Donn John Robertson | |
---|---|
Born |
Willow City, North Dakota |
September 9, 1916
Died | March 4, 2000 Falls Church, Virginia |
(aged 83)
Buried | Arlington National Cemetery |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/branch |
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Years of service | 1938–1972 |
Rank |
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Service number | 0-5839 |
Commands held |
Marine Corps Reserve III Marine Amphibious Corps 1st Marine Division 4th Marine Division |
Battles/wars | |
Awards |
Navy Cross Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit |
Donn John Robertson (September 9, 1916 - March 4, 2000) was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Lieutenant General. He is most noted for his service as Commanding General of III Marine Amphibious Corps and 1st Marine Division during Vietnam War.
Donn J. Robertson was born on September 9, 1916 in Willow City, North Dakota, but his family moved to Minot, North Dakota, where young Donn graduated local high school in 1934. He subsequently attended University of North Dakota, where he earned Bachelor of Science degree in summer 1938. During his university years, Robertson captained the basketball team in his senior year and also was commissioned in the Army Reserve, but he resigned his commission in order to accept appointment of Second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in June 1938.
As an newly commissioned officer, Robertson was sent to the Basic School at Philadelphia Navy Yard for officers training, which he completed in June 1939. He was subsequently assigned to the Marine Detachment aboard the battleship USS West Virginia and spent most of his time there with patrol cruises in Pacific and Hawaii also took part in Fleet Problem XXI during 1940.
Robertson was transferred San Diego, California, where he was appointed Company Commander within 2nd Marine Division under Major general Clayton B. Vogel. He was promoted to the rank of First lieutenant in August 1941 and later served as Division adjutant under new division's commander, Major general Charles F. B. Price. Following the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor and United States' entry into World War II, General Price was ordered to the Pacific Area at the end of March 1942, to be appointed Commanding general of the newly established Samoan Defense Force and aware of Robertson's administration skills, he requested him as his Adjutant. Meanwhile, Robertson was promoted to the rank of Captain in February 1942.