In their pursuit of a technical adviser for the 1949 film, Sands of Iwo Jima, John Wayne and Republic Pictures turned to Graves Erskine, a highly regarded military figure with an illustrious background. Few could match his extensive experience within the US Marine Corps.
Erskine’s military career spanned from World War I to his role in the Battle of Iwo Jima during the Second World War. However, one of his most distinguished assignments occurred in 1921, when he was tasked with the solemn duty of repatriating the body of the Unknown Soldier from Le Havre, France to the United States.
Graves Erskine’s upbringing and early life
Hailing from Columbia, Louisiana, Graves Erskine, born in 1897, exhibited exceptional intelligence from an early age. He attained the distinction of valedictorian at the age of 15, graduating at the top of his high school class. His educational journey continued at Louisiana State University, and he subsequently embarked on a military career by joining the Louisiana National Guard.
Responding to the call of duty along the Mexican border in 1916 showcased Erskine’s commitment to service. After this initial assignment, he returned to his educational pursuits, successfully graduating the following year. During his academic endeavors, he enrolled in the US Marine Corps Reserve and, in the same year, earned a commission as a second lieutenant.
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 remained in the military. His first action following the conflict was to set up programs, which would make it easier for Marines to properly transition back into civilian life. He was later called to Washington to serve as the administrator of the Retraining and Reemployment Administration (RRA).
After a few years in Washington, Erskine requested a return to active duty and was placed in charge of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. He was also named deputy commander of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. A few years later, in July 1951, he was promoted to the position of commanding general, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, where he remained until his retirement in 1953. Upon leaving the Marine Corps, he was promoted to the rank of four-star general, for his heroism in combat.
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On May 21, 1973, at the age of 75, Erskine passed away in Bethesda, Maryland. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.