Table Of ContentD
114.2:SE 6/2/2003
The
Sergeants Major
Army
of the
Daniel K. Elder
Mark F. Gillespie Glen R. Hawkins
Michael B. Kelly Preston E. Pierce
Center ofMilitary History
United States Army
The
Sergeants Major
Army
of the
Daniel K. Elder
Mark F. Gillespie Glen R. Hawkins
Michael B. Kelly Preston E. Pierce
Center ofMilitary History
United States Army
Washington, D.C., 2003
U.S.Army CenterofMilitary History
Brig. Gen.John S. Brown, ChiefofMilitary History
ChiefHistorian Jeffrey Clarke
J.
Chief, Histories Division Richard W. Stewart
Editor in Chief John W. Elsberg
LibraryofCongress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
The Ser—geants Major of the Army / Daniel K. Elder . . . [et al.], general
editors. Rev. ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
— —
1. United St—ates. Army Non-commission—ed officers History. 2. United
States. Army Non-commissioned officers Biography. I. Elder, Daniel
K„ 1961-
UB408.5.S476 2003
—
355.3'38 dc21
2003043521
—CMH
Revised Edition Pub 70-63-1
Foreword
T
he creation of the Office of the an organization’s success; the Office of the
Sergeant Major of the Army in July Sergeant Major of the Army is no exception.
1966 represented a major milestone in The noncommissioned officers chosen to be
the development of the U.S. Army. For the Sergeants Major of the Army all have been
first time in history an enlisted person individuals who not only have had extraordi-
assumed the role of an adviser to the Chiefof nary careers, but who have demonstrated
Staff on all issues pertaining to the enlisted exceptional dedication to the welfare of their
force. Though not a policy maker himself, the fellow soldiers. This dedication makes them
Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) is well truly effective advocates and spokesmen on
placed to represent the interests of enlisted enlisted-related issues.
men and women at the highest levels of the The careers and life stories ofthe men who
Army.The establishment ofthe SMA position have served as Sergeants Major ofthe Army are
reflected the importance of soldier-related both inspirational and instructive, for through
issues in today’s Army and the belief that hav- them we gain an appreciation not just for the
ing an accomplished senior enlisted man in the SMAs themselves, but for all the enlisted men
Pentagon would facilitate communication and and women who over the past two and a half
understanding between senior officials and centuries have worked, fought, and sacrificed to
soldiers in the field. It also reflected the make the U.S. Army the finest military organi-
Army’s appreciation for the growing profes- zation in the world. As we continue to trans-
sionalism of the Noncommissioned Officer form the Army to meet the challenges of the
(NCO) Corps and the key role it plays in the twenty-first century, it is particularly appropri-
operation and administration ofthe Army. ate to look back and understand the role of the
Offices and titles are essential in any large noncommissioned officers who have taken us to
institution, but ultimatelypeople are the key to the point we are today.
JACK L.TILLEY
Twelfth Sergeant Major
of the Army
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2016 with funding from
University of Florida, George A. Smathers Libraries
https://archive.org/details/sergeantsmajorof00dani_0
Preface
T
he Sergeant Major of the Army The actions that each SMA took while in
(SMA) is a singular soldier in an espe- office were inevitably shaped by the people he
cially demanding position. Although knew and the experiences he encountered over
other armies have sergeants major, few the course of his life; consequently, about half
approximate the depth, breadth, and profes- of each biographical chapter recounts the life
sionalism ofthe American Noncommissioned story ofthe SMA in question. With this per-
Officer Corps. These attributes of our non- spective in mind, the second half ofeach biog-
commissioned officers make the position of raphical chapter examines his achievements
Sergeant Major of the Army both desirable during his tenure as Sergeant Major of the
and essential. Army. A chronological list of duty assign-
The first part of this book describes the ments and decorations can be found at the end
origin and growth of the Office of the of each chapter. In addition, a list of further
Sergeant Major of the Army. It explains readings and an appendix that outlines the
why some saw a need for such an office and Presidents, Secretaries of the Army, and
tells who supported it in its infancy, who Chiefs of Staff under whom the respective
made it work, and why it has succeeded as Sergeants Major served provides context and
well as it has. framework.
Complementing this institutional story The history of the Sergeants Major of
are the personal stories of the soldiers who the Army is more than just a story of
have occupied this important post over the bureaucratic institutions and the men that
past forty years. The book provides a biogra- led them, however. It is also a story of the
phical essay on each of the Sergeants Major NCO Corps as a whole. The Army created
of the Army. Through these sections the the Office of the Sergeant Major in part
reader gains insight into the character and because of important changes in the nature,
motivations of the select group of men who structure, and responsibilities of NCOs.
became the Sergeants Major of the Army. During the course oftheir careers the SMAs
Many SMAs came from humble origins, experienced these changes firsthand. They in
joined the military to serve their country and turn helped shape the future changes the
NCO
see the world, and only gradually decided to Corps would encounter.
make the Army their career. Some fought the Finally, the historyofthe Sergeants Major
Germans in World War II. Others saw com- of the Army is a story ofthe Army itself. The
bat in such diverse locations as Korea, Army has experienced extraordinary and
Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. All experi- diverse challenges over the past half-century.
enced the joys and heartaches of being an Interspersed between repeated cycles of war
ordinary soldier, and all were deeply affected and peace, mobilization and downsizing, have
by the men and women with whom they been such momentous developments as the
served over the years. end ofthe draft, the establishment ofthe vol-
unteer Army, and the unrelenting advance of Thus this book gives today’s soldiers a useful
technology. Each Sergeant Major ol the Army perspective from which to appreciate the past.
experienced these and other challenges first- This past undoubtedly will shape the Army’s
hand, as did the dedicated corps of noncom- future, even as the Army once again endeavors
missioned officers that makes the Armywork. to transform itself into an even more effective
Their trials and triumphs underscore those of institution with which to serve the American
the entire Army over the past hall-century. people in both peace and war.
