Robert E . Haebel Robert E . Haebel ( born July 18 , 1927 ) is a retired United States Marine Corps major general whose last command was Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton . He retired in 1987 after 42 years of service . Biography . Robert Haebel was born in Marcus Hook , Pennsylvania on July 18 , 1927 . Education . He graduated from high school in 1945 . He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education West Chester State Teachers College ( now West Chester University of Pennsylvania ) in 1951 . He later earned two Master of Arts ( M . A . ) degrees — in Education from the University of New Mexico ( 1967 ) and in International Affairs from George Washington University ( 1971 ) . Marine Corps career . In June 1945 , Haebel enlisted in the Marine Corps . He reached the rank of sergeant prior to attending The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico , Virginia , receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in June 1951 . In January 1952 , he was ordered to Korea and participated in combat operations as a platoon leader with the 1st Marine Division , earning the Bronze Star with Combat " V " . He was transferred to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune , in December 1952 , and was promoted to captain in March 1954 . He served at the Marine Barracks , Treasure Island , San Francisco , California , from December 1954 to April 1957 , when he was assigned to the Military Assistance Advisory Group , Taiwan , as an advisor to the Republic of China Marine Corps . Returning to the United States , he served at Headquarters , 5th Marine Corps Recruit Reserve District , Washington , D . C . , and attended the Junior Course , Amphibious Warfare School , MCB Quantico . In June 1960 he was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division , serving as a Company Commander and G - 3 Operations Officer . He returned to Camp Lejeune and served in Force Troops , Fleet Marine Force , Atlantic . In April 1962 , he was promoted to major . He served as the Marine Officer Instructor , Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps ( NROTC ) Unit at the University of New Mexico , from August 1964 to July 1967 , when he was transferred back to the 1st Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam and served consecutively as Operations Officer , G - 3 Officer , and as a battalion commander . For his participation in combat operations in Vietnam , he was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat " V " . He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in November 1966 . Ordered to MCRD Parris Island , South Carolina , in September 1968 , Haebel served as Assistant G - 3 Officer , and later , as G - 3 Officer of the Recruit Depot . From August 1970 to June 1971 , he attended the Naval War College , Newport , Rhode Island , and upon completing the course was transferred to Hawaii as Plans Officer , G - 3 Operations and Training Officer and Assistant Chief of Staff , G - 3 at Headquarters , Fleet Marine Force , Pacific . He was promoted to colonel in May 1972 . In June 1975 , he was ordered to the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa and served as Commanding Officer , 4th Marine Regiment and the Camp Commander , Camp Hansen , Okinawa . He was advanced to brigadier general on April 15 , 1976 and assumed duties of Commanding General , Force Troops / 2nd Force Service Support Group , FMF , Atlantic , on April 23 , 1976 . Ordered to Headquarters Marine Corps , General Haebel assumed duty as Director Personnel Management Division on July 28 , 1978 . He was promoted to major general on July 3 , 1979 , and assigned additional duty as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower in September 1979 . General Haebel assumed duty as Commanding General , Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island , S . C . , in July 1980 . In June 1982 , he was assigned duty as Commanding General , III Marine Amphibious Force / Commanding General , 3d Marine Division , FMF , Pacific on Okinawa . He served in this capacity until he became the Commanding General of Camp Pendleton on July 6 , 1984 . Retirement . Major General Haebel retired from the Marine Corps on June 20 , 1987 after 42 years of active duty service . On November 10 , 2007 , Haebel was the speaker at the 2007 Marine Corps Ball at Camp Pendleton , in honor of the Marine Corps ' 232nd birthday . Awards and decorations . Major General Haebel ' s decorations include :