General James L. Jones
October 29, 1999, 1 p.m. ET

Why Our Nation Needs a Marine Corps

Thirty-two may just be General James L. Jones' lucky number ... Jones spent thirty-two years as a Marine, during which time he earned the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, a Silver Star Medal and a Legion of Merit with three gold stars. And he was serving as Defense Secretary William Cohen's senior military assistant when he was appointed to be the thirty-second Commandmant of the Marine Corps.

In his first few months as Commandant, Jones has tried to emphasize that although military service is tough, it's OK to have fun in the Marine Corps.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, James Jones grew up in France where his father worked after leaving the Marine Corps. Jones spent thirty-two years in the Corps himself, and was awarded the prestigious Silver Star Medal for his service during the Vietnam War.