The Marine Corps remembers the legacy of General George Brainard Crist who passed away July 26 in Beaufort, S.C.
Gen. Crist was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on January 23, 1931. He attended Villanova University and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1952, retiring in 1988.
During his 36 years of service, Gen. Crist served in all three Marine divisions and several major conflicts to include the Korean War, the Cuban missile crisis, and the Vietnam War. He held key positions at every level including White House Aide, assistant chief of staff, and battalion commander.
“His two legacies really were becoming the first Marine to command a unified command and Operation Earnest Will. “ David B. Crist, son of Gen. Crist
Gen. Crist was a wealth of experience and knowledge, particularly regarding joint operations, which led him to become the commander of U.S. Central Command – the first Marine general officer ever to be appointed as a combatant commander.
“His two legacies really were becoming the first Marine to command a unified command and Operation Earnest Will,” said David B. Crist, Gen. Crist’s son, and the Executive Director, Joint History and Research Office, Office of the Director, Joint Staff. “Operation Earnest Will was our first protracted military operation in the Middle East that culminated in the Navy’s largest surface engagement since World War II.”
His innovative leadership style and willingness to collaborate while commanding U.S. Central Command set the precedence for the modern, joint-force way of war via Combatant Commands. The success of Operation Earnest Will was crucial in maintaining free trade in the Persian Gulf.
Gen. Crist’s vision in Operation Earnest Will set the blueprint for subsequent joint operations and his impact continues to live on through modern military leaders today.
