In their quest for a technical adviser for the 1949 film, Sands of Iwo Jima, John Wayne and Republic Pictures enlisted the expertise of Graves Erskine, a distinguished military man with a remarkable history. Few could rival or surpass his extensive background within the US Marine Corps.
Erskine’s military journey encompassed service in World War I, and he played a pivotal role during the Battle of Iwo Jima in the Second World War. However, one of his most honorable assignments occurred in 1921, when he was entrusted with the solemn responsibility of bringing the body of the Unknown Soldier back to the United States from Le Havre, France.
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 sent to Nicaragua with the 2nd Marine Brigade. He later served as a bodyguard for Nicaraguan President José María Moncada Tapia, the result of his work with the Nicaragua National Guard Detachment, and led a battalion in operations against bandits in northern parts of the country.
During the interwar period, Erskine rose in rank. He began the Second World War as the chief of staff for the Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet, and in September 1942 held the same position with the Amphibious Corps, Pacific Fleet. The following year, while serving in the Pacific, he was promoted to brigadier general and given additional duties.
Erskine was active during offensives on Tinian, Saipan and the Kwajalein Atoll, but his most notable moment of the war was his service during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Following his promotion to major general, Erskine was given command of the 3rd Marine Division, one of the many US military forces to land on Iwo Jima. Ending in a victory for the Americans, the battle, similar to that at Belleau Wood, became known as one of the Marine Corps’ most memorable fights.
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.
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