Elected President of Lebanon last week was the little republic's No. 1 soldier: Major General Fuad Chehab, 56.

Family: Born March 19, 1902, member of Lebanon's foremost family and heir to the noble title of emir held by his illustrious forebears who ruled Lebanon under the Ottoman Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries. A devout Maronite Roman Catholic, as tradition requires in Lebanese Presidents, he married Rose Noiret of Nice, a French officer's daughter. They have no children.

Military Career: Joined the French army under the mandate, educated at France's famed St. Cyr. Promoted by the Vichy French to command of...