Frank Edmund Garretson

Frank Edmund GARRETSON BGEN USMC (RET.) On Monday, January 23, 2006, one month before his 88th birthday, Frank Edmund Garretson, BGEN USMC (RET.), passed away peacefully at his home in San Diego, California. He had been ill for 3 weeks and succumbed to renal failure. His 3 children and their spouses were at his side. Born in Salem, Iowa, February 27, 1918, he was the first of 3 boys born to H.J. "Gary" Garretson and Marion Becker. His mother died when he was 7 after which he and his brothers attended school in Iowa, a military academy in California, and Illinois. His father then married Helen Huston and the family moved to Seattle where Frank starred in football and track for Garfield High. He was recruited to the University of Washington Husky football team becoming a standout player on the varsity for several years. A member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, he graduated with a BA degree in 1940. In October of that year, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, receiving a commission as a second lieutenant in Feb 1941. In August 1941 he married Cecily Forbes of Seattle. During World War II he led his men ashore on landings at Roi- Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. Wounded twice, he was awarded the Navy Cross, Legion of Merit and Bronze Star for his combat leadership and gallantry under fire. Over his Marine Corps career he distinguished himself as a leader in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and as an instructor in a variety of Marine officer training schools. Promoted to Brigadier General in 1966 he became the Director of Information, Headquarters Marine Corps and in 1968 returned to Vietnam as Commanding General Task Force Hotel. He retired in 1970. Since his retirement, General Garretson has been living in San Diego with his wife, Cecily, who died in July 2002. Last year he was proud to attend the launching of the "Frank Edmund", his daughter Cecily's and her husband, Leland Parsons' backyard-built 65 foot schooner they named for him. He will always be remembered for his kindness, his strength of personality, his honesty and integrity, his irreverent humor, his generosity and his quiet steadfast devotion to his wife, his extended family and the Marines. His brother, Herman of Seattle, predeceased him and he is survived by his brother, Ronnie of Pasadena, 3 children, Sarah Garretson, Cecily Parsons, RN, and John Garretson, MD, CAPT MC USN (RET), all of San Diego, 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 4 step-grandchildren. Services to be at Rosecrans National Cemetery, Feb. 6th for family and invited guests. Donations to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or San Diego Hospice are requested in lieu of flowers.