Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Wendell
Cushing
Neville
May 12, 1870

–

July 8, 1930

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Wendell Neville graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1890. During the period from 1898 to 1918, he spent fourteen years in foreign service, serving in the Spanish-American War, the Boxer Rebellion in China, Mexico, and the Philippine Insurrection, earning both the Medal of Honor and the Brevet Medal. As a Colonel he commanded the 5th Marine Regiment in France during World War I, and later as Brigadier General commanded the 4th Infantry Brigade (one of the few times a Marine General commanded Army troops in combat), earning both the Army and Navy Distinguished Service Medals and the Silver Star. From March 5, 1929 until his death on July 8, 1930, he served as the 14th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Regiment:

    2d Regiment (Marines)

    Action Date:

    April 21 & 22, 1914
    War Department, General Orders No. 177 (December 4, 1915)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Colonel Wendell Cushing Neville (MCSN: 0-711), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished conduct in battle engagements of Vera Cruz, Mexico, on 21 and 22 April 1914. In command of the 2d Regiment Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Neville was in both days’ fighting and almost continually under fire from soon after landing, about noon on the 21st, until we were in possession of the city, about noon of the 22d. His duties required him to be at points of great danger in directing his officers and men, and he exhibited conspicuous courage, coolness, and skill in his conduct of the fighting. Upon his courage and skill depended, in great measure, success or failure. His responsibilities were great and he met them in a manner worthy of commendation.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines) & 4th Infantry Brigade (Army)

    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), Brigadier General Wendell Cushing Neville (MCSN: 0-711), 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. Brigadier General Neville distinguished himself while serving with as Commanding General, Fifth Regiment (Marines) & 4th Infantry Brigade (Army), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I.

  • Marine Corps Brevet Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Marine (Huntington’s) Battalion

    Action Date:

    June 13, 1898
    Marine Corps Orders No. 26 (June 27, 1921)

    The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in transmitting to First Lieutenant Wendell Cushing Neville (MCSN: 0-711), United States Marine Corps, the Brevet Medal which is awarded in accordance with Marine Corps Order No. 26 (1921), for conspicuous conduct in battle while serving with Company D, First Marine (Huntington’s) Battalion, at Guantanamo, Cuba, on 13 June 1898. On 10 August 1898, First Lieutenant Neville is appointed Captain, by brevet, to take rank from 13 June 1898.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines) & 4th Infantry Brigade (Army)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    Authority: Navy Book of Distinguished Service (Stringer)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Wendell Cushing Neville (MCSN: 0-711), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during World War I. When in command of the 5th Regiment, United States Marine Corps, and later of the 4th Infantry Brigade, 2d Division, A.E.F., Brigadier General Neville participated in the battles of Chateau-Thierry, the advances near Soissons and the operations of St. Mihiel, Blanc Mont Ridge and the Argonne-Meuse. In all these he proved himself a leader of great skill and ability.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines) & 4th Infantry Brigade (Army)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I
    War Department, General Orders No. 59 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Wendell Cushing Neville (MCSN: 0-711), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during World War I. While in command of the 5th Regiment, United States Marine Corps, and later of the 4th Infantry Brigade, 2d Division, A.E.F., Brigadier General Neville participated in the battles of Chateau-Thierry, the advances near Soissons and the operations of St. Mihiel, Blanc Mont Ridge and the Argonne-Meuse. In all these he proved himself a leader of great skill and ability.