Wood B. Kyle

Wood Barbee Kyle (March 3, 1915 – October 25, 2000) was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general. Kyle received two Silver Stars for gallantry in action during Pacific Campaign in World War II. He later took part in the Vietnam War and distinguished himself as commanding general of the 3rd Marine Division.

Early years

Kyle was born on March 3, 1915, in Pecos, Texas, and grew up in Hillsboro, where he attended a local high school. Upon his graduation in the summer of 1932, Kyle went to College Station, where he attended Texas A&M University. While at university, he was a member of ROTC unit and following his graduation in June 1936 with a bachelor's degree, Kyle was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.

During the Guadalcanal Campaign, 1st Battalion landed on the island at the beginning of October 1942 and immediately took part in the actions against Japanese units. On November 10, Lt. Col. Hill was severely wounded by enemy artillery fire in Matanikau sector and was evacuated from the island. Despite being injured, Kyle took over the battalion's command and insisted on staying with his soldiers rather than being evacuated. He successfully drove through relentless Japanese resistance to capture his objective. In the final assault launched in the same area, Major Kyle further distinguished himself when, by his dauntless courage and expert professional ability, he completed his assigned mission within four hours of its initiation. He was decorated with the Silver Star for his gallantry in action and the Purple Heart for his wounds.

Kyle received his second Silver Star for his actions on Tarawa and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in December 1943. His battalion was then ordered to Hawaii for rest and refit and Kyle enjoyed peaceful service until the end of May 1944. He then led his battalion to Saipan and Tinian.

He was ordered to the United States under rotation policy in October 1944 and attached to the staff of Camp Pendleton under Major General Charles F. B. Price. Kyle remained in that capacity until January 1945, when he was ordered for instruction to the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He graduated two months later and was attached as an instructor to the college's faculty.

Later service MG Wood B. Kyle (left), CG 3d Marine Division, walks with LTC Paul X. Kelley, CO 2/4 after the battalion secured Phuong Dinh, Vietnam. Upon detachment from Fort Leavenworth in August 1947, Kyle was decorated with Army Commendation Medal for his service there and ordered to Pearl Harbor for duty at Headquarters Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. Kyle served under Lieutenant General Thomas E. Watson as assistant operations officer and took part in service in Guam, Qingdao and Hawaii.

First Silver Star citation Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Wood Barbee Kyle (MCSN: 0-5369), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Executive Officer of the First Battalion, Second Marines, Reinforced, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Matanikau River Sector, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 1 November 1942 to 14 January 1943. Refusing to be evacuated when he was wounded in action during the vital offensive operations of his battalion, Major Kyle assumed command of the battalion after the commanding officer had been forced to withdraw as a result of serious wounds, and with keen initiative and aggressive leadership successfully drove through relentless Japanese resistance to capture his objective. In the final assault launched in the same area, Major Kyle further distinguished himself when, by his dauntless courage and expert professional ability, he completed his assigned mission within four hours of its initiation. His exemplary conduct and unswerving devotion to duty throughout the entire active period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Second Silver Star citation Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Wood Barbee Kyle (MCSN: 0-5369), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 24 November 1943. Landing with his troops during the initial stages of the fierce hostilities on D-Day, Major Kyle immediately directed his companies in the bitter assault against a fanatic enemy and, despite the extreme danger, personally commanded his men in brilliantly executed attacks against the heavily defended central sector of the island. Assuming control of the remnants of one of the battalions of his regiment the following day, he promptly reorganized the unit for further sustained operations against the strongly entrenched Japanese. By his forceful and inspiring leadership, his daring combat tactics and cool and courageous action in the face of grave peril, Major Kyle contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.