
In its 246-year history, the United States Marine Corps was sworn in for its first 4-Star General, after President Joe Biden nominated General Michael E. Langley on June 9, 2022.
During the promotion ceremony, the 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger, said:
I think this morning’s ceremony is unique, so are you. I think for 3, probably 3 reasons, at least 3 reasons. First of all, after this morning he will be one of 3 “4 Star Generals” in the Marine Corps. We don’t have 10 or 12, we have 2 and sometimes we are lucky as we will have this morning to have 3. There are, throughout the history of the Marine Corps, hundreds of thousands of people have worn the uniform of the Marine Corps. 55 of them, 55 of them were promoted to 4-star general; this morning, 56. That’s the cut, that’s how crucial it is.
Part two, out of all of them, out of 55, 12 of them have been combatant commanders, 12. You can see where this is heading, can’t you? 1 of only 56, of this 1 of only 12, and of this only 1 other commanded US Africa Command, Tom, Tom Waldhauser, a great mentor to you and mine, and a great friend to the people sitting here. That’s how it gets small, hundreds and hundreds of thousands over 200 and almost 50 years, until, until that little number.
And the third thing, I think it’s so unique, is why we’re all so excited this morning. The first African-American general to be promoted to 4-star general. It’s not lost on me either. I learned this week that some of you all know him personally, know him personally. 43 years ago, this summer, 43 years ago, General Peterson was promoted to the Pentagon by the commander, and had his reception right here. You are seated where Brigadier General Peterson, that afternoon, had his reception. I read that this weekend, and it’s pretty humiliating too. So 43 years we go from our first African American General to our first, I think many more African American 4 star Generals.
Full video of General Michael E. Langley’s historic promotion ceremony can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/FoxNews/videos/381100880825899/