Ray A. Robinson

Who was Ray A. Robinson?

General Ray Albert Robinson was a United States Marine Corps general who served in the Corps more than 40 years. His long and colorful career included service in France during the First World War, action at Guam and Iwo Jima in World War II, sea duty, and China service between World Wars. He also served in 1929 as Officer in Charge of the Marine Detachment which built President Herbert Hoover's Rapidan Camp mountain retreat near Criglersville, Virginia. Robinson twice earned the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" during World War II — the first for outstanding service in July and August 1944, as Chief of Staff of the 3d Marine Division during the planning and execution of the recapture of Guam; and the second for outstanding service from October 1944 to March 1945, as Chief of Staff of the 5th Marine Division during the preparation and combat phases of the Iwo Jima campaign.

After the Iwo Jima campaign General Robinson was made Assistant Commander of the 5th Marine Division, earning the Bronze Star for his service in that capacity during the occupation of Japan.