Leonard E. Rea

Leonard Earl Rea (March 14, 1897 - May 12, 1972) was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general, who served as quartermaster of I Marine Amphibious Corps during World War II. Later served as chief of the supply branch at Headquarters Marine Corps.

Early career
Leonard E. Rea was born on March 14, 1897, in Auburn, New York, and, after graduation from high school, he decided to join the Marine Corps as an enlisted man on April 19, 1917. Following his basic training, Rea was assigned to 17th Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment stationed at Philadelphia Navy Yard. He left for France almost immediately after regiment's activation and arrived in Saint-Nazaire in July 1917. Rea was promoted to the rank of corporal and decorated with Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal for his enlisted service. He was sent to the trenches of the Toulon Sector near Verdun in March 1918 and subsequently participated in the Battle of Belleau Wood and Battle of Soissons.

Rea received battlefield promotion to second lieutenant (provisional) on July 29, 1918, and was appointed platoon commander in 66th Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. He participated in Battle of Saint-Mihiel in September 1918 and was appointed commander of Combat liaison group between 5th Marine Regiment and 5th Infantry Division on the right flank of the defensive line. Despite a rapid movement of the line, Rea led his liaison group between enemy lines and was decorated with two Silver Stars.

He led his platoon during the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge at the end of October 1918 and was wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Rea was unable to move without assistance, but remained in command of his platoon until he was ordered to the rear by his commanding officer. For his gallantry in action, he was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross and later also with the Navy Cross.

After his recovery from his wounds, Rea rejoined his unit and participated in the combats in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive at the beginning of November 1918. Following the Armistice, Rea participated in the Allied occupation of the Rhineland until June 1919. He returned to the United States one month later and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps with the rank of first lieutenant in July 1919.

World War II
Rea was ordered to Washington, D.C., where he was appointed assistant to the officer in charge of the supply division of the Quartermaster Department under General Seth Williams at Headquarters Marine Corps. He was appointed himself officer in charge of the supply division in April 1942. Colonel Rea was later transferred to the staff of I Marine Amphibious Corps under the command of Major General Charles D. Barrett and appointed commanding officer of Corps Supply Services. He was one of the last persons who saw General Barrett alive, and, after partication in Bougainville Campaign, he was transferred back to the United States. While serving in the Pacific theater, he was decorated with the Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau with Swords, Commander by the Government of the Netherlands for his service in connection with Dutch troops.

Following his arrival, Rea was assigned back to the Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. and appointed executive officer at the Quartermaster Department. During his service in this capacity, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general on 30 April 1944. Rea served in this capacity until August 1946, when he was appointed depot quartermaster in Philadelphia. For his distinguished World War II service, Rea received Legion of Merit.

His last service assignment came in October 1950, when he was appointed chief of the supply branch at Headquarters Marine Corps. Rea was relieved of all active duties an subsequently retired from the Marine Corps in November 1953. He was advanced to the rank of major general for having been specially commended in combat.

Decorations
Here is the ribbon bar of Major General Leonard E. Rea: