Uncommon Men: The Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps (Paperback)

~ John C. Chapin (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 1957 the Marines instituted a new billet: the sergeant major of the Marine Corps. The principal duty of the incumbent was to keep the commandant advised in matters pertaining to promotions, welfare and morale of enlisted personnel. Chapin presents compact biographies of the first 11 men to fill that post, covering their upbringing, marriages and retirement as well as details of their active service. All came from modest backgrounds; none had formal schooling beyond high school; every one of them proved his courage and leadership ability in combat. Each sergeant major personified in a distinctive way the virtues traditionally associated with Marine noncommissioned officers. This enlightening account captures the unique spirit of the Corps. Chapin, a retired Marine officer, is author of A History of Marine Fighter Squadron 115. Photos.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Who were these leaders? How did they achieve their position as the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps - the enlisted man's general? What can we learn from their careers about how the modern Marine Corps works and selects those who guide it? Marine Captain John Chapin provides the answers to these and other questions in Uncommon Men: The Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps. This book is a study of the careers, lives, and working environment of the first eleven men to hold the senior enlisted billet in the United States Marine Corps.

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: White Mane Books (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157249154X
• ISBN-13: 978-1572491540
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,103,159 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brief bio's for the first 13 Sgt's Maj of the USMC, August 19, 1999

By A Customer

This book in on the USMC Professional reading list, but as a Marine (any rank) you should read this book to gain an understanding of where the top enlisted in our Corps came from. This is not a story. The book contains short biographies that give you insight about the Sergeant's Major of the Marine Corps who set the standard for future Marines. Simply a great source of history for Marines, or those who are interested in our heritage. Semper Fidelis!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SARGEANTS MAJOR, February 3, 2010

By	James L. Woolridge "Wooly in Jupiter, FL." (Sunny Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Retired Marine captain John Chapin writes about SargeantS Major in the Marine Corp. Here I am again writing a review of Marine books, I seem drwn to them and this one is very interesting, especially if you are into Marine Corp history. UNCOMMON MEN is a set od biographies of the first eleven sargeant majors, a look that is up close and personal. All are modern times bios because the rank wasn't created until 1957. The Sargeants Major work for the Commandant of the Corp. The readers also get a look at the top through and enlisted man, albeit career. Great read. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED