The late Maj. Gen. Merritt Austin Edson is pictured here as a brigadier general, serving as Chief of Staff for Lt. Gen. Holland M. “Howlin’ Mad” Smith, Fleet Marine Forces Pacific, in late 1944 or early 1945. - The late Maj. Gen. Merritt Austin Edson is pictured here as a brigadier general, serving as Chief of Staff for Lt. Gen. Holland M. “Howlin’ Mad” Smith, Fleet Marine Forces Pacific, in late 1944 or early 1945.