General Smedley Butler, born on this day in 1881 and one of the most decorated Marines in U.S. history, was a prominent critic of American imperialism, stating that he was a "gangster for capitalism" in his text "War is a Racket".

During his 34-year career as a Marine, Butler participated in military actions in the Philippines, China, Central America and the Caribbean during the Banana Wars, and France in World War I.

In 1933, Butler revealed the "Business Plot", testifying to Congress that a group of wealthy industrialists were planning a military coup to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt, with Butler selected to lead a march of veterans and become dictator.

Although the accused individuals denied the existence of a plot, a final report by a special House of Representatives Committee confirmed some of Butler's testimony.

Today, Butler is most remembered for his text "War is a Racket" and associated anti-imperialist speeches in which he vehemently condemned U.S. military actions. Of his service, he wrote the following:

"I spent thirty-three years and four months in active military service as a member of this country's most agile military force, the Marine Corps...And during that period, I spent most of my time being a high class muscle-man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism."