16 Facts About George Barnett

George Barnett was the 12th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.

George Barnett entered the US Naval Academy in June 1877, graduating in 1881 with the first academy class to provide officers to the Marine Corps.

In that same year, George Barnett became a Veteran Companion of the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars.

Major George Barnett returned to Washington in December 1902, only to be placed in command of another battalion of Marines being transferred less than a month later to join the first Brigade of Marines in the Philippine Islands.

George Barnett was then transferred from the Philippine Islands to Washington, DC, in April 1905, and shortly after arriving in the United States received a promotion to lieutenant colonel.

George Barnett's regiment was almost immediately transferred to Cianfuegos, where it spread out over a wide area with George Barnett controlling a considerable portion of the island.

George Barnett was appointed Major General Commandant of the Marine Corps on 25 February 1914 for a period of four years.

George Barnett was the first Commandant to be appointed on a four-year term in accordance with a law passed the previous year.

George Barnett was promoted to permanent brigadier general on 29 August 1916.

George Barnett saw the Marine Corps through the difficult period of demobilization and reorganization at the close of the war.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General George Barnett, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commandant of the Marine Corps from 25 February 1914 to 30 June 1920, in the administration of his high office and the organization and direction of the manifold and distinguished service of the Marine Corps at home and abroad.

George Barnett was relieved as Commandant of the Marine Corps on 30 June 1920, by order of Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels and resumed his permanent rank as Brigadier General.

George Barnett spent the remaining years of his active service as Commanding General of the Department of the Pacific.

George Barnett retired on 9 December 1923, having reached the statutory age limit of 64 years.

George Barnett died on 27 April 1930 in Washington, DC, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

George Barnett is related to the military strategist Thomas PM George Barnett.