Albertus Wright Catlin

From Veracruz to Belleau Wood he led Marines through battle.

Albertus Wright Catlin was born on 1 December 1868 in Rome, New York. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1890 and completed sea duty aboard USS Charleston before receiving a Marine Corps commission on 1 July 1892. He finished first at the Marine Corps School of Application the following year.

Catlin commanded the Marine detachment aboard USS Maine and survived the ship's destruction in Havana Harbor in February 1898. He subsequently served in the Spanish-American War and in overseas assignments, including command of a battalion at Guantanamo Bay in 1911.

During the United States occupation of Veracruz, Mexico, in April 1914, Major Catlin led the provisional 3rd Marine Regiment, formed from ships' Marine detachments. His leadership in the fighting on 22 April and the occupation of the city earned the Medal of Honor.

Official Medal of Honor citation:

"For distinguished conduct in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914. Eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion, Maj. Catlin exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the 22d and in the final occupation of the city."

During the First World War, Catlin commanded the Marine training camp at Quantico and then the 6th Marine Regiment in France. On 6 June 1918, while his regiment attacked Belleau Wood, a German sniper shot him through the chest. The bullet pierced his gas mask and right lung. He survived but could no longer continue the battle.

After his return to the United States and promotion to brigadier general, Catlin assumed command of the First Marine Brigade in Haiti in November 1918. His command coincided with the renewed Caco insurgency, an armed rebellion that spread through the Haitian interior. Contemporary diplomatic correspondence records Catlin requesting additional Marines and deploying units to districts affected by armed bands. His command continued until September 1919, adding an important counterinsurgency chapter to his military career.

Catlin retired in December 1919. He received the Officer grade of the French Legion of Honour and the Croix de Guerre with palm and gilt star for his service in France. He recorded his experiences in With the Help of God and a Few Marines.

Catlin continued to suffer ill health associated with his wound. He died in Culpeper, Virginia, on 31 May 1933 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.