Merwin H. Silverthorn
Merwin Hancock Silverthorn (September 22, 1896 – August 14, 1985) was a highly decorated Lieutenant General in the United States Marine Corps, Navy Cross recipient. 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 as field commander and during World War II as a senior staff officer. Following World War II, Silverthorn served in many important capacities like Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, director of the Marine Corps Reserve or commanding general of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Early career Silverthorn was born on 22 September 1896 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the son of Civil War veteran, Asahel C. Silverthorn (1844–1940) and his wife Emma C. Silverthorn (1861–1921). He studied at University of Minnesota, but left the university before graduation and enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard. Serving on Mexican Border during the Pancho Villa Expedition, Silverthorn subsequently enlisted in the Marine Corps as a private on 27 April 1917. World War I After basic training he was assigned to the newly created 5th Marine Regiment. Silverthorn sailed to France as a member of 16th Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th