Who was the first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps?

The first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was Sergeant Major Wilbur Bestwick, who was appointed to this prestigious position in 1957. This role was created to provide a senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Bestwick was instrumental in establishing the importance and responsibilities of this role within the organization.

His leadership and contribution to the enlisted ranks set a precedent for future Sergeants Major and helped shape the role into what it is today. Bestwick's years of service and the subsequent influence he had on Marine Corps policies regarding enlisted personnel highlight his significance in this pivotal role.

While the other individuals listed may have had notable military careers within the Marine Corps, they were not the first to hold this specific title, which is crucial in understanding the lineage and history of leadership in the Corps.