4th Battalion, 11th Marines, during combat at Peleliu in September and October 1944; and the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" as 4th Battalion commander at Okinawa, April to July 1945. Following the war, Chapman served as secretary of the general staff, Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Pacific from September 1945 to July 1946. From August 1946 until May 1949, he was stationed at Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), Washington, D.C., serving as executive officer, G-3 Section, Division of Plans and Policies. Ordered to Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Chapman served as coordinator, Reserve Artillery Training Unit; completed the Amphibious Warfare School, Senior Course, in June 1950; and then served as chief of the Supporting Arms Group, Marine Corps Development Center. While at Quantico, he was promoted to colonel in July 1950. In July 1952, Chapman departed Quantico for Camp Pendleton, California, where he joined the 3rd Marine Division as commanding officer, 12th Marine Regiment. He sailed with the division in August 1953 for Japan, where he continued to command the 12th Marines. In August 1954, he was named commanding officer, Marine Barracks, United States Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, Japan, serving in this capacity until May 1956. In July 1956, Chapman assumed duties in Washington, D.C., as commanding officer, Marine Barracks, and director of the Marine Corps Institute. Two years later, he was promoted to brigadier general on July 1, 1958. Following his promotion, Chapman was assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina serving as commanding general, Force Troops, FMF Atlantic, until August 1961. He reported to HQMC in September 1961 for duty as assistant chief of staff, G-4 and was promoted to major general in November 1961. For exceptionally meritorious service in this capacity from September 1961 through December 1963, he was awarded his second Legion of Merit. On January 1, 1964, Chapman was designated as chief of staff, with the rank of lieutenant general. He was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal by the Secretary of the Navy. On July 1, 1967, Chapman became Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. While serving as assistant commandant, he was awarded the Armed Forces Management Association Merit Award for 1967. On December 4, 1967, Chapman was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson to be the 24th commandant of the Marine Corps and was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 13. On January 1, 1968, he was promoted to general on assuming the office of