for short tours of duty in Philadelphia and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Biddle was promoted to colonel in February 1905 and during the following year, returned to the Philippine Islands where he commanded the First Brigade of Marines for about two years. He reported for duty at Headquarters in May 1908, and was soon afterwards detailed in Philadelphia and sent to Panama to reinforce the troops protecting the construction of the Panama Canal, and for potential duty in Nicaragua. He returned to Headquarters in April 1910, where he continued to serve the remainder of his active duty. During the closing months of Major General Elliott's commandancy, Colonel Biddle acted as Commandant most of the time. Colonel Biddle was chosen as Major General Commandant of the Marine Corps on 3 February 1911. Colonel Biddle's tour of duty as Commandant was a comparatively quiet, short and uneventful one. He concerned himself primarily with the routine affairs of the Corps. Several minor expeditions took place, including the first intervention in Nicaragua. Under his administration, the Advance Base Force, forerunner of today's Fleet Marine Force, was also established in December 1913. After nearly three years in office, Major General Commandant Biddle applied for retirement on the ground of having completed more than thirty years' service, and he was retired on 24 February 1914. He was recalled for active duty during the World War and served primarily on court-martial duty at San Diego, California. Death Major General Biddle died in Nice, France, on 24 February 1923 and was buried a month later in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Awards Dewey Medal Spanish Campaign Medal Philippine Campaign Medal Victory Medal References 1853 births 1923 deaths Burials at Arlington National Cemetery Military personnel from Philadelphia University of Pennsylvania alumni United States Marine Corps generals United States Marine Corps Commandants American military personnel of the Boxer Rebellion American military personnel of the Philippine–American War American military personnel of the Spanish–American War American military personnel of the Banana Wars William P. Cornell family