Calvin Waller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Calvin Waller
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| Born | December 17, 1937 Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | May 9, 1996 (aged 58) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1959–1991 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | I Corps 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized) |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War Gulf War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Defense Superior Service Medal Bronze Star Medal (2) |
| Other work | RKK Limited ICF Kaiser Environmental and Energy |
Calvin Augustine Hoffman Waller (born December 17, 1937 – died May 9, 1996) was a highly respected United States Army officer. He reached the rank of Lieutenant General, which is a very high position in the military.
Early Life and Education
Calvin Waller was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on December 17, 1937. He grew up in an African American family.
He went to Prairie View A&M University and earned his bachelor's degree in 1959. Later, in 1978, he received a master's degree in public administration from Shippensburg College of Pennsylvania.
Military Career
General Waller served in the United States Army for 32 years. He was an important leader during the Vietnam War.
He held many different jobs and leadership roles. These included being the chief of staff for the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) in Georgia. He also commanded the 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized) in Europe.
During the Persian Gulf War, General Waller was a top deputy commander. He helped lead military operations for the U.S. Central Command.
His last job in the military was commanding I Corps at Fort Lewis, Washington. He retired from the Army on November 30, 1991, as a Lieutenant General.
Later Life and Death
After leaving the military, General Waller moved to Denver, Colorado. He became the president and chief executive officer of an environmental technology company called RKK Limited.
Later, he worked as a senior vice president for ICF Kaiser Environmental and Energy Group. In 1995, he became a vice president at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site.
General Waller passed away in Washington, D.C. on May 9, 1996. He was 58 years old and died from problems after a heart attack. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
When President Bill Clinton heard about his death, he said that General Waller's journey from a humble background to a high-ranking officer was inspiring. President Clinton also praised him as a "skillful and disciplined professional."
Awards and Decorations
General Waller received many awards for his brave service. These include:
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Combat Infantryman Badge |
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Master Parachutist Badge |
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Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge |
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Army Staff Identification Badge |
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Vietnam Parachutist Badge |
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77th Armored Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia |
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal |
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Army Distinguished Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Defense Superior Service Medal |
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Bronze Star Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters |
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Air Medal |
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Army Commendation Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star |
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Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal |
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Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars |
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Army Service Ribbon |
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Army Overseas Service Ribbon |
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Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, 1st class |
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France Legion of Honour (degree unknown) |
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Unidentified decoration |
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
He also received several awards from civilian groups. These include the Martin Luther King Jr. "Buffalo Soldier" Award and the Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award from the NAACP. He also got the "Star of Texas" award from the state of Texas.
