Leonard Earl Rea (March 14, 1897 – May 12, 1972) was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general, who served as quartermaster of I Marine Amphibious Corps during World War II. He later served as chief of the supply branch at Headquarters Marine Corps. Early career Leonard E. Rea was born on March 14, 1897, in Auburn in New York, and, after graduation from high school, decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps on April 19, 1917. Following basic training, Rea was assigned to 17th Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, stationed at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. He left for France almost immediately after regiment's activation and arrived in Saint-Nazaire in July 1917. Rea was promoted to the rank of corporal and decorated with the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal for his enlisted service. He was sent to the trenches of the Toulon Sector near Verdun in March 1918 and subsequently participated in the Battles of Belleau Wood and Soissons. Rea received a provisional battlefield promotion to second lieutenant on July 29, 1918, and was appointed a platoon commander in 1st Battalion's 66th Company. He participated in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel in September 1918 and was appointed commander of a combat liaison group between the 5th Marine Regiment and the 5th Infantry Division on the right flank of the defensive line. Despite a rapid movement of the line, Rea led his liaison group between enemy lines and was decorated with two Silver Stars. Rea led his platoon in the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge at the end of October 1918 and was wounded by enemy machine gun fire. Despite being unable to move without assistance, he remained in command of his platoon until ordered to the rear by his commanding officer. For his gallantry in action, he was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross and later with the Navy Cross. After his recovery from his wounds, Rea rejoined his unit and participated in fighting in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive at the beginning of November 1918. Following the Armistice, Rea served in the Allied occupation of the Rhineland until June 1919. He returned to the United States one month later and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps with the rank of first lieutenant in July 1919. World War II Rea was ordered to Washington, D.C., where