Maj. Gen. Jerry D. Humble

(Inducted in 2004)

Maj. Gen. Jerry D. Humble, a retired two-star general in the U.S. Marine Corps, concluded a successful military career in January 2003. But instead of easing into retirement in Russellville, he accepted a Cabinet-level appointment to become director of Tennessee’s Office of Homeland Security.

Humble was born Nov. 4, 1947, in Jamestown. The former football player at Russellville High School and Western, graduated in 1969 with a degree in social sciences. In 1996, he was recognized on Western’s campus by the National Sigma Chi fraternity headquarters as a significant Sigma Chi.

He was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1969 and began a career that included service in Vietnam, Desert Storm and numerous other operations. He commanded at every rank, helped dev

elop numerous training programs and was recognized for his leadership and innovation. Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen cited Humble’s background in security and counterterrorism in naming the retired general as that state’s director of homeland security.

Humble’s distinguished career includes serving with the British Commandos, commanding a Special Operations Capable Unit, and serving as Security and Special Operations Advisor to the Department of State. From 1995 to 1997, Humble was commanding general of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, S.C. From 1997 to 1999, he was commanding general 3rd Marine Division. From 1999 to 2001, he served as commander of Marine Forces in Korea and director of plans, policy and strategy for United Nations Command Korea.

Humble’s last command was Marine Corps Recruiting Command, where he served from May 2001 to August 2002.

Marine Corps initiatives he helped develop include the Arctic Warfare Training Program, Expeditionary Special Operations Capable Training Program, Rapid Response, Raid Planning Program, Maneuver Warfare Training Program, Recruit Training Program (“The Crucible”) and Jungle Warfare Training Center.

Along with numerous campaign, expeditionary and foreign medals, Humble has been decorated with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars and Combat V, Meritorious Service Medal with one Gold Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one Gold Star, Navy Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.

He and his wife, the former Margaret Hollingsworth (also a WKU graduate), have two grown children.