Fred E. Haynes Jr.

Fred Elmore Haynes Jr. (January 5, 1921 – March 25, 2010) was a United States Marine Corps major general who served in World War II and the Vietnam War. He completed his Marine Corps career as deputy chief of staff for Research, Development and Studies at Headquarters Marine Corps. He was the older brother of actor and Dallas television personality, Jerry Haynes aka Mr. Peppermint, and uncle of musician and artist Gibby Haynes.

Early years Fred E. Haynes was born on January 5, 1921, in Dallas, Texas, as the son of Fred E. Haynes Sr. and Louise Schimelpfenig. He had four siblings: Jerry, William, Hal and sister Mary Louise. He spent his childhood in Plano, Texas, where his maternal grandfather Frederick Schimelpfenig served as mayor and later operated a grocery store. He attended Plano High School and following the graduation in summer of 1937, he enrolled in Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Haynes was active in football and track teams during his time at the university and was the vice president of Delta Phi Alpha fraternity in his senior year. He graduated in June 1941 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

Military career World War II Following his graduation, he worked as reporter for The Dallas Morning News, but after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, he decided to volunteer for the military service. Haynes entered the Marine Corps Reserve as private on March 13, 1942, and was attached to Reserve Officers' Class at Officer Candidates School at Quantico Base, Virginia.

Postwar service Fred E. Haynes Jr. shown here as captain during the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945. Following Iwo Jima, the 28th Marines sailed back for Hawaii in order to prepare for the Invasion of Japan, but the surrender of the Empire at the beginning of September 1945 changed their plans. Haynes subsequently sailed to Japan with his regiment and took part in the occupation duties at Sasebo. The 28th Marines were ordered back to the United States for deactivation in December and Haynes was transferred to the 6th Marine Regiment under Colonel James P. Berkeley, where he served as Operations officer of 1st then 3rd Battalions.

He then assumed duty as operations officer on the staff of III Marine Amphibious Force under his old superior, Lieutenant General Robert E. Cushman and took part in the planning of III MAF Operations until November 13, 1967, when he was ordered back to the United States. Haynes received his third Legion of Merit for his service with III MAF and several South Vietnamese awards.

Following a brief leave at home, Haynes assumed duties as Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Leonard F. Chapman, Jr., who had just been appointed to office. In this capacity, he served as the senior advisor, task manager and oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Commandant, as well as supervised the schedule of the commandant, and performed other duties as the commandant may direct. Haynes remained in this capacity until September 1, 1968, when he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and appointed legislative assistant to the commandant.

Haynes was promoted to the rank of major general on September 8, 1971, and assumed command of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, three weeks later. He held command of the division until January 1973, when he received transfer orders for Korea for duty as senior member of the United Nations Command, Military Armistice Commission in Korea and his duty was to supervise the Korean Armistice Agreement.

Legion of Merit with 3 Gold Stars and Combat "V" Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V"Combat Action RibbonNavy Presidential Unit Citation with 1 bronze starNavy Unit CommendationAmerican Campaign MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 bronze starWorld War II Victory MedalNavy Occupation Service MedalNational Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze starKorean Service MedalVietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze starsKorea Defense Service MedalRepublic of Korea Order of National Security MeritRepublic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with PalmRepublic of Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 2nd ClassRepublic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with PalmRepublic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation with PalmUnited Nations Korea MedalRepublic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960- device