I Was a Spectator in the Greatest Generation

By: H. Lloyd Wilkerson

The 20th Century took H. Lloyd Wilkerson from rural Obion County, TN to the Pacific in WWII and service with some of the greatest military leaders of his time. Prior to his military service, Wilkerson attended Erskine College and completed his degree during the war.

Pearl Harbor was a turning point for Wilkerson. He rushed to the Marine Corps Recruiting station on December 8, 1941 to enlist. His first assignment after boot camp was orderly-driver for Colonel James W. Webb, CO 7th Marines. Their first overseas deployment was British Samoa. At Guadalcanal Wilkerson became a rifleman under the notorious LtCol “Chesty” Puller. When Marines departed Guadalcanal, Wilkerson was hospitalized in Melbourne for Malaria contracted at Guadalcanal. He was returned to the States for hospitalization. In Pocatello, ID he completed his college degree and met his future wife. Prior to graduation from OCS at Quantico, VA in 1945, Lloyd was in the Marine unit that escorted by train the remains of President Roosevelt to Hyde Park for burial.

Second Lieutenant Wilkerson participated under command of MGen Lemuel C. Shepard Jr. the Japanese surrender in North China. Returning to the States, he welcomed his first son and became a Freemason. In the Korean War in 1950-1 Wilkerson served in the 5th Marines commanded by Colonel Raymond Murray. They defended the Pusan Perimeter, attacked Inchon and invaded North Korea. In the Vietnam War Wilkerson commanded the 1st Marines and subsequently served as G-3 of III MAF. Major career assignments included G-2/G-3 Advisor to Korean Marine Corps; Assistant Professor, Duke University; Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, 3rd Marine Division and III MAF on Okinawa. Lloyd retired as a Major General in 1978.