Robert H. Pepper

Robert Houston Pepper (April 22, 1895 - June 1, 1968) was an officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Lieutenant General, who is most noted for his work in the development of the Marine defense battalions during World War II and later as Commanding General of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific or 3rd Marine Division.

World War II
Lieutenant colonel Pepper has been transferred to the Marine Barracks Parris Island at the beginning of October 1939 and was appointed Commanding officer of the newly established 3rd Defense Battalion. During April 1940, he sailed for Hawaii and was replaced in command by Colonel Harry K. Pickett at the end of August 1940. However Pepper remained with the regiment as Deputy Commander until the beginning of February 1941, when he was again promoted to the capacity of Battalion Commander. He was subsequently tasked with the preparation of the defenses of Midway Atoll.

With the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, Pepper was located on Hawaii and participated in the defense of the islands. His unit was subsequently transferred to Guadalcanal at the beginning of August 1942 and Pepper has been meanwhile promoted to the rank of Colonel in May 1942. He led his unit during the Battle of Tulagi and subsequently in the defense of the Henderson Field during October 1942. Pepper distinguished himself and subsequently received Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for his leadership during the campaign.

He was relieved by Lieutenant colonel Harold C. Roberts on March 15, 1943 and subsequently transferred to the staff of the 11th Marine Artillery Regiment located in Australia for rest and refit after heavy combats on Guadalcanal. He relieved Colonel Pedro del Valle as Commanding Officer on March 29, 1943. Pepper led his regiment to New Guinea in December 1943 and participated in the Battle of Cape Gloucester.

Colonel Pepper has been relieved by William H. Harrison at the end of January 1944 and subsequently returned to the United States the following month. After one month of medical leave, Pepper was appointed Chief of staff to the Commanding General of Camp Lejeune, Major general John Marston. He was also promoted to the rank of Brigadier general at the same time. Pepper remained in this capacity until June 1945, when he was ordered back to the Pacific and assigned to the V Amphibious Corps Artillery as its commander. For his service at Camp Lejeune, he was decorated with Navy Commendation Medal.

Decorations
Here is the ribbon bar of Lieutenant General Robert H. Pepper: