Charles C. Krulak
The following biographical sketch was compiled at the time of induction into the Academy in 2015.
Charles C. Krulak served 35 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. His last position was as Commandant of the Marine Corps and as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He commanded a platoon and two rifle companies during two tours of duty in Vietnam and then held a variety of command and staff positions. These included deputy director of the White House Military Office; Commanding General, 6th Marine Expeditionary Brigade during Desert Storm; Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command; and Commanding General, Marine Forces Pacific.
During his military service, General Krulak was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star Medal, three Bronze Star Medals with Combat "V", two Purple Heart medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, the French Legion d'Honneur Commandeur rank, and many other decorations and medals.
Upon his retirement from the Marine Corps, General Krulak joined MBNA America Bank as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MBNA Europe Bank, Ltd. After four years in this position, he returned to the United States and served as Vice Chairman, MBNA America Bank as Head of Corporate Development, Mergers and Acquisitions. General Krulak retired from MBNA in June, 2005.
General Krulak was introduced as the 13th President of Birmingham-Southern College on March 21, 2011, and retired as of June 30, 2015.
In addition, General Krulak currently sits on the Board of Directors of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Corporation and on the Board of Directors of Union Pacific Railroad Corporation. He sits on the Board of the CEO Forum and serves as Director with Aston Villa Football Club in the United Kingdom. He is an advisor to the Center for Naval Analysis and Human Rights First. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. General Krulak is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and has a Masterss Degree in labor relations from George Washington University.
General Krulak and his wife of 51 years, Zandi, have two sons and five grandchildren.