LeRoy Philip Hunt | |
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![]() General LeRoy P. Hunt
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Born |
Newark, New Jersey |
March 17, 1892
Died | February 8, 1968 San Francisco, California |
(aged 75)
Allegiance |
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Service/branch |
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Years of service | 1917 - 1951 |
Rank |
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Commands held |
5th Marine Regiment 2nd Marine Division Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic |
Battles/wars |
World War I World War II *Battle of Guadalcanal *Battle of Okinawa |
Awards |
Navy Cross Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Purple Heart Croix de Guerre French Fourragere |
General LeRoy Philip Hunt (March 17, 1892 – February 8, 1968) was a United States Marine Corps general, who served with distinction during World War I in France and later commanded the 2nd Marine Division at the end of World War II.
Hunt was born in 1892 in Newark, New Jersey, and was a graduate of the University of California. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1917 and served with great distinction with the 5th Marines during World War I, receiving the Navy Cross and Distinguished Service Cross for his actions.
Postwar assignments were varied, ranging from sea duty to commanding officer of the Western Mail Guard Detachment and work with the Work Projects Administration's Matanuska Colonization venture in Alaska.
Following a short tour in Iceland, he was given command of the 5th Marines which he led during the early stages of the Battle of Guadalcanal. As the 2nd Marine Division's assistant division commander, he participated in mopping-up operations on Saipan and Tinian and in the Okinawa Campaign. Appointed division commander, he led the division in the occupation of Japan and for a period was Commanding General, I Army Corps. Returning to the United States, Hunt assumed duties as Commanding General, Department of Pacific and then Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic.