Ronald S. Coleman

Ronald S. Coleman (born August 27, 1948) is a former United States Marine Corps officer. Coleman, advanced in rank to lieutenant general on October 27, 2006, became the second African-American in the Marine Corps to reach the 3-star rank.

Personal Ronald S. Coleman was born on August 24, 1948. He graduated from Darby-Colwyn Senior High School, Darby, Pennsylvania, where he played basketball, baseball, and football. After high school graduation, he attended North East Christian School for a year.

He then enlisted in the Navy and served in Vietnam. After two years of service, he was discharged from the Navy. He returned to Darby as a part-time police officer while attending Cheyney State University.

Coleman was married to Kathryn Jane Cashion for 50 years. They have five daughters. Kathryn Coleman died in 2014.

Military career

Coleman joined the United States Navy in April 1968 and was discharged upon his return from Danang, Republic of Vietnam in June 1970. He returned to civilian life and earned his undergraduate degree in 1973. After working for a year, he decided to return to the military, interviewing with the four branches, before deciding on the Marine Corps.

In December 2009, Coleman retired and turned his command of Manpower and Reserve Affairs over to LtGen Richard C. Zilmer.

Awards and decorations