Charles C. Krulak

Charles Chandler Krulak
Charles Chandler Krulak
Born	March 4, 1942 (age 84); Quantico, Virginia, U.S.
Occupation(s)	United States Marine Corps general; college president; corporate executive; football club director
Years active	1964–1999 (military); 1999–2005 (corporate); 2006–present (board/director roles)
Known for	31st Commandant of the United States Marine Corps; President of Birmingham-Southern College; non-executive director at Aston Villa F.C.

Charles Chandler Krulak (born March 4, 1942) is a retired four-star general of the United States Marine Corps who served as the 31st Commandant from 1995 until 1999. He is the son of Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak, a highly decorated veteran with service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Following his military career, he was appointed the 13th President of Birmingham-Southern College and held a position as a non-executive director at English football club Aston Villa.

Early life and education

Krulak was born in Quantico, Virginia and completed his secondary education at Phillips Exeter Academy in 1960. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1964. Furthering his academic credentials, he obtained a master's degree in labor relations from George Washington University in 1973. His professional military education includes courses at the Amphibious Warfare School, Army Command and General Staff College, and National War College.

Marine career

Throughout his Marine Corps tenure, Krulak occupied various command positions such as platoon commander and rifle company leader during two tours in Vietnam; commanding officer at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego; head of the Counter-Guerilla Warfare School in Okinawa; and commanding officer of the Marine Barracks at Naval Air Station North Island. Additionally, he commanded the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines between 1983 and 1985.

His assignments on staff encompassed roles including operations officer, executive assistant to personnel management officials at Headquarters Marine Corps, plans officer for Fleet Marine Forces Pacific, executive officer of the 3rd Marine Regiment, and military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence.

After promotion to brigadier general in 1989, Krulak commanded the 10th Marine Expeditionary Brigade and served as assistant division commander for the 2nd Marine Division. During the Gulf War, he led both the 2nd Force Service Support Group and the 6th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Subsequently, he was appointed assistant deputy chief of staff for manpower and reserve affairs at Headquarters Marine Corps.

In 1992, Krulak advanced to major general and later that year was promoted to lieutenant general when named commanding general of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command. The following year, he took command of Marine Forces Pacific. Elevated to the rank of general in June 1995, he assumed responsibility as Commandant of the Marine Corps until June 1999.

Beyond his military accomplishments, Krulak was inducted as a Life Member of the Sons of the Revolution in California in 1997.

Silver Star citation

Citation:

The President of the United States of America proudly awards the Silver Star to Captain Charles Chandler Krulak, United States Marine Corps, recognizing his extraordinary bravery and fearless conduct while serving as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division during combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam. On June 3, 1969, amid Operation Virginia Ridge near the Demilitarized Zone west of Con Thien, Company L came under intense mortar fire resulting in casualties. Despite severe wounds, Captain Krulak boldly moved across exposed terrain to position his Marines defensively. Following a subsequent heavy mortar attack, he repositioned his unit to reduce further losses and coordinated air strikes along with artillery fire to suppress enemy positions. Even with injuries and loss of key leaders, he managed casualty evacuations and led his platoon over three kilometers through difficult terrain to a patrol base, declining evacuation until relieved by another officer. His valorous leadership significantly reduced Marine casualties and exemplified core Marine Corps values.

Personal life

In 1996, Krulak was honored with the Golden Plate Award by the American Academy of Achievement, an accolade presented to him by General John M. Shalikashvili.

Krulak began his tenure at MBNA America in September 1999, taking on the role of chief administrative officer responsible for managing human resources, benefits, compensation, training, and administrative operations. Between 2001 and 2005, he held the positions of Senior Vice Chairman and CEO of MBNA Europe, headquartered in Chester, UK. Concurrently, from 2004 to 2005, he served as executive vice chairman and chief administration officer of MBNA Corporation before retiring from the company in 2005.

After Randy Lerner acquired Aston Villa F.C. in August 2006, Krulak became a non-executive director on the club’s board in September of that year. He actively engaged with supporters through online platforms, where he earned the nickname "The General."

Krulak holds board memberships at ConocoPhillips, Freeport-McMoRan (previously Phelps Dodge Corporation), and Union Pacific Corporation. He also contributes to the advisory council of Hope For The Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting service members injured in combat along with their families.

In March 2011, Krulak was elected as the 13th President of Birmingham–Southern College, a position he held until his retirement in June 2015. The institution honors him through the naming of the Krulak Institute for Leadership, Experiential Learning, and Civic Engagement.

From summer 2015 onward, Krulak took on the role of Vice Chair on the Board of Directors at Sweet Briar College.

Awards and decorations

General Krulak's military honors include:

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Legacy

Krulak introduced the terms "Strategic Corporal" and Three Block War to emphasize crucial insights gained from military operations in Somalia, Haiti, and Bosnia. These ideas continue to be fundamental for comprehending the intricacies of today’s combat environments.

In an interview featured in Tom Clancy’s nonfiction work Marine, Clancy dubbed him the "Warrior Prince of the Corps," where Krulak elaborated on his approach to warfare. Furthermore, he updated the Marine Corps’ foundational combat manual, MCDP 1: Warfighting, incorporating his strategic concepts tailored to modern conflict scenarios.

Family

Krulak is married to Zandi Meyers, who hails from Annapolis. They have two sons: Dr. David C. Krulak, formerly a U.S. Navy captain and currently serving as Director of the TRICARE Health Plan within the Defense Health Agency, and Dr. Todd C. Krulak, PhD., a retired freelance DJ and faculty member at Samford University. Their family includes five grandchildren: Capt Brian Krulak (USMC), Katie, Mary, Matthew, and Charles.

He is the son of Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak Sr., with siblings Commander Victor H. Krulak Jr., serving in the Navy Chaplain Corps, and Colonel William Krulak of the USMC Reserve. His godfather was USMC General Holland "Howlin' Mad" Smith.

References

External links

Interview from April 2007 Covers leadership perspectives