Major General Joseph H. Pendleton

Major General Joseph H. Pendleton. United States Marine Corps 1860-1942. An officer of vision who championed the establishment of a permanent Marine Corps presence in Southern California., In 1914 then Col. Pendleton arrived in San Diego as the commanding officer of the newly formed 4th Marine Regiment. San Diego was preparing to open a two year-long exposition in Balboa Park celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal. Col. Pendleton and his Marines were to serve as a deterrent against cross Mexican border banditry during the exposition. Soon after arriving, Marines established quarters in Balboa Park. In addition to their deterrent role, they also became a popular attraction for exposition visitors., Col. Pendleton quickly saw the advantages of establishing a permanent Marine Corps presence in San Diego: a deep-water port for navy ships, pleasant weather for training, and its proximity to the western mouth of the strategically important Panama Canal. Promoting his vision with San Diego civic leaders and with his superiors in Washington DC., he played a significant role in the decision to build Marine Advanced Expeditionary Base, San Diego, now known as Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Then Brig. Gen. Pendleton officiated at the opening of that base in 1921., After retiring in 1924, Maj. Gen. Pendleton settled in Coronado, where he served as mayor from 1928 to 1930. He died on February 4, 1942, while the Marine Corps was negotiating the purchase of Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores. In recognition of his visionary efforts to establish a permanent Marine Corps presence in Southern California, Marines named Camp Joseph H. Pendleton in his honor. Today it is known as Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.