Charles C. Krulak
Commandant of the Marine Corps
Class of 1964- Commandant of the Marine Corps, 1995-1999
Profile
General Charles C. Krulak, 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps, was born on March 4, 1942 in Quantico, Virginia. After graduating from The Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, General Krulak attended the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated from the academy in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. General Krulak also holds a Master of Science degree in Labor Relations from The George Washington University (1973). He is a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School (1968); the Army Command and General Staff College (1976); and the National War College (1982).
Since his commissioning and graduation from The Basic School at Quantico, General Krulak has held a variety of command positions. He commanded a platoon and two rifle companies during his two tours of duty in Vietnam; Commanding Officer, Special Training Branch, and Recruit Series, MCRD, San Diego, California (1966-1968); Commanding Officer Counter-Guerilla Warfare School, NTA, Okinawa (1970); Company Officer, U.S. Naval Academy (1970-1973); Commanding Officer, Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station, North Island, California (1973-1976); and Commanding Officer 3d Battalion, 3d Marines (1983-1985).
General Krulak was promoted to general June 29, 1995, and assumed duties as the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps on June 30, 1995. He retired on June 30, 1999
His personal decorations and awards include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Distinguished Service Medal; Silver Star Medal; Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” and two gold stars; Purple Heart with gold star; Meritorious Service Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation with bronze star; National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star; Vietnam Service Medal with silver star and two bronze stars; Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Color); Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Color, 1st Class); the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.
