Hugh M. Elwood

Elwood as Major following his return from South Pacific in late 1944.

Elwood was ordered to the Far East during the Korean War in August 1951 and assumed duty as executive officer and tactical officer, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing under Major General Christian F. Schilt. He distinguished himself on January 26, 1952, when he led his division of twelve planes on an interdiction mission against fifteen hostile tanks, executed a series of devastating bombing and strafing attacks in the face of enemy antiaircraft fire, then escorted damaged plane of his wingman safely back to base.[1]

For this act of valor, Elwood was decorated with his second Distinguished Flying Cross and second Air Medal. He was remained in Korea until summer 1952 and then returned to the United States. Elwood also received the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for his later service with Marine Aircraft Group 12.[4][1]

Upon his return stateside, Elwood was ordered to the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island, where he completed the Strategy and Logistics Course in June 1953. He was then promoted to colonel and ordered to the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico and appointed chief, air section at the Marine Corps Education Center. While at Quantico, Elwood was promoted to colonel in July 1953.[1]

In summer 1956, Elwood served briefly as chief of staff, Amphibious Forces, U.S. Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, before he joined the headquarters of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Elwood served as assistant chief of staff for logistics (G-4) and served consecutively under major generals John C. Munn and Arthur F. Binney until May 1957, when he was appointed commanding officer of the Marine Aircraft Group 32.[1]

He was ordered to the Far East in March 1959, where he joined 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan as assistant chief of staff for operations (G-3) under Major General Richard C. Mangrum. Elwood participated in the planning of defense of air space of Japan and South Korea until June 1960, when he was ordered back to the United States.[1]

Following his return, he was ordered to Washington, D.C., where he joined the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under General Lyman Lemnitzer as a member of the Basic War Plans Branch in the Plans and Policy Directorate. Elwood was later promoted to the capacity of Chief of the Branch and was transferred to the Headquarters Marine Corps in July 1962. He joined the office of the deputy chief of staff (plans and programs) and served as service plans analysis and review officer under Major General Henry W. Buse Jr. until January 1963, when he was named assistant deputy chief of staff (Plans), at Headquarters Marine Corps, and the following month was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.[1]

Elwood was ordered to the Naval Air Station Glenview, Illinois, in October 1963 and assumed duty as commanding general, Marine Air Reserve Training Command with additional duty as commanding general, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. While in this capacity, he was responsible for the training of reserve marine aviation units and replacements for units deployed in South Vietnam and elsewhere in the World.[1]

In April 1966, Elwood was ordered to Da Nang, South Vietnam, and assumed duty as assistant wing commander, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing under Major General Louis Robertshaw. He later described bad relationship with United States Seventh Fleet during the coordination of air attacks on Hanoi and also observed power struggle over operational control over 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) between Fleet Marine Force, Pacific and III Marine Amphibious Force.[1][8]

Beside that, First MAW provided air cover and transportation of troops during Operation Hastings and Operation Colorado in July and August 1966. Elwood was appointed chief of staff, III Marine Amphibious Force under Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt at the beginning of December 1966 and remained in that capacity until April 1967. For his service in that capacity, he was decorated with the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and third Air Medal for participation in flight observation tours. Elwood was also decorated with National Order of Vietnam and Gallantry Cross with Palm by the Government of South Vietnam.[4][1][9]

Toward the end of his tour in Vietnam, Elwood was promoted to the rank of major general on March 20, 1967, and upon his return stateside, he served briefly as assistant wing commander, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, before he succeeded his superior officer Major general Norman J. Anderson as wing's commanding general in May 1967. Elwood was responsible for the training of replacement personnel for aviation units deployed in Vietnam until August 1968, when he was ordered to Hawaii, where he joined the headquarters, United States Pacific Command under Admiral John S. McCain Jr.[1]

He served as assistant chief of staff for operations (J-3) until May 1971 and received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his contribution in the creation of operation plans for United States units stretching from the waters off the West Coast of the United States to the west coast of India, and from the Arctic to the Antarctic.[4][1]

Upon his return stateside, Elwood was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general on May 1, 1971, and assumed duty as deputy chief of staff (plans and programs), at Headquarters Marine Corps. He served in this capacity until June 28, 1973, when he retired after 40 years of active service. Elwood was decorated with a second Navy Distinguished Service Medal during his retirement ceremony.[4][1]