On his return to the United States, in December 1944, Bestwick served as sergeant major of the Mare Island (California) Shipyard. He was transferred to San Francisco in 1945 and completed a four-year tour of duty there as sergeant major of the Marine Corps Depot of Supplies. In 1949, he became sergeant major of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.[2]
During the Korean War, Bestwick joined the 1st Marine Division in Korea in October 1952 as a division sergeant major, and after a year overseas returned to the States. For excellent service in Korea, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V". In 1954, he began a two-year assignment as a sergeant major, Inspector, and Instructor Staff, 1st Air Delivery Company, San Jose, California.[2]
Transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C., in June 1956, Bestwick served as sergeant major to the Secretary of the General Staff until May 23, 1957, when he assumed the newly established post of Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps until he retired from active duty on September 1, 1959.[2]
Later life
Bestwick worked at Varian Associates a number of years after his service in the Marine Corps.
^Chapin, John (1993). Uncommon Men – The Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps (1st ed.). Shippensburg, Pennsylvania: Burd Street Press. p. 335. ISBN0-942597-45-1.