Years of service 1917–1946 Service number 0-1004 | Rank Lieutenant General | |
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Born June 12, 1891
San Francisco, California ( 1891-06-12 ) Allegiance United States of America Commands held ADC of 4th Marine Division Battles/wars World War I
Nicaraguan Campaign
World War II
Marshall Islands campaign
Battle of Kwajalein
Battle of Saipan
Battle of Tinian Died 7 October 1991, Monterey, California, United States Service/branch United States Marine Corps Awards Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal Battles and wars Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, Battle of Kwajalein, Battle of Saipan, Battle of Tinian | ||
James Latham Underhill (June 12, 1891 – October 7, 1991) was an Officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Lieutenant General, who served as Assistant Division Commander of 4th Marine Division and later as Inspector of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific during World War II.
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Early career
James L. Underhill was born on June 12, 1891 in San Francisco. After the attending of local schools, he attended the University of California and graduated with Bachelor of Science degree in 1913. Underhill was commissioned Second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on August 20, 1913 and his first assignment was with Marine Officers' School at Marine Barracks Norfolk, Virginia.
World War II
Colonel Underhill was transferred to the Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., where he was appointed Executive Officer of the Adjutant and Inspector's Department in July 1939. He served in this capacity until March 1942, when he was appointed Commander of the Marine Corps Base San Diego, California. Underhill was also promoted to the rank of Brigadier General on 28 March 1942.
One year later, Brigadier general Underhill was transferred to the Command of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. When 4th Marine Division was activated in August 1943, Underhill was appointed Division Assistant Commander. He subsequently supervised the training together with Division Commander, Major general Harry Schmidt, before it was shipped out to the Pacific in January 1944.
Underhill commanded Preliminary Landing Group during the landing at Kwajalein Atoll. He landed with 25th Marine Regiment and coordinated the landings with artillery support. Underhill was succeeded in his capacity of Assistant Division Commander by Samuel C. Cumming on 11 April 1944. He was promoted to the rank of Major General in May 1944 and also decorated with Legion of Merit for his efforts during the Kwajalein operation.
Major general Underhill was subsequently appointed Tinian Island Commander and was responsible for the Island's defense. He served in this capacity until November 1944, when he was appointed Deputy Commander Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. He served in this capacity until March 1945, when he was appointed Inspector Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.
Postwar career
Underhill returned to the United States and was appointed President of the Postwar Personnel Reorganization Board at Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. in 1946. This office was tasked tasked with study of the records of all officers, who wanted to stay in the active service. Underhill was responsible for recommendations, who will stay in active service and who not. He finally retired from the Marine Corps on November 1, 1946. Underhill was also advanced to the rank of Lieutenant General for having been specially commended in combat.
After his retirement from the military, he resided in Carmel, California, and cooperated with the Defense Language Institute. Lieutenant general James L. Underhill died on October 7, 1991 at the age of 100 in Monterey, California.