caption serviceyears branch commands death_place death_date birth_place allegiance awards placeofburial_label battles birth_date placeofburial rank image article_title name
merwin h. silverthorn as a lieutenant general 1917 - 1954 25px & nbsp ; united states marine corps assistant commandant of the marine corps bethesda naval hospital 14 august 1985 minneapolis , minnesota united states united states of america navy legion of merit silver star -lrb- 2 -rrb- purple heart cross distinguished service cross navy distinguished service medal place of burial world war i 22 september 1896 arlington national cemetery 30px lieutenant general merwin hancock silverthorn.jpg merwin h. silverthorn
 merwin hancock silverthorn
merwin h. silverthorn

merwin hancock silverthorn -lrb- september 22 , 1896 -- august 14 , 1985 -rrb- was a highly decorated the 3rd assistant commandant of the marine corps with the rank of lieutenant general .
he was an expert in amphibious warfare and taught courses at marine corps training facilities in the 1930s .
he served in numerous conflicts including world war i and world war ii .
