Herbert L. Wilkerson

Herbert Lloyd Wilkerson (31 October 1919 – 11 October 2021) was a United States Marine Corps major general. A veteran of three wars, he was most noted for his service as commanding officer, 1st Marine Regiment during Vietnam War and later as commanding general, 3rd Marine Division.

Early career and World War II Herbert L. Wilkerson was born on 31 October 1919, in Troy, Tennessee, as the son of local farmer Fred C. and Susan Ethel Wilkerson. His father died, when he was only 14 years of age and the 67-acre family farm was lost. Herbert's mother resorted to domestic work to keep the family afloat. Together with the support and assistance of Masonic Brothers of his father, Herbert and his younger sister were able to complete the Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina.

During his time at the college, Wilkerson served as editor-in-chief of the Erskine Mirror, which was awarded journalistic honors during his tenure. He graduated in June 1941 with Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Mathematics and accepted a job as an inspector for the Retail Credit Company in Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina.

Following the United States' entry into World War II in December 1941, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve as private on 28 January 1942, and was ordered to the boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. After five weeks of intensive training, Wilkerson was ordered to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he was attached to the Headquarters and Service Company, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.

He was promoted to the rank of private first class and served as orderly and driver for regimental commander, Colonel James W. Webb. Wilkerson sailed in that capacity to Pacific area at the end of March 1942 and was then stationed in Apia, British Samoa and subsequently went ashore on Guadalcanal in September of that year. Following the relieving of Webb on 20 September 1942, Wilkerson was transferred to the regiment's 1st Battalion under famous Lieutenant Colonel Chesty Puller and participated as a rifleman in the actions along the Matanikau River. He quickly reached the rank of corporal and served as a squad leader on Guadalcanal until January 1943, when he sailed with the rest of the regiment to Melbourne, Australia for rest and refit.

He remained in the command of the 1st Marines until 9 February 1970, when he was relieved by Colonel Edward A. Wilcox and transferred to the headquarters, III Marine Amphibious Force in Da Nang. Wilkerson then served as deputy assistant chief of staff for operations (G-3) until 16 June 1970, when he was appointed assistant chief of staff for operations. In this capacity, he was responsible for the planning of III MAF combat operations.

Later career Wilkerson's award ceremony of Legion of Merit for his service in Vietnam. Commanding general, Camp Lejeune, Major General Rathvon M. Tompkins (left) and Wilkerson's wife Jeanne looks on. Upon his return to the United States, Wilkerson was ordered again to Camp Lejeune, where he assumed duty as Base Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel under Major General Rathvon M. Tompkins. He remained in that capacity until Christmas, when he was appointed chief of staff of the base.

Lloyd Wilkerson was subsequently ordered to the Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., for duty as deputy chief of staff for research, development and studies. While in this capacity, he was promoted to the rank of major general on 20 March 1975. He was ordered to Okinawa, Japan, in August 1975 and assumed command of 3rd Marine Division. Wilkerson also concurrently commanded III Marine Amphibious Force.

Decorations Below is the ribbon bar of Major General Herbert L. Wilkerson: