A decorated war hero who exposed the business plot to overthrow the US government, and later became a vocal critic of war profiteering.
Smedley Butler, also known as the Maverick Marine, was a senior United States Marine Corps officer who fought in several wars, earning him the distinction of being the most decorated Marine in U.S. history at the time of his death. He was a vocal critic of American wars and their consequences, and his book War Is a Racket remains a scathing critique of imperialist motivations behind U.S. foreign policy.
Butler's 34-year career in the Marine Corps took him to the Philippines, China, Mexico, and Europe, where he fought in the Philippine-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, the Mexican Revolution, World War I, and the Banana Wars. He received sixteen medals for his bravery, including five for heroism, and was the only Marine to be awarded the Brevet Medal as well as two Medals of Honor for separate actions.
In 1933, Butler became embroiled in a controversy known as the Business Plot, where he testified before a congressional committee that a group of wealthy industrialists were planning a military coup to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Although the individuals involved denied the allegations, a final report by a special House of Representatives Committee confirmed some of Butler's testimony. This experience solidified Butler's conviction that America's military power was being misused to serve corporate interests and perpetuate fascist regimes.
In 1935, Butler wrote War Is a Racket, a scathing critique of American wars and their consequences. In the book, he alleged that U.S. foreign policy was driven by imperialist motivations, and that wars were fought to benefit corporations and the wealthy elite at the expense of ordinary citizens. Butler's critique of war and imperialism resonated with many Americans, and he became a popular advocate, speaking at meetings organized by veterans, pacifists, and church groups in the 1930s.
Throughout his career, Butler received numerous awards and honors for his bravery and service. In addition to his 16 medals, he was also awarded the Marine Corps Brevet Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and the Purple Heart.
Smedley Darlington Butler was born on July 30, 1881, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to a family of Quaker descent. His father, Thomas, was a lawyer, judge, and congressman who served in the House of Representatives for 31 years. Butler's early life instilled in him a strong sense of duty and service, which he would carry with him throughout his career.
Butler was known for his wit and candor, and many of his quotes have become legendary. One of his most famous sayings is: "War is a racket. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives."
Today, Butler's legacy as a vocal critic of war and imperialism continues to inspire generations of Americans. His courage in speaking truth to power and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality make him a true hero of American history.
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