township High School in Havertown, Pennsylvania, in 1930. He entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, in 1932, played center for Navy Midshipmen football team and was selected as a third-team All-American in 1935.

Early career After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, Robertshaw was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in June 1936. Robertshaw's unit moved to Espiritu Santo where they became part of the Strike Command of the 13th Air Force, responsible for attacking nearby enemy bases and shipping and giving what was then considered close support to front-line units. The squadron returned to Guadalcanal in June 1943. Robertshaw was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and six Air Medals for his service in World War II, including an air attack on a group of Japanese transports in which Robertshaw scored a direct hit on one transport and severely damaged land installations in the area of the Solomon Islands in November and December 1942. He was the deputy chief of staff for manpower at Headquarters Marine Corps when he retired in 1971.

Awards Here is the ribbon bar of Lieutenant General Robertshaw: