I Will Hold

Odin & Aesop

James Nelson’s “I Will Hold” tells the story of Clifton B. Cates. Cates began serving in the Marine Corps in June 1917. He deployed to France as part of the 6th Marine Regiment and participated in the Third Battle of Aisne, the Battle of Belleau Wood, and the Battle of Soissons. Cates was awarded the Navy Cross, two Distinguished Service Crosses, the Star, and Purple Heart for his service during World War One. He remained in the in Marine Corps and served during the Second World War where he lead the 1st Marine Regiment at Guadalcanal and then commanded the 4th Marine Division for the seizure of Tinian and Iwo Jima. Cates went on to serve as the nineteenth Commandant of the Marine Corps. He retired in 1954.