 He returned from Thailand in August 1962 and assumed duty as chief of staff of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Aircraft, FMF, Pacific, Iwakuni, Japan.The following June, he arrived in the United States, and assumed duty at Norfolk, Virginia, as assistant chief of staff, G-3, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic.In March 1964, he was promoted to brigadier general and assigned as legislative assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for service during this assignment.