Three Marine Corps brigadier generals assigned to various commands across the Pacific have been tapped for promotion by President Bush, according to a Defense Department news release.
The nominations of Timothy R. Larsen, Duane D. Thiessen and George J. Trautman III for appointment to major general were announced Tuesday by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Each is subject to Senate confirmation. Larsen, U.S. Forces Japan deputy commander, arrived at Yokota Air Base in September 2003. He had been commander of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa.
His biography states he was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Course in 1973 after graduating from Brigham Young University. He also holds a master’s degree in international relations from Salve Regina University and master’s in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College.
The Denver native’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Thiessen, who became 1st Marine Aircraft Wing commander on Okinawa in June, was commissioned in May 1974 upon graduation from Pittsburg (Kan.) State University.
His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with gold star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star and Navy Commendation Medal.
The theater’s third major general selection, Trautman, is deputy commander of all Marine forces in the Pacific and also heads the leadership hierarchy at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. He assumed the posts in August.
Trautman, who graduated from Penn State University in 1974 with a biology degree, later earned a master’s in systems management from the University of Southern California, a master’s in international relations from Salve Regina University and a master’s in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. After completing The Basic School, he entered flight training and was designated a naval aviator in April 1976.
According to his biography, he also graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College and has served as a Federal Executive Fellow at the Brookings Institution, through the commandant’s sponsorship.
Trautman’s individual honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with gold star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
