Bernard E. Trainor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernard E. Trainor
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Lieutenant General Bernard E. Trainor
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| Born | September 2, 1928 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | June 2, 2018 (aged 89) Sterling, Virginia, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1946–1985 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | 1st Battalion, 5th Marines 1st Reconnaissance Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War Korean War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Legions of Merit (Valor, 2) Bronze Star (Valor) Navy Commendation Medal (Valor) Combat Action Ribbon |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Trainor |
| Relations | Kathleen Trainor, Theresa Trainor, Saxon Trainor, Claire Trainor Leimone |
| Other work | Journalist Television commentator Author |
Bernard E. Trainor (born September 2, 1928 – died June 2, 2018) was an American journalist. He was also a high-ranking officer, a United States Marine Corps lieutenant general. He served in the Marine Corps for 39 years. He held many different jobs and led many groups of Marines.
After he retired from the military, he became a top military reporter for The New York Times. He also worked as a military expert for NBC television. Bernard Trainor wrote three books with Michael R. Gordon about American wars in Iraq. These books are The Generals War (1995), Cobra II (2006), and Endgame (2012).
Contents
Bernard Trainor's Early Life and Military Service
Bernard Trainor was born in the Bronx, New York City, on September 2, 1928.
Joining the Marines
In 1946, after finishing high school, Trainor joined the United States Marine Corps. He served for a year before being chosen for a special program. This program, called the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), helped him go to college.
He went to the College of the Holy Cross. There, he studied history and earned his degree in June 1951. After college, he became a second lieutenant in the Marines.
Serving in Korea
After his training, he was sent to Korea in 1951. He led a group of infantry soldiers in the 1st Marine Division. He returned to the United States in September 1952.
He then served with the 2nd Marine Division in North Carolina. In 1953, he worked on a large Navy ship, the USS Columbus. On this ship, he was in charge of the Marine group. During this time, he was promoted to captain.
Working with Royal Marines
After his time at sea, Trainor worked at the main office for the Marine Corps. Then, he got a special chance to work with the British Royal Marine Commandos. He trained in the United Kingdom. Later, he led a company of British Royal Marines on the island of Malta.
Returning to the U.S. and Vietnam
In 1959, he came back to the U.S. and served in California. He led different types of Marine companies, including reconnaissance (scouting) and infantry groups.
In 1961, he became an instructor at the University of Colorado. While teaching, he also earned a master's degree in history. He was promoted to major in November 1961.
Later, he went to a special college for Marine officers. In July 1965, he was sent to South Vietnam. There, he advised a special operations group. After a year, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He then taught at the Marine Corps college for three years.
Higher Ranks and Leadership
In 1969, Trainor attended the Air War College. He was recognized as a "Distinguished Graduate" in 1970. He then returned to South Vietnam for another tour. He commanded the 1st Battalion 5th Marines and later the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.
After returning to the U.S. in 1971, he worked at the Marine Corps headquarters. He became a colonel in 1972. He continued to rise through the ranks. In April 1976, he became a brigadier general. He then helped lead the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina.
He was promoted to major general in 1978. In 1983, he became a lieutenant general. This is a very high rank. He served in this role until he retired from the Marines on July 1, 1985.
Bernard Trainor's Journalism Career
After retiring from the military, General Trainor started a new career. He became the main military reporter for The New York Times from 1986 to 1990. He reported on important events in Central America and Africa.
Later, he worked at Harvard University from 1990 to 1996. He directed a program focused on national security. He also became a Senior Fellow for National Security at the Council on Foreign Relations. This meant he was an expert on military and foreign affairs.
He often appeared on TV news shows like NBC and MSNBC. He shared his knowledge about military topics. He also covered the Iraq War for NBC. As mentioned earlier, he co-wrote three books about the wars in Iraq.
Awards and Honors
General Trainor received many awards for his long and brave service in the military. Some of his top military awards include:
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal
- Legions of Merit (with Valor device, twice)
- Bronze Star (with Valor device)
- Navy Commendation Medal (with Valor device)
- Combat Action Ribbon
Additional Awards
Besides his military honors, General Trainor also received special awards for his leadership and contributions outside the military.
In 2008, his old college, the College of the Holy Cross, gave him the Sanctae Crucis Award. This award recognized his Christian Leadership. In 2013, the American Veterans Center gave him the Andrew J. Goodpaster Award. This award was for his ideas and actions in the military.
In 2017, the Foreign Policy Research Institute created a special fellowship in his name. It is called the Lt. Gen. Bernard E. Trainor USMC Veterans Fellowship. In 2018, an award for military writing was also named after him.
