In 1957 the Marines instituted a new billet: the sergeant major of the Marine Corps. The principal duty of the incumbent was to keep the commandant advised in matters pertaining to promotions, welfare and morale of enlisted personnel. Chapin presents compact biographies of the first 11 men to fill that post, covering their upbringing, marriages and retirement as well as details of their active service. All came from modest backgrounds; none had formal schooling beyond high school; every one of them proved his courage and leadership ability in combat. Each sergeant major personified in a distinctive way the virtues traditionally associated with Marine noncommissioned officers. This enlightening account captures the unique spirit of the Corps. Chapin, a retired Marine officer, is author of A History of Marine Fighter Squadron 115. Photos. (Feb.)
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