Louis Bentham Robertshaw | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | "Ben" |
Born |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
August 1, 1912
Died | July 14, 2003 Chestertown, Maryland |
(aged 89)
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1936-1971 |
Rank | Lieutenant General |
Service number | 0-5294 |
Commands held |
VMSB-132 1st Marine Aircraft Wing |
Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Awards |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Air Medal (12) |
Louis Bentham Robertshaw (August 1, 1912 – July 14, 2003) was an American football player and Lieutenant general in the United States Marine Corps. He flew combat missions in World War II and the Korean War and flew an F-4D Phantom fighter in the Vietnam War as commanding general of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He received three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 12 Air Medals, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and three Legion of Merit with Combat "V."
Robertshaw graduated from Haverford Township High School in Havertown, Pennsylvania in 1930. He entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland in 1932, played center for Navy Midshipmen football team and was selected as a third-team All-American in 1935.
After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, Robertshaw was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in June 1936. He was assigned to the Philadelphia Navy Yard where he completed The Basic School for Marine Corps officers in June 1937. He served with the 6th Marine Regiment in Shanghai, China, and participated in the defense of the International Settlement in Shanghai from October 1937 to February 1938. In July 1939, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant while serving in China with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines.