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COMMANDER // 1893–1977

Oliver P. Smith

generalUnited StatesSouth Korea3 battles1 war

Lifespan

1893 – 1977

1900192519501975Korean War · 1950–1953 fighting; armistice unresolvedChosin Reservoir — Nov–Dec 1950 · United Nations · Korean WarInchon — 15 Sep 1950 · South Korea · Korean WarSecond Battle of Seoul — Sep 1950 · United Nations · Korean War

Active service 1950 — 3 battles across 1 war; first command at age 57.

Profile

Oliver Prince Smith was a U.S. Marine four-star general and decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He is most noted for commanding the 1st Marine Division during the first year of the Korean War, and notably during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where he said "Retreat, Hell! We're just attacking in another direction." This is commonly misquoted as "Retreat, hell! We're not retreating, we're just advancing in a different direction." He retired at the rank of four-star general, being advanced in rank for having been specially commended for heroism in combat.

Source · Wikipedia · Q485285

Battles (3)

Last verified June 2026
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