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Wilbur Bestwick

Wilbur Bestwick was born November 27, 1911, in Sabetha, Kansas. Bestwick enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1934. He served in both World War II and the Korean War and spent much of his time in the Pacific Ocean. On May 23, 1957, Bestwick became the first sergeant major in the Marine Corps. Bestwick received the Navy Commendation Medal for his service in the Korean War and retired on September 1, 1959. He died July 10, 1972, in Palo Alto, California.

Entry: Bestwick, Wilbur

Author: Kansas Historical Society

Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history.

Date Created: May 2012

Date Modified: July 2012

The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.