Richmond Turner

Turner commanded the amphibious task force that landed US Marines on Guadalcanal, the first major US offensive in the Pacific. The operation secured a key airfield and turned the tide in the Solomon Islands campaign.

Turner commanded the amphibious forces for the Battle of Tarawa, the first major US assault on a heavily defended Japanese atoll. The high casualties led to improvements in amphibious tactics and equipment.

Turner commanded the Joint Expeditionary Force for the Battle of Iwo Jima, coordinating the landing of over 70,000 Marines. The operation resulted in one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.

Turner commanded the amphibious forces for the invasion of Okinawa, the largest amphibious assault of the Pacific War. He coordinated the landing of over 180,000 troops and the subsequent logistical support.