Colonel Murray remained at Camp Pendleton four years, serving first as commanding officer, 1st Infantry Training Regiment, until February 1955; then as chief of staff of the Marine Corps Base, until July 1957. During his final year there, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, serving as Division Inspector, chief of staff, and assistant chief of staff, respectively. In July 1958, he assumed duties as chief of staff, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. He was promoted to brigadier general in June 1959.