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Earl
Hancock
Ellis
DNB (1923)
December 19, 1880

–

May 12, 1923

After his service in World War I, Colonel Ellis served as an intelligence officer in the Dominican Republic from April to December 1920, followed by service as head of the intelligence section of the Division of Operations and Training with Headquarters Marine Corps from December 1920 to May 1921. His next assignment was as the FIRST SPY in the U.S. Marine Corps, when he took on clandestine reconnaissance missions in the Pacific to monitor Japanese military buildup there. He died under mysterious circumstances on the Japanese-held island of Palau in the Caroline Islands on May 12, 1923.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Regiment:

    4th Brigade (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Earl Hancock Ellis (MCSN: 0-260), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service as Adjutant, 4th Brigade Marines, 2d Division, A.E.F. Lieutenant Colonel Ellis displayed utter disregard of personal hardship and danger, energetic application and an unfailing devotion to the duties of his office. He has ever shown himself ready for any emergency, even when he had been without sleep or rest for several days and nights at a time. His keen analytical mind, quick grasp of intricate problems, resourcefulness, decision and readiness to take prompt action on important questions arising during the temporary absence of the Brigade Commander within the Brigade, have contributed largely to the success of the Brigade, rendered his services invaluable and won for him the high esteem and complete confidence of the Brigade Commander.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Regiment:

    4th Brigade

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 11, 1918
    Citation Orders No. 88, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Lieutenant Colonel Earl Hancock Ellis (MCSN: 0-260), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Lieutenant Colonel Ellis distinguished himself while serving with Headquarters, 4th Brigade, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I.