After proving his leadership in WWI, General Graves B. Erskine was entrusted with escorting the body of the Unknown Soldier from Le Havre, France, to the United States

Prior to shooting Sands of Iwo Jima in 1949, John Wayne and Republic Pictures enlisted General Graves B. Erskine as a military consultant to give the film an authentic representation of Marine life and combat. Erskine's authority on the subject came from his long and decorated career in the Marine Corps, spanning both World Wars.

In the Second World War, he led Marines during the ferocious Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the Pacific campaign's most costly and decisive struggles. Yet his connection to the Corps stretched back much further. In 1921, he was entrusted with escorting the body of the Unknown Soldier from Le Havre, France, to the United States—a solemn duty that reflected the esteem in which he was already held early in his service.

Graves Erskine's upbringing and early life

After graduating from high school, Graves Erskine enrolled in Louisiana State University. (Photo Credit: David Pinter / Wikimedia Commons CC BY 3.0)

Graves Erskine entered the world in 1897 in Columbia, Louisiana, and from an early age showed remarkable academic talent. At only 15, he completed high school as valedictorian. Though he began his studies at Louisiana State University, his growing passion for military life soon drew him to enlist in the Louisiana National Guard.

That commitment was put to the test in 1916, when he was deployed to the Mexican border during a period of rising conflict. After completing his service there, Erskine returned to LSU and graduated in 1917. Shortly afterward, he accepted a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve—a clear indication of his emerging leadership and potential.

Graves Erskine's service during World War I

Graves Erskine took part in the Battle of Belleau Wood, a legendary battle for the US Marine Corps during World War I. (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

In January 1918, Graves Erskine went to France as a platoon leader with the 6th Marine Regiment. Although the First World War had less than a year remaining, the Marine participated in several crucial and high-profile battles, notably the renowned Battle of Belleau Wood. Taking place from June 1-26, 1918, during the German spring offensive, the engagement was a pivotal moment in US Marine Corps history, solidifying the service's reputation as a battle-ready force.

Erskine also played a role in the Battle of Château-Thierry, where he sustained injuries. Additionally, he was wounded during the Saint-Mihiel Offensive in September 1918, an operation in which Gen. John Pershing aimed to break through the German line and capture Metz.

Following these experiences, he was repatriated to the United States, where he underwent nine surgeries and spent over a year in the hospital.

Transporting the Unknown Soldier

Graves Erskine was onboard the USS Olympia (C-6) while she transported the body of the Unknown Soldier back home to the United States. (Photo Credit: US Federal Government / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

In 1921, Captain Graves Erskine served aboard the USS Olympia (C-6) as part of a Marine detail assigned to escort the remains of an unidentified American soldier—later honored as the Unknown Soldier—back to the United States.

The casket was secured to the deck of the ship, and under Erskine's command, Marines took turns standing guard in four-hour shifts to ensure constant watch. During the voyage, the Olympia encountered the powerful Tampa Bay hurricane, one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history. Even as the ship was battered by the storm, the Marines stayed focused on their mission, protecting the casket at all costs.

When they arrived in Washington, DC, a Marine honor guard carried the Unknown Soldier's casket ashore, while the rest of the unit stood at attention and saluted, paying their respects in a solemn and dignified ceremony.

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