Before filming commenced, actor John Wayne and Republic Pictures sought the expertise of Graves Erskine as a technical consultant for the 1949 film Sands of Iwo Jima, recognizing his distinguished military background and remarkable career.
Erskine’s service in the US Marine Corps was unmatched, spanning from World War I, through his participation in the Battle of Iwo Jima during the Second World War. Especially notable was his assignment in 1921, when he was entrusted with the solemn responsibility of repatriating the remains of the Unknown Soldier from Le Havre, France, to the United States.
Graves Erskine’s upbringing and early life
Graves Erskine, born in 1897 in Columbia, Louisiana, demonstrated remarkable intellect from a young age. Achieving valedictorian status at 15, he graduated high school at the top of his class. Following this, Erskine pursued further education at Louisiana State University before starting on a military career by enlisting in the Louisiana National Guard.
His commitment to his nation was evident during his service along the Mexican border in 1916. Following this duty, he resumed his studies and completed his graduation the subsequent year. At the same time, Erskine enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve and was appointed as a second lieutenant in the same year.
Graves Erskine’s service during World War I
In January 1918, Graves Erskine went to France as a platoon leader with the 6th Marine Regiment. Although the First World War had less than a year remaining, the Marine participated in several crucial and high-profile battles, notably the renowned Battle of Belleau Wood. Taking place from June 1-26, 1918, during the German spring offensive, the engagement was a pivotal moment in US Marine Corps history, solidifying the service’s reputation as a battle-ready force.
Erskine also played a role in the Battle of Château-Thierry, where he sustained injuries. Additionally, he was wounded during the Saint-Mihiel Offensive in September 1918, an operation in which Gen. John Pershing aimed to break through the German line and capture Metz.
Following these experiences, he was repatriated to the United States, where he underwent nine surgeries and spent over a year in the hospital.
Transporting the Unknown Soldier
In 1921, Graves Erskine served aboard the USS Olympia (C-6) as a captain, alongside fellow Marines, entrusted with the solemn mission of repatriating the body of an unidentified soldier – known as the Unknown Soldier – back to the United States.
The casket was securely fastened to Olympia‘s deck, and Erskine assigned his men to keep a vigilant watch over it in shifts lasting four hours each. During the return journey, the ship navigated through the Tampa Bay hurricane, one of the most intense storms in US history. Despite the tumultuous seas, Olympia‘s crew faithfully fulfilled their duty by safeguarding the Unknown Soldier.
Upon the vessel’s arrival in Washington, DC, a dedicated team of Marines carefully carried the casket off the ship, while their comrades stood in salute, paying their respects to the Unknown Soldier.
Graves Erskine’s service during World War II
In 1928, Graves Erskine was deployed to Nicaragua as part of the 2nd Marine Brigade. His responsibilities expanded as he served as a bodyguard for Nicaraguan President José María Moncada Tapia, a role stemming from his involvement with the Nicaragua National Guard Detachment. Erskine also led a battalion in operations against bandits in the northern regions of the country.
Throughout the interwar period, Erskine steadily climbed the ranks. At the outset of World War II, he became the chief of staff for the Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet and, in September 1942, he held the same role with the Amphibious Corps, Pacific Fleet. His contributions in the Pacific Theater led to his promotion to brigadier general the following year.
Erskine played a significant role in several offensives, including on Tinian, Saipan and the Kwajalein Atoll. However, his most noteworthy moment came during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Following a promotion to major general, Erskine assumed command of the 3rd Marine Division, one of the key US military units involved in the assault on Iwo Jima. The American victory, reminiscent of the valor displayed at Belleau Wood, solidified its place as one of the Marine Corps’ most iconic engagements.
Graves Erskine’s later life
After World War II, Erskine continued his military service. His post-war efforts initially included developing programs to assist Marines in easily transitioning back into civilian life. He was then called to Washington to assume the role of administrator for the Retraining and Reemployment Administration (RRA).
Following his tenure in the nation’s capital, Erskine resumed active duty, assuming leadership roles at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. He also served as the deputy commander of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. In July 1951, he was appointed as the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, a position he held until his retirement in ’53.
Upon exiting the Marine Corps, he was bestowed with a promotion to four-star general, recognizing his valor in combat.
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On May 21, 1973, the Marine died in Bethesda, Maryland, at the age of 75. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.