Biography

Early Life and Education

Born on February 16, 1913, in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, Walt moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he completed high school. He attended Colorado State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1936. During his college years, he was an honor graduate and held leadership roles such as President of the Student Body and Student Council. He also excelled in athletics, serving as captain of both the football and wrestling teams, and was Cadet Colonel of the ROTC, President of the Chemistry Club, and Captain of Scabbard and Blade.

Military Career

At 17, Walt enlisted in the Colorado National Guard. After graduating from college, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Field Artillery Reserve but soon resigned to accept an appointment as a Marine second lieutenant on July 6, 1936. He completed The Basic School in Philadelphia and was assigned to the 6th Marine Regiment in San Diego, California, as a machine gun platoon leader. In August 1937, he deployed to Shanghai, China, participating in the defense of the International Settlement until February 1938. He later served in Guam and returned to the U.S. in June 1941, just before America’s entry into World War II.

World War II

During World War II, Walt served with distinction. As commander of Company A, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, he led an assault on Tulagi Island in the Solomon Islands in August 1942, earning the Silver Star for gallantry. Later, as a lieutenant colonel with the 5th Marine Regiment, he displayed extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Cape Gloucester and the Battle of Peleliu, actions for which he was awarded two Navy Crosses.

Korean War

In the Korean War, Walt was promoted to colonel and commanded the 5th Marines. He also served as assistant chief of staff, G-3, and chief of staff of the 1st Marine Division. For his meritorious service, he received the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” and the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V.” The Republic of Korea awarded him the Ulchi Medal and the Ulchi Medal with Silver Star.

Vietnam War and Later Career

From mid-1965 to mid-1967, Walt commanded 73,000 Marines in the I Corps area of South Vietnam. Known as a front-line general, he was recognized for his hands-on leadership and efforts to protect civilians. In 1968, he became the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and was promoted to four-star general in 1969, becoming the first Assistant Commandant to attain that rank.

Awards and Honors

* Two Navy Crosses

* Two Distinguished Service Medals

* Silver Star

* Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”

* Legion of Merit with Combat “V”

* Purple Heart

He also received international honors, such as the Order of the Cloud and Banner with Grand Cordon from the Republic of China.

Personal Life and Legacy

General Walt’s first marriage to Nancy Mary Sheehan, an Army nurse he met during World War II, ended in divorce. He later married June Burkett Jacobsen Walt. He had two sons and a daughter from his first marriage. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1971, he authored three books: “Strange War, Strange Strategy,” “America Faces Defeat,” and “The Eleventh Hour,” reflecting on military strategy and national security. General Walt passed away on March 26, 1989, in Gulfport, Mississippi, at the age of 76.

For more detailed information, you can refer to his full biography: https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/People/Whos-Who-in-Marine-Corps-History/Vandegrift-Worley/General-Lewis-W-Walt