Oliver Prince Smith | |
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Nickname(s) | "O.P.", "the professor", "student general" |
Born | Menard, Texas, U.S. | October 26, 1893
Died | December 25, 1977 Los Altos, California, U.S. | (aged 84)
Buried | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1917–1955 |
Rank | General |
Commands | Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic Camp Pendleton Assistant Commandant USMC 1st Marine Division 5th Marine Regiment 1st Battalion 6th Marines |
Battles/wars | |
Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal Air Medal Eulji Order of Military Merit (2) |
Spouse(s) | Esther Laurilla King Smith |
Oliver Prince Smith (October 26, 1893 – December 25, 1977) was a U.S. Marine four-star general and decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He is most noted for commanding the 1st Marine Division during the first year of the Korean War, and notably during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where he said "Retreat, Hell! We're just attacking in another direction."[1] This is commonly misquoted as "Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction."[2] He retired at the rank of four-star general, being advanced in rank for having been specially commended for heroism in combat.
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