Louis E. Woods

Louis Earnest Woods
LtGen Louis E. Woods
Nickname(s)	Bullets and Beans[1]
Born	(1895-10-07)October 7, 1895 Fredonia, New York
Died	October 20, 1971(1971-10-20) (aged 76) Washington, D.C.
Place of burial	Arlington Cemetery
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1917–1951
Rank	Lieutenant general
Commands held	4th Marine Aircraft Wing Tactical Air Force, Tenth Army 1st Marine Aircraft Wing 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Aircraft, FMF Atlantic Marine Air, West Coast
Battles/wars	World War I World War II Battle of Guadalcanal Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign Battle of Okinawa
Awards	Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (4)

Lieutenant General Louis Earnest Woods (7 October 1895 – 20 October 1971), one of the Marine Corps' outstanding aviators, served as commanding general, aircraft, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, prior to his retirement. During World War II, he commanded the Cactus Air Force at Guadalcanal during November and December, 1942, and later, at Okinawa, was commanding general, Tactical Air Force, Tenth Army, and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

For outstanding services rendered in the former named position he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a third Legion of Merit, and in the second capacity a Distinguished Service Medal. His citation for the latter reads in part, "…Continually exposed to terrific fire from enemy ship and shore batteries, as well as bombing and strafing attacks by hostile aircraft, Brigadier General Woods directed the operations of his forces with such daring skill and tenacious determination that a total of twenty-two Japanese surface craft was sunk and sixty-five planes destroyed.

Brigadier General Woods by his dauntless courage and outstanding leadership, contributed in a great measure to the success of our forces in that area."

LtGen Woods retired on 1 July 1951, after 34 years of Marine Corps service.