Thomas E. Watson (General)
Thomas Eugene Watson (born January 18, 1892 in Oskaloosa , Iowa , † February 10, 1968 in the Panama Canal Zone ) was an American Lieutenant General in the United States Marine Corps . During the Pacific War , he commanded the 2nd U.S. Marine Division during the Battle of Saipan and the Battle of Tinian .
Life
He joined the Marine Corps on November 11, 1912. He was made a lieutenant in October 20, 1916 .
Four months after the United States entered World War II, Watson became Chief of Staff of the 3rd Marine Brigade in Samoa in April 1942 . He took command of the 3rd Marine Brigade in August 1942.
In November 1943 he became the commanding general of Tactical Group One. He led this unit from February 6 to March 22, 1944 in Operation Catchpole , the conquest of the islands of Engebi, Parry and Eniwetok in the Eniwetok Atoll of the Marshall Islands .
From April 1944 he was in command of the 2nd US Marine Division. From August 1945 to June 1946, he was Director of Personnel at Marine Corps Headquarters . From 1946 to 1948 he was again in command of the 2nd US Marine Division and at the same time commander of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune . From January 1, 1948 to July 1, 1950 he was commanding general of the Fleet Marine Force in the Pacific . After 38 years of military service, he retired in 1950.
Awards
He was awarded numerous medals. He has received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal twice . Once for his service as commander in Operation Catchpole and once for his service during the Battle of Saipan and the Battle of Tinian .
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Watson, Thomas E. |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Watson, Thomas Eugene (full name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American Lieutenant General in the United States Marine Corps |
| DATE OF BIRTH | January 18, 1892 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Oskaloosa , Iowa |
| DATE OF DEATH | February 10, 1968 |
| Place of death | Panama Canal Zone |