Earl B. Hailston | |
Birth Date: | 27 May 1947 |
Birth Place: | Utica, New York, U.S. |
Allegiance: | United States |
Branch: | United States Marine Corps |
Serviceyears: | 1967–2003 |
Rank: | Lieutenant General |
Commands: | United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command |
Battles: | Vietnam War |
Awards: | ~ Defense Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star with Combat V |
Earl B. Hailston (born May 27, 1947) is a retired Marine Corps lieutenant general. He was Commanding General of United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command, and U.S. Marine Corps Bases Pacific.
Hailston began his career in the Marine Corps as an enlisted infantry rifleman in 1967.[1] After completing boot camp, he reported to the 2nd Marine Division for duty as an infantry rifleman.[2] Shortly after, Hailston entered the Enlisted Commissioning Program and received his commission in 1968.[2] After completing The Basic School, Hailston received assignment as a rifle platoon commander with India Company "I", 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines.[2]
From July 1969 to January 1971, Hailston served in the Republic of Vietnam assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion 1st Marine Division.[2]
He attended flight training in Pensacola, Florida, receiving his wings in June 1973.[2]
Other training schools attended include Amphibious Warfare School and the Air Command And Staff College. He earned his bachelor's degree from Troy State University.[2]
In May 1994, Hailston was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and was commander of the 3rd Force Service Support Group, FMF, Pacific, Okinawa, Japan. Further commands included:
While serving as commanding general of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, General Hailston drafted an email to 13 USMC officers in which he called the local Okinawa officials "all nuts and a bunch of wimps". The email followed a January 2001 incident where a Marine was arrested for lifting up the dress of an Okinawan schoolgirl.[4] Hailston later made an apology stating:
The message was an attempt, in a very emotional manner, to gain the strict attention of my commanders. If my remarks in the e-mail are construed as suggesting anything else, then I am deeply sorry and apologize for the misunderstanding.[4]
He serves as Chairman of the Air Warrior Courage Foundation.[5]