Armed Forces: Cerebral Commandant

ARMED FORCES

Though the President routinely names a new commandant of the Marine Corps every four years, the selection this year crackled with suspense. Three individualistic generals—each highly qualified to be the nation's top Marine—were in open contention for the post, and Lyndon Johnson delayed for more than two months beyond the traditional September announcement date before choosing one of them. Last week the President ended the suspense by picking self-effacing Lieut. General Leonard F. Chapman Jr. to succeed Commandant Wallace M. Greene Jr. on the first of the year.

Floridian "Chappie" Chapman, 54, was the dark horse choice between two other,...

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