Robert Hilliard Barrow (February 5, 1922 – October 30, 2008) was a
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations through combi ...
four-star general
A four-star rank is the rank of any four-star officer described by the NATO OF-9 code. Four-star officers are often the most senior commanders in the armed services, having ranks such as (full) admiral, (full) general, colonel general, army ge ...
. Barrow was the 27th
Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1979 to 1983. He served for 41 years, including overseas command duty in
World War II
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposing ...
, the
Korean War
, date = {{Ubl, 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953 (''de facto'')({{Age in years, months, weeks and days, month1=6, day1=25, year1=1950, month2=7, day2=27, year2=1953), 25 June 1950 – present (''de jure'')({{Age in years, months, weeks a ...
and the
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War (also known by other names) was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It was the second of the Indochina Wars and was officially fought between North Vietnam a ...
. Barrow was awarded the
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps' second-highest military decoration awarded for sailors and marines who distinguish themselves for extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. The medal is eq ...
and
Distinguished Service Cross The Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) is a military decoration for courage. Different versions exist for different countries.
*Distinguished Service Cross (Australia)
The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is a military decoration awarded to ...
for extraordinary heroism in Korea and Vietnam, respectively.
Early life
Barrow was born on February 5, 1922, in
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge ( ; ) is a city in and the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. Located the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, it is the parish seat of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana's most populous parish—the equivalent of counties ...
, and grew up on his family's Rosale Plantation in
West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana
West Feliciana Parish (French: ''Paroisse de Feliciana Ouest''; Spanish: ''Parroquia de West Feliciana'') is a civil parish located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. At the 2010 census, the population was 15,625, and 15,310 at the 2020 census. ...
. The family's circumstances were difficult. They had no electricity, so Barrow satisfied an early passion for reading by using a kerosene lamp.
Because it offered free tuition and low boarding costs, Barrow attended
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University (officially Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, commonly referred to as LSU) is a public land-grant research university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The university was founded in 1860 nea ...
from 1939 to 1942,
working as a waiter and a janitor and served in the university's Corps of Cadets.
Marine Corps career
World War II
In 1942, Barrow left the university early to join the
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations through combi ...
.
[Barrow received an honorary doctorate of science from Louisiana State University in 1990.] He attended
recruit training
Military recruit training, commonly known as basic training or boot camp, refers to the initial instruction of new military personnel. It is a physically and psychologically intensive process, which resocializes its subjects for the unique deman ...
at
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego
Marine Corps Recruit Depot (commonly referred to as MCRD) San Diego is a United States Marine Corps military installation in San Diego, California. It lies between San Diego Bay and Interstate 5, adjacent to San Diego International Airport and th ...
and was retained as a
Drill Instructor
A drill instructor is a non-commissioned officer in the armed forces, fire department, or police forces with specific duties that vary by country. Foot drill, military step, and marching are typically taught by drill instructors.
Australia
Austr ...
after his graduation. While serving on the drill field, he was selected to attend
Officer Candidate School
An officer candidate school (OCS) is a military school which trains civilians and enlisted personnel in order for them to gain a commission as officers in the armed forces of a country. How OCS is run differs between countries and services. Ty ...
in February 1943. He was commissioned a second lieutenant on May 19, 1943.
Barrow served in China during
World War II
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposing ...
. He was a first lieutenant in the United States Navy Group China,
Sino-American Cooperative Organization
The Sino-American Special Technical Cooperative Organization, also known as the Sino-American Cooperative Organization (SACO), was an organization created by the SACO Treaty signed by China and the United States in 1942 during the Second World Wa ...
(SACO) from August 1944 to November 1945. SACO was a United States trained and equipped Chinese
guerilla team in Japanese-occupied Central China. Barrow is said by his son to have described his China service as one of his "most vivid experiences".
For his service, he was awarded the
Bronze Star Medal with
Combat "V"
Combat ( French for ''fight'') is a purposeful violent conflict meant to physically harm or kill the opposition. Combat may be armed (using weapons) or unarmed ( not using weapons). Combat is sometimes resorted to as a method of self-defense, or ...
.
