Maurice E. Shearer

Who is Maurice E. Shearer?

Maurice Edwin Shearer was a Brigadier General in the United States Marine Corps. In 1918, Major Shearer of the 5th Marine Regiment, led Marines in the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood in France, where he was awarded the Navy Cross, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, and French Legion of Honor.

Shearer was born to Mary Jane McClelland & Samuel Henry Shearer. He attended Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, but dropped out before graduation to join the 27th Indiana Battery, in which he served during the Spanish American War. In 1901, Shearer enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He received a commission as an officer in 1905.

During World War I, Major Shearer was ordered to clear the forests of Belleau Wood. On 26 June 1918, he sent a now famous report: "Woods now entirely -US Marine Corps."

Maurice Shearer died in 1953, and is buried in Section 10, Site 10928-B of Arlington National Cemetery.