Rathvon M. Tompkins
Rathvon M. Tompkins | |
|---|---|
Tompkins in 1966 | |
| Born | August 23, 1912 Boulder, Colorado |
| Died | September 17, 1999 (aged 87) Lexington, South Carolina |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1935–1971 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Service number | 0-5269 |
| Commands | Camp Lejeune 3rd Marine Division MCRD Parris Island 2nd Marine Division 5th Marine Regiment 1st Battalion, 29th Marines |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Navy Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2) Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal (2) Purple Heart |
| Relations | Major General Clayton B. Vogel (father-in-law) |
Rathvon McClure Tompkins (August 23, 1912 – September 17, 1999) was a highly decorated United States Marine Corps major general. He saw combat in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and led Marine units during the Dominican Civil War. Tompkins is well known for his part as commander of the 3rd Marine Division during the Battle of Khe Sanh in Vietnam.
During his 36 years of Marine Corps service, Tompkins was awarded the Navy Cross, the United States military's second highest decoration awarded for valor in combat, for his actions during the Battle of Saipan and the Silver Star for actions during the Battle of Tarawa.