Korean War
Barrow commanded Company A,
1st Battalion, 1st Marines
1st Battalion 1st Marines (1/1st Marines) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Pendleton, California, consisting of anywhere from 800 to 2,000 Marines and Sailors, but the number fluctuates depending on t ...
during the Korean War and participated in the
Inchon-Seoul campaign and in the
Chosin Reservoir
The Chosin Reservoir (), formally known as Lake Changjin () is a lake located in Changjin County, North Korea. It is most famously known for being the site of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, which was an important battle in the Korean War.
...
campaign. He has been described as the "finest company commander" of the Korean War.
For his heroism in holding a pass near Koto-ri on December 9–10, 1950, he was awarded the
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps' second-highest military decoration awarded for sailors and marines who distinguish themselves for extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. The medal is eq ...
.
[
Barrow's Navy Cross citation reads:
]
Interwar years
In February 1956, Barrow began an 18-month tour with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines
2nd Battalion, 6th Marines (2/6) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Also known as "The Ready Battalion" or "2/6 Spartans", it consists of approximately 800 Marines and Sailors and ...
at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. From the summer of 1957 to the summer of 1960, he served as the Marine Officer Instructor, at the Tulane University
Tulane University, officially the Tulane University of Louisiana, is a private research university in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded as the Medical College of Louisiana in 1834 by seven young medical doctors, it turned into a comprehensive pub ...
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps
The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program is a college-based, commissioned officer training program of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps.
Origins
A pilot Naval Reserve unit was established in September 1 ...
. In September 1959, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.[ Barrow graduated from the National War College in June 1968.][
]
Vietnam War
Barrow served in the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War (also known by other names) was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It was the second of the Indochina Wars and was officially fought between North Vietnam a ...
as commanding officer of the 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division
The 3rd Marine Division is a division of the United States Marine Corps based at Camp Courtney, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler in Okinawa, Japan. It is one of three active duty infantry divisions in the Marine Corps and together with th ...
(Rein) and was a Deputy G-3 in the III Marine Amphibious Force. While in command of the 9th Marines, he saw combat near the DMZ, Khe Sanh, Da Krong Valley, and A Shau Valley. He received the Distinguished Service Cross The Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) is a military decoration for courage. Different versions exist for different countries.
*Distinguished Service Cross (Australia)
The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is a military decoration awarded to ...
for his extraordinary heroism in Operation Dewey Canyon
Operation Dewey Canyon was the last major offensive by the 3rd Marine Division during the Vietnam War. It took place from 22 January through 18 March 1969 and involved a sweep of the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN)–dominated A Shau and Song Ä ...
.[
Barrow's Distinguished Service Cross citation reads:
]
General officer
In August 1969, Barrow was promoted to brigadier general, then deployed to Japan to serve as commanding general at Camp Butler in Okinawa
is a prefecture of Japan. Okinawa Prefecture is the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan, has a population of 1,457,162 (as of 2 February 2020) and a geographic area of 2,281 km2 (880 sq mi).
Naha is the capital and largest city ...
. He received a Legion of Merit for his three years of service and left Okinawa as a major general select. On promotion to major general, he became commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island.
Barrow was promoted to lieutenant general in 1975 and assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions. The function, ...
as deputy chief of staff for manpower. In 1976, he was named commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic
Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT) is an American maritime landing force that is spread across the Atlantic Ocean. It is headquartered at Naval Station Norfolk and directs and commands all the subordinate elements of the Navy Expeditiona ...
, at Norfolk, Virginia. In July 1978, Barrow became the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, serving until July 1979 when he became the Commandant of the Marine Corps. From 1978 to 1979, Barrow also served as president of the Marine Corps Association
The Marine Corps Association (often abbreviated MCA) is the professional organization for members of the United States Marine Corps and friends of the Corps. It is known for its publications '' Leatherneck Magazine'' and ''Marine Corps Gazette''. ...
.[
]
Barrow was the first commandant to serve, by law, as a regular full member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) is the body of the most senior uniformed leaders within the United States Department of Defense, that advises the president of the United States, the secretary of defense, the Homeland Security Council and the ...
