Smedley Darlington Butler was born on July 30, 1881 in West Chester, Pennsylvania. His father, Thomas Butler, was a lawyer and politician, and his mother, Maud Darlington, came from a prominent Quaker family. Growing up, Butler was influenced by his family's principles of non-violence and social justice.
Butler's military career began in 1898 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Spanish-American War. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his bravery and leadership skills. Butler saw action in various conflicts, including the Philippine-American War and the Boxer Rebellion in China. During the Boxer Rebellion, Butler's heroism earned him the Brevet Medal and two Medals of Honor, making him one of the most decorated Marines in history.
Despite his impressive military record, Butler became increasingly disillusioned with the role of the military in American foreign policy. In the 1930s, he began to speak out against U.S. military intervention overseas, criticizing what he saw as the undue influence of the military-industrial complex on American politics.
Butler's pacifist views were further solidified by his experiences in war, where he witnessed the devastating effects of violence on both soldiers and civilians. In 1935, he published a book titled "War is a Racket," in which he denounced war profiteering and called for an end to militarism.
Despite his vocal opposition to war, Butler remained loyal to his country and dedicated to serving his fellow veterans. He married Ethel Conway Peters, with whom he had three children. Butler's family life provided him with a sense of purpose and support as he navigated the challenges of his activist career.
Smedley Butler's legacy as a war hero and anti-war activist continues to inspire peace activists and military personnel alike. His courage in combat and his commitment to speaking truth to power serve as a reminder of the importance of questioning authority and standing up for what is right.
Butler's life is a testament to the power of personal integrity and moral courage in the face of adversity. As he once famously said, "I believe in only two things: liberty and truth."