Charles L. McCawley

Charles Laurie McCawley (August 24, 1865 – April 29, 1935) was an American officer who served in the United States Marine Corps during the Spanish-American War and World War I. He who was one of 23 Marine Corps officers awarded the Marine Corps Brevet Medal for bravery.

Early life and marriage
McCawley was born August 24, 1865 in Massachusetts to Charles G. McCawley who became the 8th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

He married Sarah Helen Frelinghuysen Davis July 24, 1906 at Washington, D.C.

Military career
McCawley worked in the Commandant of the Marine Corps office as Chief Clerk from 1881 to 1897. His father Colonel McCawley assumed the duties as the Commandant in 1876, being appointed colonel commandant, the highest post in the Marine Corps, and served in that position until he retired in 1891. The younger McCawley remained on as the Chief Clerk for six years after his father retired. On the day his father retired from Marine Corps service Charles L. McCawley was appointed a direct commission in the Marine Corps as a Captain. After accepting his appointment he went on to serve in Cuba, the Spanish-American War and World War I.

He died April 29, 1935 at his home in Washington, D.C., and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery May 1, 1935. His grave can be found in the south section, site 3888. His wife Sarah was buried beside him when she died.

He retired from the Marine Corps August 24, 1929, at the age of 64.

Presidential citation
Citation:
 * The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Marine Corps Brevet Medal to Charles Laurie McCawley, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished conduct and public service in the presence of the enemy at Guantanamo, Cuba, 11 June 1898. On 18 March 1901, appointed Major by brevet.

Secretary of the Navy citation
Citation
 * The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in transmitting to Captain Charles Laurie McCawley, United States Marine Corps, the Brevet Medal which is awarded in accordance with Marine Corps Order No. 26 (1921), for distinguished conduct and public service in the presence of the enemy while serving as Quartermaster, First Marine (Huntington's) Battalion, at Guantanamo, Cuba, on 11 June 1898. On 18 March 1901, Captain McCawley is appointed Major, by brevet, to take rank from 11 June 1898.

Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Citation:
 * The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Charles Laurie McCawley, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility in the organization and administration of the Quartermaster's Department of the Marine Corps during World War I. Through his energy and efficient management this Department was able successfully to meet the various emergencies and difficulties connected with the transportation, subsistence, housing and clothing of the personnel of the Marine Corps throughout the period of the war.