Thorpe was born January 7, 1875 in Northfield, Minnesota and in 1894 received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

He resigned in November 1896 but when the Spanish-American War started he applied for a commission in the Marine Corps. His application was accepted and he was appointed a Second Lieutenant.

While serving in the Marine Corps he attended New York University and in 1910 received a Bachelor of Science. He also graduated from the Naval War College in 1915, received a Masters degree from Brown University in 1916, and completed the General Staff College in 1921.

He was a Major when he was assigned to the Marine Barracks, Washington D.C. in 1917.

In 1923 he was placed on the retired list due to being found not physically qualified for further service and was placed on the retired list as Colonel after having several toes from both feet amputated.

After retiring from the Marine Corps he became a lawyer and author, writing several books on military and legal subjects.

George Thorpe died July 28, 1936 at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His grave can be found in section 6, site 9287.

Presidential citation

Citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Marine Corps Brevet Medal to George Cyrus Thorpe, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for distinguished conduct and public service in the presence of the enemy at Novaleta, Philippine Islands. On 28 March 1901, appointed Captain, by brevet, from 8 October 1899.

Secretary of the Navy citation

Citation

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in transmitting to First Lieutenant George Cyrus Thorpe, United States Marine Corps, the Brevet Medal which is awarded in accordance with Marine Corps Order No. 26 (1921), for distinguished conduct and public service in the presence of the enemy while serving with the Second Battalion of Marines, at Novaleta, Philippine Islands, on 8 October 1899. On 28 March 1901, First Lieutenant Thorpe is appointed Captain, by brevet, to rank from 8 October 1899.