Philip H. Torrey

Philip Huston Torrey (July 18, 1884 – June 7, 1968) was an officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general, who is most noted for his service as commanding general of Marine Corps Base Quantico during World War II. He was responsible for the training of officers at Quantico who subsequently sailed to the Pacific theater.

Early career

Philip H. Torrey was born on July 18, 1884, at Fort Douglas, Utah, as the son of Zerah Watkins and Anna Torrey. His father, West Point graduate, served as Army lieutenant colonel there and young Philip and his two younger brothers, Daniel and Henry, were influenced by his service. Upon the completion of the high school, Philip attended the Lehigh University for one year and transferred to the University of Montana in Missoula.

He remained in that capacity until the end of January 1941, when he was attached to the newly created 1st Marine Division as assistant division commander and deputy to Holland Smith. Torrey was given command of the division in June 1941 and also received temporary promotion to the rank of major general at that time.

Most of the Division's staff members criticized the influence of divisional supply officer, George E. Monson, over Torrey and when the talented, outspoken commander of 11th Marine Artillery Regiment, Pedro del Valle got into a dispute with Monson over alleged discrimination against artillery in matters of housing, equipment, messing facilities and transportation, another problem within the division's command structure was born.

Retirement

General Torrey was succeeded by Major General Clifton B. Cates at the end of May 1946 and retired one month later after 41 years of active service. He settled in La Jolla, California, with his wife, Elizabeth and died in San Diego on June 7, 1968. Major General Torrey is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

They had one son Philip Jr., who graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1934 and served as Naval aviator in Pacific theater during World War II. He reached the rank of lieutenant commander in the United States Navy and was decorated with the Navy Cross, three Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals. Torrey Jr. was shot down over Tokyo in February 1945 and posthumously promoted to the rank of commander and also two daughters, Elizabeth (1910–1980) and Rebecca (1919–2002) married Naval aviator and late marine colonel Neil R. MacIntyre.

Decorations

Major General Torrey's ribbon bar: