Major General Sidney Sanders McMath, now deceased. Major General McMath, a native of Columbia County, Arkansas, moved with his family to Hot Springs National Park at the age of 10. After completing high school, he attended Henderson State College and the University of Arkansas, graduating at the top of the ROTC program, which enabled him to choose his service branch. Electing to join the Marines, he completed basic training and a brief tour of duty before entering the inactive reserve in Hot Springs, where he opened a law office.

For approximately three years, he practiced law until returning to active duty in April 1940 as an instructor at the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico. On June 1st, then-Major McMath was ordered to American Samoa to command the combined forces jungle warfare school, a position he held until December. He was subsequently assigned as the third Marine Division operations officer and acting commanding officer during the landings in the Solomon Islands.

His exceptional leadership at Bougainville resulted in the awarding of the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit, along with a battlefield promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. The narrative for the Silver Star highlights his conspicuous gallantry as the operations officer of the third Marines, third Marine Division, during the landing on Cape Torokina, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on November 1st, 1943. Landing on the beach under intense enemy fire, Major McMath proceeded alone and unprotected through hazardous areas to reach the foremost elements of the assaulting troops who were pinned down by heavy fire. His skillful and decisive reorganization of the scattered units initiated a vigorous attack that greatly contributed to the success of this vital operation. Major McMath's inspiring leadership and fearless conduct under fire exemplified the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.