Lasswell, Alva, Col

After being passed-over for promotion to BGen twice (1954, 1955), Col. Lasswell retired from the USMC to his home in Vista, CA on April 1, 1956.  The reasons for his failure to be promoted appear to be related to his work with the Navy and the Top Secret ULTRA code program.  His knowledge of the program appears to have been too sensitive for placement in a combat command.  He was also not honored with a Tombstone Ranking for reasons unknown.

Col. Lasswell recorded his career memoirs which were not published until after his death.  The Col. died of lung cancer on Oct. 8, 1988.

Col. Alva B. Lasswell had a very sensational and varied USMC career.  Not only did he become the first USMC Officer to command two USN Radio Security Stations, he also became the 1st, and only, Colonel to command the 1st MarDiv.  It was his activities while assigned the the Navy FRUPac and OP-20-G organizations in WWII that made him a legend in the annals of USN/USMC cryptology.  His efforts resulted in discovering the Japanese battle plans for Midway Island, the itinerary of Adm. Yamamoto's inspection tour which ended in his shoot-down and in discovering the submarine ambush planned for Gen. MacArthur's return to the Philippines.  He was a very talented linguist and became very skilled as a cryptographer.

Col. Lasswell was an exceptional Marine Officer and a true "jack-of-all-trades".  It is too bad his superb performance in WWII seems to have played a part in his non-entrance into the General ranks and eventual early retirement from the USMC.  The Col. was a true, devoted and skilled example of what a USMC Officer should be.  It is a real shame that most Marines have never even heard of him.  That may change yet!