Charles Grymes McCawley (January 29, 1827 – October 13, 1891) was the eighth commandant of the Marine Corps and served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps during the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War.
Biography
Born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, McCawley was appointed a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on March 3, 1847 by President James K. Polk. He took part in the Battle of Chapultepec and the capture of Mexico City during the Mexican–American War. (It is this battle which is commemorated in the Marine Hymn's words, "From the Halls of Montezuma ...")
He was brevetted first lieutenant September 13, 1847, for gallantry in those actions. After the war he commanded the guard of the frigates and in the Mediterranean from 1849 to 1852. He then served at the Philadelphia Navy Yard until 1854. He received promotion to first lieutenant on January 2, 1855 and, after various services afloat and ashore, became captain on July 26, 1861. The oldest of two sons from this marriage, Charles L. McCawley, also received a commission in the Marine Corps and went on to receive the Marine Corps Brevet Medal and to modify the enlisted Marines sword.
In May 1870 he married his second wife, Elise Alden Henderson, whom he met while commanding the Marine guard at the Boston Navy Yard.
Namesakes
Two ships in the United States Navy have been named USS McCawley in his honor.