Ernie Cheatham was born on 27 July 1929 in Long Beach, California, the son of Ernest Clifford Cheatham, Sr.
13 Facts About Ernie Cheatham
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Ernie Cheatham put his NFL career on hold to serve in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.
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Lt Col Ernie Cheatham served as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines during the Vietnam War.
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On 2 February 1968 Ernie Cheatham was at Phu Bai Combat Base when he was ordered into Hue to take command of his companies already engaged in the Battle of Hue.
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Ernie Cheatham proceeded to gather the necessary equipment including M20 Bazookas, M40 106mm recoilless rifles mounted on M274 Mules, C-4 explosive, flamethrowers, tear gas and gas masks.
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Ernie Cheatham led his forces as they methodically cleared the Viet Cong and People's Army of Vietnam forces from the western area of southern Hue.
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Nevertheless, Colonel Ernie Cheatham remained steadfast in his determination to secure the enemy stronghold.
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Ernie Cheatham was promoted to colonel in 1973 and brigadier general in 1977.
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Ernie Cheatham served as the commanding general, Landing Force Training Command, Atlantic and Commanding General, 4th Marine Amphibious Brigade.
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Ernie Cheatham was promoted to major general in 1981 and on 13 August 1982 assumed command of the 1st Marine Division from MajGen James L Day.
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Ernie Cheatham served as the commanding general 1st Marine Amphibious Force, Camp Pendleton, California.
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Ernie Cheatham was promoted to lieutenant general in June 1985 and served as deputy chief of staff for manpower at Headquarters Marine Corps until his retirement in January 1988.
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In 1987 Cheatham was considered as a potential successor to replace General Paul X Kelley as Commandant of the Marine Corps; however, LtGen Alfred M Gray Jr.