JOHN BROWN
S.
Brigadier General, U.S. Army
ChiefofMilitary History
vi
Acknowledgments
T
his book is a newversion ofa Center of patient adviser and as my link to the Center at
Military History (CMH) publication large. Dr. Robert D. Bouilly, the historian for
originally produced in 1995. Several the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy,
people contributed to the writing of the 1995 acted as my mentor and was often quick to
book. Maj. Glen Hawkins wrote the first part, offer sage advice and research material from
which recounts the history ofthe Office ofthe afar.The Chiefof Military History, Brig. Gen.
Sergeant Major of the Army (OSMA). When John S. Brown, and Dr. Richard W. Stewart,
Hawkins retired, Maj. Michael Kelly took on the chiefof CMH’s Histories Division,whole-
the project, coordinating interviews and writing heartedly supported my efforts, and I am
three ofthe biographical chapters. Upon Major grateful to both of them for entrusting me
Kelly’s retirement, Maj. Preston Pierce, an with this project. Diane M. Donovan edited
Individual Mobilization Augmentee, authored the manuscript,while Arthur Hardyman, Beth
another three biographies. Finally, Maj. Mark MacKenzie, John Birmingham, and Teresa
Gillespie wrote two sections and brought the Jameson accomplished the book’s design and
original book through to publication in 1995. layout. Still, as important as the contributions
Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Erwin Koehler also played a by these dedicated professionals may have
criticalrole, as the interviews he conductedwith been, none gave as much to the project as my
seven former Sergeants Major ofthe Armypro- wife Gloria and daughters Danielle and
vide much ofthe material for the initialvolume. Courtney,who voluntarily sacrificed their time
In 2002 I was assigned to revise and with me to ensure the book was completed in
expand the book, to include writing new chap- a timely fashion. Last, I would like to thank
ters on the three menwho had served as SMAs Sergeant Major ofthe ArmyJack L.Tilley and
since 1995. Many people assisted me in this all the former Sergeants Major of the Army,
endeavor, a few ofwhom deserve special men- for without their faith, guidance, support, and
tion. Dr. Andrew Birtle of CMH’s Military encouragement, this publication would not
J.
Operations Branch served as an exacting and have been possible.
DANIEL ELDER
K.
Command Sergeant Major,
U.S. Army
General Editor
Preface to the First Edition
T
his history of the Sergeants Major of sweltering Vietnam, of the all-volunteer Army,
the Army fills a long-standing gap in ofthe garrison and post Army, but most impor-
the history of the United States Army. tantly they speak of, for, and to the men and
The Army’s noncommissioned officer corps has women ofthe Army.
always stood proudly in the front ranks to serve The first part ofthis book describes the ori-
the nation in war and peace, in good times and gin and growth of the Office of the Sergeant
bad. For too long, though, this selfless service Major of the Army (OSMA). It explains why
has passed unnoticed. In one sense the lack of someone saw a need for such an office and tells
recognition ofthe NCO is a testimony to his or who supported it,who made itwork, and why it
her professional dedication and sense of duty. succeeded so well. Each Sergeant Major of the
The NCO was always there when needed. The Army made lasting contributions to the office
NCO always did what was needed. And the during his tenure. The sections on individual
NCO was all too often taken for granted. SMAs uncover their motivations, goals, and
The advent of high technology warfare accomplishments. About halfofeach section is a
placed new demands on all ranks, perhaps none general account of the respective Sergeant
more so than NCOs. Not only did they have to Major’s service.The otherhalffocuses on his role
train soldiers, they had to learn along with their as SergeantMajorofthe Army.The insights and
squads, platoons, companies, and battalions as perspectives ofthe Sergeants Major ofthe Army
the U.S. Army adapted its doctrine and come from years ofexperience, training, profes-
warfighting to meet the demands ofthe twenty- sional development, and individual dedication to
firstcentury.Yet manyof the Sergeants Majorof theArmy.Atthe end ofeach section is achrono-
the Army cut their teeth during World War II. logical list ofeach SMA’s duty assignments.The
They served in Korea and Vietnam during hot appendix to this book gives a table showing the
wars and everywhere from Germany to Presidents, Secretaries of the Army, and Chiefs
Indonesia during cold wars. of Staff under whom the respective Sergeants
Their stories are the centerpiece of this Major served.
book. None enlisted or was drafted with the The project was initially beset by changing
promise of becoming a future SergeantMajor of organizational parameters and/or lack ofauthor
the Army. None received special treatment. continuity. However, in 1992 Col. Fred Van
Some left the Armyonlyto reenlistlater. Others Horn, then commandant of the Sergeants
thoughtaboutleavingtheArmy. Buteachone of Major Academy, approached Brig. Gen. Harold
them made the Army his career and reached the Nelson, the chief of military history at that
top of his profession. Again and again theycred- time, about reviving the long dormant project.
it an NCO who impressed them in basic train- Since then, under the direction ofprofessional
ing and became a role model for them. They historians, four officers share the credit for
speak of the bygone massive Army of World compiling and writing this volume. Maj. Glen
War II, ofthe Army at war in frozen Korea and Hawkins began the work, organized the con-
viii
