Paul X. Kelley
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| Paul X. Kelley | |
|---|---|
| Born November 11, 1928 | |
 28th Commandant of the Marine Corps (1983-1987) |
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| Place of birth | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1950-1987 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Commandant of the Marine Corps Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force 4th Marine Division 1st Marine Regiment 2nd Battalion 4th Marines |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star (2) |
| Other work | American Battle Monuments Commission, Chairman |
General Paul Xavier Kelley (born November 11, 1928) was the twenty-eighth Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, from 1 July 1983 to 30 June 1987.
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[edit] Biography
Paul Kelley was born on November 11, 1928 in Boston, Massachusetts. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Villanova University in 1950.
Kelley was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1950. After The Basic School in March 1951, he served as an infantry officer in a wide variety of billets. He also served as an exchange officer with the British Royal Marines, and became one of the only foreigners to earn the Royal Marines' coveted green beret. Subsequently, he joined the Marine Force Reconnaissance community and then served as Commandant of the Marine Corps.
During the Vietnam War, Kelley commanded the 2nd Battalion 4th Marines in combat (1965-1966), earning the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, and two Bronze Star s. Four years later, 1970 to 1971, Kelley commanded the 1st Marines, which was the last Marine regiment in combat in Vietnam; earning a second Legion of Merit.
In 1974, Kelley was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. As a general officer, he served as Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force; Director, Marine Corps Development Center; Director, Marine Corps Education Center; and Deputy Chief of Staff for Requirements and Programs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
In February 1980, Kelley was promoted to lieutenant general and named as the first Commander of the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force.
From July 1, 1981, Kelley was promoted to the rank of General and became the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and Chief of Staff, Headquarters Marine Corps. On July 1, 1983 Kelley was named Commandant of the Marine Corps, succeeding General Robert H. Barrow.
[edit] Promotion record
- June 1950 — commissioned as Second Lieutenant
- December 16, 1953 — Captain
- March 1, 1961 — Major.
- January 20, 1966 — Lieutenant Colonel
- April 1, 1970 — Colonel
- August 6, 1974 — Brigadier General
- June 29, 1976 — Major General
- February 4, 1980 — Lieutenant General
- July 1, 1981 — General
[edit] Post-Marine Corps career
In 1989, General Kelley joined the Washington, D.C. public policy firm Cassidy and Associates. He is the Vice Chairman Emeritus.[1] Kelley is on the board of directors for a number of corporations, including Allied Signal, Inc., GenCorp, Inc., Saul Centers, Inc., Sturm Ruger & Co., Inc.; and the Wackenhut Corporation.
On July 26, 2007, the Washington Post published an op-ed by General Kelley and Robert F. Turner, in which they warned that the July 20, 2007 executive order issued by President George W. Bush, purporting to define torture and allowable interrogation methods, appeared to violate Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions and thus expose the President and other persons to potential liability for war crimes.
[edit] Medals, decorations, honors
[edit] Military
Kelley's personal decorations and awards include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; the Navy Distinguished Service Medal; the Army Distinguished Service Medal; the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal; the Silver Star; Legion of Merit with Combat “V” and two gold stars in lieu of second and third awards; the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and a gold star in lieu of a second award; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy Commendation Medal; and the Army Commendation Medal. He is a Marine Corps Parachutist and U.S. Army Master Parachutist.
[edit] Civilian
General Kelley has been awarded honorary doctoral degrees from Villanova University, Norwich University, Webster University, Jacksonville University, and the United States Sports Academy.
He is the recipient of the National Geographic Society’s Major General O.A. Anderson Award, the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ National Armed Forces Award, the American Academy of Achievement’s Gold Eagle Award, the Navy League’s Admiral John M. Will Award, the Ireland Fund’s Irishman of the Year for Southern California Award, the Reserve Officers Association’s Minuteman Hall of Fame Award, and the Marine Corps Scholarship Fund’s Semper Fidelis Award.
In December 2006, Kelley chaired a panel of military and business leaders looking to improve the U.S.’s energy security. They recommended tougher emission standards and greater access to offshore U.S. gas and oil reserves.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ General Paul X. Kelley. Staff Bios. Cassidy and Associates. Retrieved on 2006-11-26.
- ^ Ivanovich, David. Leaders urge tougher fuel standards, more offshore access. Houston Chronicle. DOI:13, 2006 December 13, 2006.
- General Paul X. Kelley, USMC. Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps.
- Official Biography for Paul X. Kelley. United States Marine Corps (April 22, 1987). Retrieved on 2007-05-25.
- Nomination of General Paul X. Kelley To Be Commandant of the Marine Corps. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (March 24, 1983). Retrieved on 2007-05-25.
- War Crimes and the White House. Washington Post (July 26, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
| Preceded by Gen. Robert H. Barrow |
Commandant of the United States Marine Corps 1983—1987 |
Succeeded by Gen. Alfred M. Gray, Jr. |
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