A Marine commander whose caution helped save a surrounded division
“Retreat, hell! We're just attacking in another direction.”
Oliver P. Smith was a U.S. Marine general who served in World War II and the Korean War, known for expertise in amphibious operations and a cautious command style. As commander of the 1st Marine Division, he led the Inchon landing and the advance to Seoul in 1950, then directed the division’s breakout from Chinese encirclement at the Chosin Reservoir. Against speed-first orders from MacArthur and Almond, he prepared supply lines and an airfield, choices that helped preserve his force and sustain the operation.
Career Timeline
- 1917Commissioned second lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
- 1934–1936Studied at the École Supérieure de Guerre in France
- 1944Commanded 5th Marines in the New Britain operation
- 1944–1945Assistant division commander, 1st Marine Division, Peleliu and Okinawa operations
- 1950–1951Commanding general, 1st Marine Division, Inchon, Seoul and Chosin operations
- 1953–1955Commanding general, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic
- 1955Retired as a four-star general