Robert Leamy Meade (December 25, 1842 – February 11, 1910) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps during the American Civil War, Spanish-American War and Boxer Rebellion.
Meade was commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Corps 14 June 1862. He commanded a battalion of marines during the suppression of the New York City draft riots in July 1863. He took part in the daring boat attack against Fort Sumter 8 September and was later brevetted for gallant and meritorious service. During the Spanish-American War he served as fleet marine officer in New York and participated in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. Victor Maria Concas y Palau, captain of the Infanta Teresa at the battle of Santiago, describes the bad attitude of Meade against the spanish prisoners at Portsmouth. His attitude was responsible of the death of various sailors, as he did not allows they to have the adequate medicals helps, and also have a lack of respect against the Spanish’s officers(1). Promoted to colonel 3 March 1899, he served in China during the Boxer Rebellion and participated in the Battle of Tientsin.
For distinguished conduct and public service, he was appointed brigadier general, by brevet, 13 July 1900.
He retired June 29, 1906 and died at Lexington, Massachusetts, February 11, 1910.
Two ships have been named USS Meade for him and his brother, Richard Worsam Meade. The sons of Richard Worsam Meade II, they were nephews of General George Gordon Meade.
(1)La escuadra del almirante Cervera, Victor Concas y Palau, p223/224