. As commandant, "he was instrumental in acquiring approval of production for the Marine Corps of the American-modified Harrier aircraft, in awakening interest in new and improved naval gunfire support, in getting amphibious ships included in the navy's new construction programs, and in returning hospital ships to the fleet, especially on station with Marine Corps amphibious task forces."[
In 1981, Barrow received the Golden Plate Award of the ]American Academy of Achievement
The American Academy of Achievement, colloquially known as the Academy of Achievement, is a non-profit educational organization that recognizes some of the highest achieving individuals in diverse fields and gives them the opportunity to meet ...
presented by Awards Council member General David C. Jones, USAF.
Barrow retired from the Marine Corps on 30 June 1983, and was presented with the Navy Distinguished Service Medal upon retirement.
Military awards
Barrow's decorations, awards, and badges include:[
]
Post-military career
After Barrow's retirement from the Marine Corps, he was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board
The President's Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB) is an advisory body to the Executive Office of the President of the United States. According to its self-description, it "provides advice to the President concerning the quality and adequacy of ...
and to the president's Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management.
In 1983, a letter from Barrow to Caspar W. Weinberger
Caspar Willard Weinberger (August 18, 1917 – March 28, 2006) was an American statesman and businessman. As a prominent Republican, he served in a variety of state and federal positions for three decades, including chairman of the Californ ...
was released by the Pentagon. In the letter, Barrow criticized Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, saying that the Israelis were firing on United States troops, among other things. Israel denied the charges.[
Barrow's wife of 53 years, Patty, died in 2005.
Barrow died on October 30, 2008, at the age of 86.] He was survived by his sons Charles C. Pulliam, of Greenville, South Carolina, and Robert H. Barrow, a retired lieutenant colonel of Marines, of Tampa, Florida; his daughters Cathleen P. Harmon, of Killeen, Texas, Barbara B. Kanegaye, of Houston
Houston (; ) is the most populous city in Texas, the most populous city in the Southern United States, the fourth-most populous city in the United States, and the sixth-most populous city in North America, with a population of 2,304,580 i ...
, Texas, and Mary B. Hannigan, of Oakton, Virginia, eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.[
Barrow was buried with ]full military honors
A military funeral is a memorial or burial rite given by a country's military for a soldier, sailor, marine or airman who died in battle, a veteran, or other prominent military figures or heads of state. A military funeral may feature guards ...
on November 3, 2008. The service was held at Grace Episcopal Church and Cemetery in St. Francisville, the seat of West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. The Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James T. Conway
James Terry Conway (born December 26, 1947) is a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general who served as the 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Among his previous postings were Director of Operations (J-3) on the Joint Chiefs of S ...
, delivered the eulogy
A eulogy (from , ''eulogia'', Classical Greek, ''eu'' for "well" or "true", ''logia'' for "words" or "text", together for "praise") is a speech or writing in praise of a person or persons, especially one who recently died or retired, or as ...
, recognizing Barrow for his many initiatives ranging from recruiting to training; while former Commandant General Carl Mundy presented the burial colors to Barrow's next of kin.
See also
* List of United States Marine Corps four-star generals
This is a complete list of four-star generals in the United States Marine Corps. The rank of general (or ''full general'', or ''four-star general'') is the highest rank in the Marine Corps. It ranks above lieutenant general (''three-star general'' ...
* List of Navy Cross recipients for the Korean War
References
*
General Robert H. Barrow
from Keystone Marines
External links
LPB – General Robert H. Barrow
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Barrow, Robert H.
1922 births
2008 deaths
United States Marine Corps personnel of the Korean War
United States Marine Corps personnel of the Vietnam War
United States Marine Corps personnel of World War II
Assistant Commandants of the United States Marine Corps
Louisiana State University alumni
Military personnel from Louisiana
National War College alumni
People from Baton Rouge, Louisiana
People from West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana
Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
Recipients of the Legion of Merit
5 Barrow, Robert H.
Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States)
Recipients of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Recipients of the Silver Star
Recipients of the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam)
United States Marine Corps Commandants
United States Marine Corps generals
United States Marine Corps officers