A Marine Tells It to You

by Frederic M. Wise, Meigs O. Frost

This is the story of 27 years in war and peace around the world, out of the life of Frederic May Wise, who entered the U.S. Marine Corps a 2dLt in 1899 and retired a Colonel in 1926 with the Distinguished Service Medal, USN, won in the Bois de Belleau; the Distinguished Service Medal, USA, won in the Argonne; Chevalier of the Legion of Honor of France, won in the Bois de Belleau; the Croix de Guerre of France, with Palm, won in the Bois de Belleau; and the Medaille Militaire of the Republic of Haiti; also with the campaign badges for active service in the Philippines, in China, in Cuba, in Mexico, in Haiti, in San Domingo, and in France.

366 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Mark Mortensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frederick May Wise entered the Marine Corps as a 2nd lieutenant in 1899, retired as a colonel in 1926 and had this memoir published in 1929. His service carried him to many countries around the globe and to France for World War I.

In the early 1900’s, Wise was on a battleship several miles from the China shore when he noticed other U.S. warships along with Chinese junks and numerous warships flying flags of other nations including Russia, Germany, Brittan, France, Italy and Japan.
This era may have been the last time in history such a collection of military ships was grouped together.

When America entered WWI Wise was elevated to a lieutenant colonel in command of the Marine Corps 2nd Battalion 5th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Division. He actively participated at the historic battle of Chateau Thierry and Belleau Wood.

Historical side note: Recently we witnessed how a journalist misspoke embellishing history. In the same vain there is an example within this memoir. At Chateau Thierry with the Germans advancing towards Paris a retreating French officer directed Capt. Lloyd Williams of the 51st Company in 2/5 under Wise’s command to also retreat, which prompted the captain’s inspiring reply that has lasted through the ages. “Retreat, hell! We just got here.” Over time a couple of other high ranking Marine Corps officers wished to have their name placed in history alongside the popular quote. One is Col. Manus McCloskey and in this 1929 book Col. Wise laid personal claim saying he was the one who stated:“”Retreat! Hell! We’ve just got here!” I told him.”” (pg. 202)

Following Belleau Wood, Wise had a rift with U.S. Army General James Harbord, commander of the Marine Corps 4th Brigade. Harbord then directed Wise for a lengthy period of rest and recovery back in Paris. He visited with his wife an American nurse in the city. Wishing to get back in the fight the Marine Corps officer was elevated to colonel and given command of the U.S. Army 59th Infantry Regiment in the 4th Division. He led his regiment in the Argonne battle followed by another rest period in Paris where he received the news of Armistice.

Following duty with the Occupation of Germany Wise came back to America reverting back to lieutenant colonel. USMC Commandant General George Barnett requested that Wise take time off to rest as he was suffering from constant nightmares known today as PTSD. The ailment was temporary and Wise soon headed for a post assignment in Haiti. Later he was directed to Quantico an elevated to colonel. He took early retirement in January 1926 at age 48 due to a heart murmur and diabetes, but also with a feeling that the Corps was evolving and he did not fit in with the current times.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining account of the "Old Breed" of the U.S. Marine Corps.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven’t finished it yet, but a great read of the workings of the Marine Corps before and after World War I. I highly recommend it.