Merwin H. Silverthorn

Merwin Hancock Silverthorn (September 22, 1896&mdash;August 14, 1985) was a highly decorated the 3rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps with the rank of Lieutenant General.

He was an expert in amphibious warfare and taught courses at Marine Corps training facilities in the 1930s. He served in numerous conflicts including World War I and World War II.

Early years
Silverthorn was born September 22, 1896 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and enlisted in the Marines as a private on 27 April 1917. After attending of basic training, Silverthorn was assigned to the newly created 5th Marine Regiment and was sent to the France within American Expeditionary Forces.

Silverthorn was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 9 June 1918. Subsequently participated in the Battle of Château-Thierry, Aisne-Marne Offensive and Meuse-Argonne Offensive. For his actions, Silverthorn was decorated with the Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars and Purple Heart.

After the war, Silverthorn remained in the Europe for occupation duties until September 1919. After return to the States, Silverthorn attended a Tour of duty at Washington, D.C., Mare Island Naval Shipyard and Marine Corps Base Quantico and then, in May 1923, was sent to Haiti, where he helped in organizing of police units.

By the time he retired he had achieved the rank of Lieutenant General. He died August 14, 1985 in Bethesda naval Hospital and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Lieut. Gen. Merwin Hancock Silverthorn died August 14 at Bethesda Naval Medical Center.