Which statement correctly describes Archibald Henderson's rank advancement?

• A. He never achieved the rank of General
• B. He was the first Officer to be appointed as Commandant
• C. He was the first Marine Commandant to achieve the rank of General
• D. He was the 13th Commandant

Answer: (C)

This item hinges on how Archibald Henderson advanced in rank while serving as Commandant, marking a historic shift in the Marine Corps' leadership structure. Henderson led the Marines for a long era, and his promotion to General made him the first person to hold general officer status while occupying the Commandant’s post. This milestone reflects the ongoing professionalization and expansion of responsibilities within the Corps, signaling that the top leader could be a general officer rather than remaining at a lower rank.

So, that’s why this statement is the best description: it captures the notable progression from traditional leadership ranks to a general officer rank for the Commandant, a historical first for the Marine Corps. The other possibilities—saying he never reached General, or that he was the first Officer appointed as Commandant, or that he was the 13th Commandant—don’t fit the historical record of Henderson’s tenure and rank.