Archibald henderson usmc silent war

As we are poised to celebrate another milestone birthday, we thought it fitting to revisit this article about the 5th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Brevet Brigadier General Archibald Henderson. As Marines prepare to step into the third century of service to their country, it is well that we pause, reflecting on the actions, words and lives of some of the great Americans who gave so much to our Corps.

The Marine Corps had been in existence 54 years.

It is difficult to imagine Archibald Henderson as anything but the Commandant. It was as though he were destined for the awesome responsibilities of the office. His tenure of office was to last for 38 years of growth, tradition, respect and new glory. Born in January , he was appointed a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in June As a captain during the War of , he served aboard the frigate Constitution and participated in the engagements against the Java, Cyane and Levant.

With less than 15 years of service as a Marine, he was appointed Commandant! He took over at a poor time. He had inherited a Corps weakened in morale. He found his men serving with the attitude that nobody cared.

Henderson, known today as the Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps would out serve nine presidents and leave a legacy to the Corps in both traditions and legend.

He reasoned that his Corps would be no better than its officers, and therefore stationed all newly appointed officers at his own headquarters, Marine Barracks, Washington. There they would receive his personal supervision before being assigned to sea duty. Morale began to climb as the men realized that the Commandant himself was personally supervising all matters pertaining to their pay and allowances.

How was his morale about this time?