Original Items: Only One Set Available. This Service Dress White uniform, belonging to a distinguished General Officer, represents a remarkable piece of United States Marine Corps history. Notably, it was the property of the 27th Commandant of the Marine Corps, four-star general Robert H. Barrow. Despite exhibiting some age-related toning and rust stains from the devices, this uniform set remains an impressive testament to the military heritage of the United States.

Robert Hilliard Barrow was an American military hero who dedicated his life to serving his country. He rose through the ranks of the United States Marine Corps to become a four-star general and held the prestigious position of 27th Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1979 to 1983. Barrow was an accomplished military leader who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, where he demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership on the battlefield. His bravery earned him numerous accolades, including the Navy Cross and Distinguished Service Cross, which recognize his extraordinary heroism in Korea and Vietnam, respectively. Robert Hilliard Barrow's commitment to his country and his unwavering bravery in the face of danger make him a true American hero.

The uniform set stands as a symbol of the extraordinary dedication, skill, and service of those who have served in the Marine Corps. Its historical significance is undeniable, and it serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.

Overall, this uniform set is a rare and exceptional artifact, one that would be a valuable addition to any collection of military memorabilia. Its history and significance make it a compelling item for anyone interested in the history of the United States Marine Corps or military history more broadly.

Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
The commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) is normally the highest-ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps. It is a four-star general position and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The CMC reports directly to the secretary of the Navy and is responsible for ensuring the organization, policy, plans, and programs for the Marine Corps as well as advising the president, the secretary of defense, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the secretary of the Navy on matters involving the Marine Corps. Under the authority of the secretary of the Navy, the CMC designates Marine personnel and resources to the commanders of unified combatant commands. The commandant performs all other functions prescribed in Section 8043 in Title 10 of the United States Code or delegates those duties and responsibilities to other officers in his administration in his name. As with the other joint chiefs, the commandant is an administrative position and has no operational command authority over United States Marine Corps forces.

General Barrow's Marine Corps Career:

World War II
In 1942, Barrow made the decision to leave university early in order to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He completed his recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, where he demonstrated his exceptional skills and was selected to become a Drill Instructor after his graduation. While serving on the drill field, he was handpicked to attend Officer Candidate School in February 1943, a prestigious program that prepares candidates to become commissioned officers in the United States armed forces. Barrow excelled in the program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on May 19, 1943, marking a significant milestone in his military career.

During World War II, Barrow played a crucial role in the United States Navy Group China, Sino-American Cooperative Organization (SACO) as a first lieutenant from August 1944 to November 1945. His service in China was characterized by his work with SACO, a team of Chinese guerrillas trained and equipped by the United States to fight against the Japanese in Central China, which was then occupied by the Japanese. Barrow's son described his father's service in China as one of his most vivid experiences, indicating the profound impact it had on him. In recognition of his service, Barrow was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V".

Korean War
Captain Barrow was a renowned leader during the Korean War, and he is best remembered for commanding Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. He was an instrumental figure in both the Inchon-Seoul and Chosin Reservoir campaigns, and his strategic leadership helped to secure several key victories for the US military. In fact, he is often described as the finest company commander of the Korean War. One of his most significant moments of heroism occurred on December 9–10, 1950, when he courageously held a pass near Koto-ri. For his bravery in the face of danger, he was awarded the prestigious Navy Cross.

Barrow's Navy Cross citation reads:

“The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to ROBERT H. BARROW (0-23471), CAPTAIN, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Koto-ri, Korea, on 9 and 10 December 1950. Ordered to seize and occupy the high ground on Hill 1081 dominating the pass below and held by a heavily-fortified, deeply-entrenched enemy of approximately battalion strength controlling all approaches to his company's objective, Captain BARROW boldly led his company up the ice covered, windswept, razor backed ridge in a blinding snowstorm and, employing artillery, mortars and close air support, launched a well-coordinated attack. With his forward assault platoon suddenly brought under withering automatic weapons, small-arms and mortar fire from commanding ground as they moved along the narrow snow-covered ridge toward a bare mountain top studded with hostile bunkers and foxholes, he fearlessly advanced to the front under blistering shellfire, directing and deploying his men and shouting words of encouragement as they followed him to close with the enemy in furious hand-to-hand combat. Reorganizing his depleted units following the bitter conflict, he spearheaded a daring and skillful enveloping maneuver, striking the enemy by surprise on the right flank and destroying many emplacements as he continued the final drive up the steep slope in the face of heavy automatic weapons and grenade fire to secure the objective with a total loss to the enemy of more than 300 dead and wounded. By his gallant and forceful leadership, great personal valor and fortitude maintained in the face of overwhelming odds, Captain BARROW aided immeasurably in insuring the safe passage of the First Marine Division through this hazardous pass, and his inspiring devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.”

Interwar Years 
Barrow commenced his 18-month tour with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in February 1956. During this period, he was involved in various activities and operations undertaken by the battalion to ensure the security of the region. Following this, he was assigned as the Marine Officer Instructor at the Tulane University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps from the summer of 1957 to the summer of 1960. In this role, he imparted his knowledge and expertise to aspiring officers, preparing them for their future roles in the military. As a testament to his dedication and hard work, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in September of 1959. He subsequently graduated from the National War College in June of 1968, an achievement that demonstrated his commitment to advancing his knowledge and skills in the military.

