Robert E. Hogaboom

Robert Edward Hogaboom (November 13, 1902–November 11, 1993) was a United States Marine Corps four-star general who served as Chief of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. Hogaboom was promoted to four-star rank upon retirement as a "tombstone general".

Biography
Robert Edward Hogaboom was born on November 13, 1902 in Meridian, Mississippi. He graduated from Marion Military Institute in 1921. Hogaboom attended Mississippi State College for two years before entering the United States Naval Academy, where he was a member of the boxing team. He graduated on June 4, 1925 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After completing the Basic School at the Philadelphia Naval Yard, he joined the 5th Marine Regiment at Quantico, Virginia. He saw service in Cuba, Nicaragua, and China.

In World War II, Hogaboom saw action at Attu and Kiska in the Aleutians, and on Makin Island, Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and Iwo Jima. He was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for outstanding service at Saipan and Tinian as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 (Operations and Training), Northern Troops and Landing Force. At Iwo Jima, he earned a Gold Star in lieu of a second Legion of Merit for his service as Chief of Staff of the 3rd Marine Division.

After World War II, he served as assistant division commander, and later division commander, 1st Marine Division in Korea from 1954 to 1955.

Hogaboom retired on October 30, 1959 as a lieutenant general and was advanced to the rank of general upon retirement.

Decorations and honors
General Hogabooms medals and decorations include:

The Marine Corps Association's Marine Corps Gazette General Robert E. Hogaboom Leadership Writing Contest is named in his honor.