Before starting production, John Wayne and Republic Pictures brought Graves Erskine on board as a technical advisor for their 1949 film Sands of Iwo Jima, valuing his vast military knowledge and distinguished career.
Erskine’s service with the US Marine Corps was extraordinary, extending from the Great War to his participation in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. In 1921, he was entrusted with the solemn responsibility of escorting the remains of the Unknown Soldier from Le Havre, France, back to the United States.
Graves Erskine’s upbringing and early life
Graves Erskine, born in Columbia, Louisiana, in 1897, exhibited remarkable intelligence from a young age. By the time he was 15, he had earned the title of valedictorian at his high school. He pursued further education at Louisiana State University before beginning his military career by enlisting in the Louisiana National Guard.
Erskine’s dedication to his country was clear during his service along the Mexican border in 1916. After completing this assignment, he returned to his studies and graduated the following year. He then joined the US Marine Corps Reserve and was quickly promoted to second lieutenant within 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 as a captain aboard the USS Olympia (C-6) along with fellow Marines, tasked with the solemn responsibility of bringing home the body of an unidentified soldier, later known as the Unknown Soldier.
The casket was firmly secured to the ship’s deck, and Erskine ordered his men to stand guard over it in rotating four-hour shifts. During the return voyage, Olympia braved the Tampa Bay hurricane, one of the most powerful storms in U.S. history. Despite the turbulent seas, the crew remained steadfast in their duty to protect the Unknown Soldier.
When the ship reached Washington, DC, a group of Marines reverently carried the casket ashore as their comrades stood at attention, saluting the Unknown Soldier in tribute.
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 assumed the role of bodyguard for Nicaraguan President José María Moncada Tapia, a position that emerged from his work with the Nicaragua National Guard Detachment. Erskine also led a battalion in operations against bandits in the country’s northern regions.
Throughout the interwar years, Erskine steadily rose in rank. As World War II began, he served as the chief of staff for the Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet, and by September 1942, he held the same position with the Amphibious Corps, Pacific Fleet. His contributions in the Pacific Theater earned him a promotion to brigadier general the following year.
Erskine played a important role in several key offensives, including those on Tinian, Saipan and the Kwajalein Atoll. However, his most notable accomplishment came during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
After being promoted to major general, Erskine took command of the 3rd Marine Division, a crucial U.S. military unit in the assault on Iwo Jima. The American victory there, much like the heroism displayed at Belleau Wood, solidified its place as one of the Marine Corps’ most legendary battles.
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.