Before filming Sands of Iwo Jima in 1949, John Wayne and Republic Pictures brought in Graves Erskine as a technical advisor to ensure the movie’s military accuracy. Erskine’s deep knowledge came from a long and respected career in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served in both World War I and World War II.
During World War II, he played a major leadership role in the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the most intense and important fights in the Pacific. His dedication to the Marine Corps had been clear for decades—back in 1921, he was chosen to escort the remains of the Unknown Soldier from Le Havre, France, to the United States. It was a deeply symbolic and honorable assignment, showing the high regard the military had for him even early in his career.
Graves Erskine’s upbringing and early life
Graves Erskine was born in 1897 in Columbia, Louisiana, and showed exceptional intelligence early in life. By the age of 15, he had graduated at the top of his high school class. He went on to attend Louisiana State University, but his path soon shifted toward military service when he joined the Louisiana National Guard.
Erskine’s commitment to serving his country became evident in 1916, when he was deployed to the Mexican border during rising tensions with Mexico. After completing his assignment, he returned to LSU and graduated the following year. Shortly afterward, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and, within the same year, earned a promotion to second lieutenant—a sign of his potential and leadership from the very beginning of his military career.
Graves Erskine’s service during World War I
In January 1918, Graves Erskine went to France as a platoon leader with the 6th Marine Regiment. Although the First World War had less than a year remaining, the Marine participated in several crucial and high-profile battles, notably the renowned Battle of Belleau Wood. Taking place from June 1-26, 1918, during the German spring offensive, the engagement was a pivotal moment in US Marine Corps history, solidifying the service’s reputation as a battle-ready force.
Erskine also played a role in the Battle of Château-Thierry, where he sustained injuries. Additionally, he was wounded during the Saint-Mihiel Offensive in September 1918, an operation in which Gen. John Pershing aimed to break through the German line and capture Metz.
Following these experiences, he was repatriated to the United States, where he underwent nine surgeries and spent over a year in the hospital.
Transporting the Unknown Soldier
In 1921, Captain Graves Erskine served aboard the USS Olympia (C-6) as part of a Marine detail assigned to escort the remains of an unidentified American soldier—later honored as the Unknown Soldier—back to the United States.
The casket was secured to the deck of the ship, and under Erskine’s command, Marines took turns standing guard in four-hour shifts to ensure constant watch. During the voyage, the Olympia encountered the powerful Tampa Bay hurricane, one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history. Even as the ship was battered by the storm, the Marines stayed focused on their mission, protecting the casket at all costs.
When they arrived in Washington, DC, a Marine honor guard carried the Unknown Soldier’s casket ashore, while the rest of the unit stood at attention and saluted, paying their respects in a solemn and dignified ceremony.
Graves Erskine’s service during World War II
In 1928, Graves Erskine was deployed to Nicaragua as part of the 2nd Marine Brigade. His responsibilities expanded as he assumed the role of bodyguard for Nicaraguan President José María Moncada Tapia, a position that emerged from his work with the Nicaragua National Guard Detachment. Erskine also led a battalion in operations against bandits in the country’s northern regions.
Throughout the interwar years, Erskine steadily rose in rank. As World War II began, he served as the chief of staff for the Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet, and by September 1942, he held the same position with the Amphibious Corps, Pacific Fleet. His contributions in the Pacific Theater earned him a promotion to brigadier general the following year.
Erskine played a important role in several key offensives, including those on Tinian, Saipan and the Kwajalein Atoll. However, his most notable accomplishment came during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
After being promoted to major general, Erskine took command of the 3rd Marine Division, a crucial U.S. military unit in the assault on Iwo Jima. The American victory there, much like the heroism displayed at Belleau Wood, solidified its place as one of the Marine Corps’ most legendary battles.
Graves Erskine’s later life
After World War II, Erskine continued his military service. His post-war efforts initially included developing programs to assist Marines in easily transitioning back into civilian life. He was then called to Washington to assume the role of administrator for the Retraining and Reemployment Administration (RRA).
Following his tenure in the nation’s capital, Erskine resumed active duty, assuming leadership roles at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. He also served as the deputy commander of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. In July 1951, he was appointed as the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, a position he held until his retirement in ’53.
Upon exiting the Marine Corps, he was bestowed with a promotion to four-star general, recognizing his valor in combat.
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On May 21, 1973, the Marine died in Bethesda, Maryland, at the age of 75. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.