Wallace H. Nutting facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wallace H. Nutting
|
|
|---|---|
Nutting in 1983
|
|
| Birth name | Wallace Hall Nutting |
| Born | June 3, 1928 Newton, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | August 17, 2023 (aged 95) Saco, Maine, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1950–1985 |
| Rank |  General |
| Commands held |
|
| Battles/wars | |
| Other work | Mayor of Biddeford, Maine |
Wallace Hall Nutting (June 3, 1928 – August 17, 2023) was a very important leader in the United States Army. He reached the highest rank of General. He was in charge of two major military commands: the United States Southern Command from 1979 to 1983, and the United States Readiness Command from 1983 to 1985.
Early Life and Education
Wallace H. Nutting was born on June 3, 1928, in Newton, Massachusetts. He went to Phillips Exeter Academy, a well-known school, and graduated in 1946.
After that, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. This is a very famous school for training army officers. He graduated in 1950 with a degree in military engineering. Later, in 1963, he earned another degree in international affairs from George Washington University.
Military Career Highlights
General Nutting's military journey started in the Maine National Guard. He then served in the U.S. Army for 35 years, from 1950 to 1985.
He was a brave soldier who fought in two major wars. He saw combat during the Korean War. He also served two times as a commander during the Vietnam War.
For his actions in Korea, he received several important awards:
- The Silver Star, which is given for bravery in combat.
- The Soldier's Medal, which he earned for saving a wounded Korean civilian from a dangerous minefield.
- Two Purple Hearts, which are given to soldiers wounded in battle.
General Nutting led many different army units throughout his career. These included:
- The 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry, which was part of the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam.
- The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.
- The 3rd Armored Division.
His most senior leadership roles were:
- Commander in Chief of the United States Southern Command (USCINCSOUTH) from 1979 to 1983. This command is responsible for military operations in Central and South America.
- Commander in Chief of the United States Readiness Command (USCINCRED) from 1983 to 1985. This command made sure U.S. forces were ready for action anywhere in the world.
Life After the Military
After a long and distinguished career, General Nutting retired from the army in 1985. He and his wife, Jane, settled in Biddeford, Maine.
Even after retiring from the military, he continued to serve his community. He was elected as the mayor of Biddeford, Maine, and served from 2003 to 2007.
He also shared his knowledge and experience in other ways:
- He was a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Higher Defense Studies at the National Defense University.
- He was an Associate Fellow at the Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.
- He chaired the Senior College board at the University of Southern Maine.
In 2008, General Nutting received the West Point Distinguished Graduate Award. This is a very special honor given by the United States Military Academy to its most successful and respected graduates.
Wallace H. Nutting passed away on August 17, 2023, in Saco, Maine, at the age of 95.
