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.
Early career Hailston began his career in the Marine Corps as an enlisted infantry rifleman in 1967. After completing boot camp, he reported to the 2nd Marine Division for duty as an infantry rifleman. Shortly after, Hailston entered the Enlisted Commissioning Program and received his commission in 1968. After completing The Basic School, Hailston received assignment as a rifle platoon commander with India Company "I", 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines.
Vietnam Service From July 1969 to January 1971, Hailston served in the Republic of Vietnam assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion 1st Marine Division.
Later career He attended flight training in Pensacola, Florida, receiving his wings in June 1973.
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.
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:
July 1996 – Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Installations and Logistics (Facilities), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. March 1997 to June 1999 – Promotion to major general U.S. Pacific Command Director of Strategic Plans and Policy (J-5). June 1999 – III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan. Promotion to lieutenant general in June 1999. August 2001 to retirement – Component Commander for the U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command. In mid January 2002, General Tommy Franks forward deployed Hailston's command to Bahrain.
Okinawa email controversy 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. Hailston later made an apology stating:
In retirement He serves as Chairman of the Air Warrior Courage Foundation.
Awards
SCUBA Diver badgeNaval Aviator BadgeDefense Distinguished Service MedalSilver StarLegion of MeritBronze Star w/ valor deviceDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal w/ 1 award starNavy and Marine Corps Commendation MedalCombat Action RibbonJoint Meritorious Unit AwardNavy Unit CommendationNavy Meritorious Unit CommendationNational Defense Service Medal w/ 1 service starVietnam Service Medal w/ 1 service starNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ 3 service starsNavy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon w/ 2 service starsVietnam Gallantry Cross w/ gold starVietnam Armed Forces Honor MedalVietnam Gallantry Cross unit citationVietnam Civil Actions unit citationVietnam Campaign Medal
References
External links Official Biography for Earl B. Hailston