Sma tilley biography

12th Sergeant Major of the US Army

Jack L. Tilley (born December 3, 1948) is an American businessman and retired United States Army soldier. He served for almost 37 years in the United States Army, culminating in his appointment in 2000 as the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army, a post he held until his retirement on January 15, 2004.

He was the last Vietnam War veteran to serve in that position.

Early life

Tilley was born in Vancouver, Washington, on December 3, 1948, and enlisted in the United States Army under the "Buddy Program" with his friend Barney Boykin.

They both attended basic combat training at Fort Lewis, Washington, advanced training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and basic airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia.^[1] Barney was killed in action in 1968 during the Vietnam War.^[2]

Military career

Tilley's first assignment was to the Republic of Vietnam with A Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment as a vehicle c