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Alexander Archer Vandegrift (March 13, 1887 – May 8, 1973) was a United States Marine Corps four-star general. During World War II, he commanded the 1st Marine Division to victory in its first ground offensive of the war, the Battle of Guadalcanal.
What Major General Vandegrift and the 1 st Marine Division did on Guadalcanal in the four months after their August 7 landing has been extensively documented. Vandegrift acquired the reputation as a commanding officer who cared about his troops yet also exhibited unflinching resolve.
- Marshallv
Alexander A. Vandegrift was a U.S. Marine Corps officer who led the first large-scale U.S. offensive against the Japanese, on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, during World War II. Commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1909, Vandegrift had advanced to major general by 1942.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
As a brigadier general, Vandegrift commanded the 1st Marine Division when war erupted in December 1941. In August 1942, he led the division into the Solomons, where he orchestrated the inspiring stand around the strategic airstrip at Henderson Field.
General Alexander Vandegrift became renowned in World War Two for his success at the 1942 Battle of Guadalcanal. Born on 13 March 1887, Vandegrift was educated at the University of Virginia. After graduation in January 1909 he became a second lieutenant with the Marine Corps.
General Vandegrift oulived his wife, Mildred, and his only son, Colonel Alexander A Vandegrift Jr., who fought in both World War II and Korea. He spent most of his final years in Delray, Florida. He died on 8 May, 1973.
Oct 3, 2006 · While much attention was focused on Japanese positions on the western part of the island, General Vandegrift knew he would have to do something about roving bands of enemy soldiers reportedly in and around Aola.
