BGen William L. McCulloch, USMC (retired)

BGEN William Leonard McCulloch USMC (Ret)
U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1945

Brigadier General William L. McCulloch, USMC (Ret.), passed away peacefully on 26 May 2017 at Sunrise of Alexandria. He served his country for 34 years and was in combat in World War II, the Korean War and in Vietnam.

Born in Providence, RI, on 11 March 1921 to William F. and Elsie W. McCulloch, “Bill” was awarded an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1941.

Graduating in 1944, he served as an infantry platoon commander of Company B, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division during the Battle of Okinawa. His other combat tours were as a rifle company commander (How, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines) in the Korean War and as the Assistant Chief of Staff G-4 of the 1st Marine Division during the Vietnam War.

His peacetime tours included assignments in Tientsin, China; Dallas, TX; Fort Slocum, NY; Hollywood, CA; Camp Pendleton, CA; Quantico, VA; Washington, DC; Okinawa, Japan; New York, NY; Naples, Italy, and San Diego, CA. Beside instructing at numerous military schools, he earned a master’s degree in international relations and government from The Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He retired in 1975 as the Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, CA.

Upon retirement, he became the Special Assistant for International Affairs for a U.S. Congressman from Colorado. For 12 years, he was the president/CEO of the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association, three medical associations before starting his own company, Association Consulting & Management Services. He was member of several corporations and non-profit organizations, including the Army-Navy Club as a board member and later, president, being award their Golden Eagle Distinguished Service Award.

His personal military awards include the Legion of Merit with Combat V, a second Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star with Combat V, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, 1st Class.

He was married for 64 years to his beloved wife, the former Dolores Collier of Yankton, SD. He is also survived by two sons (and daughters-in-law), William F. McCulloch II (Sandy) and Bruce C. McCulloch (Jenny); and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Fort Myers Old Post Chapel, followed by burial with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Army-Navy Country Club.

Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation https://marineheritage.secure-donor.com.
 

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