29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, from July 1, 1987 to June 30, 1991, presiding over major changes in U. S. Marine Corps warfare doctrine to emphasize maneuver warfare, as well as overall professional development for all Marines (both officers and enlisted), inviting comparisons to General John A. Lejeune for this "Second Enlightenment" of the Corps, a major post-Vietnam War transformation of the service branch.
Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, 1 July 1987-30 June 1991.
Inducted into the Cryptologic Hall of Honor in 2008.
Was the only Marine Corps Commandant to wear the camouflage utility uniform for his official photograph, as a reminder that every Marine's primary role is as a rifleman.
Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950.