General Alexander Archer Vandergrift
(1887-1973)
United States Marine Corps

Accession number:
1985.06

Maker:
Felix de Weldon
(1907-2003)

Historical period:
ca. 1972

Miltary branch:
Marine Corps

Wars and Conflicts:
World War II

Type:
Bronze, Sculpture

Dimensions:
H x W x D: 21 in. / 19 in. / 10 in.

Acquisition date:
1985

Credit line:
The Army and Navy Club Library Trust

Location:
Iwo Jima Room, Second Floor

Provenance:

From 1985: The Army and Navy Club, acquired from Felix de Weldon

Label:

Alexander Vandegrift received his commission in the Marine Corps in 1908. In 1909 he foresaw future battle when he authored “Aviation, the Cavalry of the Future.” He commanded the 1^st Marine Division during World War II in the Solomons during the attack on Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Gavulu. He was awarded the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor for his actions in those battles. He was sworn as the 18^th Commandant of the Marine Corps in 1945 and appointed General, the first Marine officer on active duty to attain four-star rank. General Vandegrift is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.