Gen. Wilhelm, who retired in September 2000, has had a long and illustrious military career, including serving as head of U.S. Southern Command from 1997 to 2000. Prior to that, he served as commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Atlantic; Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic; Commander, U.S. Marine Forces, South; Commanding General, 11 Marine Force; Commanding General, Marine Striking Force Atlantic, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Gen. Wilhelm has held a variety of command positions, including service during two tours in Vietnam. He commanded Marine Forces Somalia from December 1992 to March 1993, as part of the U.S.-led coalition in Operation Restore Hope. Among many other senior-level assignments, he was selected in 1990 as deputy assistant secretary in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy and Missions, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict; and, in 1994, assumed duties as the commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, Va.

Gen. Wilhelm's decorations include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; the Distinguished Service Medal; Silver Star Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster in lieu of a second award; Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V"; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V"; Army Commendation Medal with Combat "V"; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Navy Achievement Medal; and Combat Action Ribbon.

A native of Edenton, N.C., Gen. Wilhelm graduated from Florida Southern College in 1964 and holds an M.S. from Salve Regina College. He is a graduate of the Army Infantry Officer's Advance Course and the Naval War College.