World War II Honoree

Clifton Bledsoe Cates

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Tiptonville, Tennessee

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Served as Major General. He was one of the few officers from any branch of service to have commanded a platoon, a company, a regiment, and a division each in combat. Led the 1st Marines at Guadalcanal. He then assumed command of the 4th Marine Division in the Mariana Islands operation, the Tinian campaign and the seizure of Iwo Jima. In 1943, he became commandant of the Marine Corps Schools at Quantico. Received the Legion of Merit with Combat "V", Navy Distinguished Service Medal with a Gold Star, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze stars, WWII Victory Medal, Croix de Guerre with Gilt Star and 2 palms, Legion of Honor, Knight grade, and Order of Orange-Nassau, rank of Grand Officer with crossed swords.