Twenty-seventh Commandant
1 July 1979 - 30 June 1983

Robert H. Barrow was born 5 February 1922 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After attendance at Louisiana State University, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and was commissioned in May 1943. He served during World War II in enemy-occupied territory in Central China supporting guerrilla forces.
During the Korean War, he led Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, in the Inchon-Seoul operation and the Chosin Reservoir campaign. For the latter he was awarded the Navy Cross for holding a pass near Koto-ri on 9 and 10 December 1950.

During the Vietnam War, in 1968 and 1969, he commanded the 9th Marines in numerous combat actions.

Subsequently he attended the National War College, and after promotion to brigadier general, was Commanding General at Camp Butler, Okinawa. On further promotion to major general, he became Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. He was promoted to lieutenant general in 1975 and assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps as Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower. In 1976, he was named Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, at Norfolk.

General Barrow became the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps in July 1978, so serving until appointed the Corps' Commandant on 1 July 1979.

General Barrow was the first Commandant to serve, by law, a regular four-year tour as a full member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was instrumental 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.

General Barrow retired as Commandant on 30 June 1983 and returned to his native state of Louisiana.