Smedley Butler was a decorated American Marine Corps officer who became one of the most outspoken critics of U.S. military interventionism and corporate influence in government. With a distinguished military career that included two Medals of Honor, Butler witnessed firsthand the consequences of American imperialism and militarism. After retiring from the military, he became an advocate for peace and social justice, exposing war profiteering and advocating for demilitarization. His book "War is a Racket" remains a powerful indictment of the military-industrial complex.