March 24, 1983
The President today announced his intention to nominate Gen. Paul X. Kelley, USMC, as Commandant of the Marine Corps. General Kelley will succeed Gen. Robert H. Barrow upon the retirement of General Barrow on July 1, 1983. General Kelley will serve as Commandant for a period of 4 years, as provided by law.
General Kelley has served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and Chief of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, since July 1, 1981.
General Kelley commanded the 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, in combat in Vietnam, where he earned the Silver Star Medal, in 1965 - 1966. In Vietnam in 1970 - 1971, he commanded the 1st Marines, the last marine regiment in combat in Vietnam. He served in various other assignments prior to his promotion to brigadier general in 1974. As a general officer, he has served as Commanding General, 4th Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force; Director, Marine Corps Development Center; Director, Marine Corps Education Center; and Deputy Chief of Staff for Requirements and Programs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
In February 1980 General Kelley was promoted to lieutenant general and named as the first Commander of the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force. He was promoted to general upon assuming his current duties.
He graduated from Villanova University (B.S., 1950) and was commissioned a second lieutenant in June of that year. He is married and has one daughter. He was born November 11, 1928, in Boston, Mass.