English was subsequently promoted to major and transferred to 21st Marine Regiment, where he was appointed executive officer with 2nd Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Eustace R. Smoak.
The passage describes a military promotion and subsequent assignment. English's role was elevated from a lower rank to major, and then transferred to a specific unit within the Marine Corps. He was appointed as the executive officer for 2nd Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Eustace R. Smoak's command.