Vietnam War
Colonel Robert Barrow at this point was already highly decorated and served with exceptional valor during the Vietnam War. He was appointed as the commanding officer of the 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division (Rein) and also served as a Deputy G-3 in the III Marine Amphibious Force. During his tenure as the commanding officer of the 9th Marines, he was actively involved in several combat operations near the DMZ, Khe Sanh, Da Krong Valley, and A Shau Valley. His remarkable heroism and leadership during Operation Dewey Canyon earned him the prestigious Distinguished Service Cross, which is awarded for extraordinary acts of valor in combat. Colonel Barrow's distinguished military career and exceptional service to his country continue to inspire many even to this day.

Barrow's Distinguished Service Cross citation reads:

“The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS to ROBERT H. BARROW (0-23471), COLONEL, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters, Ninth Marine Regiment, Third Marine Division (Reinforced). Colonel BARROW distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period from 22 January to 18 March 1969 while commanding a regiment in Operation DEWEY CANYON in Quang Tri Province. Throughout the eight-week campaign in the Da Krong and A Shau Valleys, Colonel BARROW remained with the forward elements of his command, directing their insertion into enemy-held territory. Despite adverse flying conditions, he made numerous low-level reconnaissance flights in his command helicopter. Under his supervision, his troops swept the determined North Vietnamese forces back to the Laotian border, decimating countless fortifications and base camps and confiscating prodigious quantities of communist weapons and munitions. Despite the continuous hostile artillery and rocket bombardment of his command post, he persisted in retaining his position in close proximity to the enemy activity. During one concentrated attack on his post, he repeatedly exposed himself to the withering hostile fusillade in order to direct the repulsion of the enemy. After the two-month operation, his regiment confirmed over one thousand three hundred dead and accounted for tremendous amounts of captured North Vietnamese equipment. Colonel BARROW'S extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps.”

General officer
In August of 1969, Barrow was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and was deployed to Japan to serve as the commanding general at Camp Butler in Okinawa. He was awarded a Legion of Merit for his three years of service and left Okinawa as a Major General select. He then became the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, after his promotion to Major General.

In 1975, Barrow was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps as the deputy chief of staff for manpower. A year later, he was named the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, which was based in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1978, Barrow became the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the following year, he was appointed as the Commandant of the Marine Corps. During his tenure as the President of the Marine Corps Association from 1978 to 1979, he worked on various initiatives.

Barrow was the first Commandant to serve, by law, as a regular full member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As Commandant, he played a crucial role in acquiring approval of production for the Marine Corps of the American-modified Harrier aircraft, in awakening interest in new and improved naval gunfire support, in getting amphibious ships included in the navy's new construction programs, and in returning hospital ships to the fleet, especially on station with Marine Corps amphibious task forces.

In 1981, Barrow received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, which was presented to him by Awards Council member General David C. Jones, USAF.

Barrow retired from the Marine Corps on June 30th, 1983, and was honored with the Navy Distinguished Service Medal upon retirement for his exceptional service.

His awards consist of:
Navy Cross
Army Distinguished Service Cross
Defense Distinguished Service Medal w/ one oak leaf cluster
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star Medal
Legion of Merit w/ two 5⁄16" gold stars and Combat "V"
Bronze Star Medal w/ one 5⁄16" gold star and Combat "V"
Joint Service Commendation Medal w/ one oak leaf cluster
Combat Action Ribbon (Vietnam)
Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ one 3⁄16" bronze star
Army Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation w/ one 3⁄16" bronze star
China Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/ one 3⁄16" bronze star    
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal w/ one 3⁄16" bronze star
Korean Service Medal w/ four 3⁄16" bronze stars
Vietnam Service Medal w/ four 3⁄16" bronze stars
National Order of Vietnam, Knight degree
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ two Palms
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross) w/ Palm
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Medal) w/ Palm
United Nations Korea Medal    Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 1960– Device
Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge

Post-Military Career
Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, Barrow received appointments by President Ronald Reagan to two prestigious positions: the Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board and the Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management.

In 1983, the Pentagon released a letter authored by Barrow and addressed to Caspar W. Weinberger. Within the letter, Barrow critiqued Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, claiming that they were firing at United States troops, among other transgressions. Israel, however, denied any such allegations.

Patty, Barrow's wife of fifty-three years, passed away in 2005.

Barrow himself passed away on October 30, 2008, at the age of eighty-six. He is survived by his sons, Charles C. Pulliam of Greenville, South Carolina, and Robert H. Barrow, a retired lieutenant colonel of Marines, of Tampa, Florida, as well as his daughters Cathleen P. Harmon of Killeen, Texas, Barbara B. Kanegaye of Houston, Texas, and Mary B. Hannigan of Oakton, Virginia. Additionally, he is survived by eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Barrow was interred with full military honors on November 3, 2008. The memorial service took place at Grace Episcopal Church and Cemetery in St. Francisville, West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. During the service, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James T. Conway, delivered the eulogy, which acknowledged Barrow's numerous achievements ranging from recruitment to training. Meanwhile, former Commandant General Carl Mundy presented the burial colors to Barrow's next of kin.