Walter Boomer
Encyclopedia
General Walter E. Boomer (born 22 September 1938) is a retired former four-star General
and Assistant Commandant
of the United States Marine Corps
and business executive. Boomer led all Marines in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War
. He later served as the Chairman and CEO of Rogers Corporation, and retired in 2004. He is the current lead director of Baxter International
. Boomer is a 1960 graduate of Duke University
; he later earned a master's degree from American University
.
in Front Royal, Virginia. He earned a B.A. degree
from Duke University
in 1960, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned a Master of Science
degree in Technology of Management from American University
, Washington, D.C. in 1973.
, Virginia in January 1961, his first assignments were with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines and the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division
, Camp Lejeune
, where he was platoon commander, weapons platoon commander and battalion training officer, respectively, from 1961 to 1964. He was promoted to first lieutenant in December 1961, and to captain in April 1965.
Boomer saw combat action
from 1966 to 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam
as the Commanding Officer, Company H, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. During this combat tour, he was awarded the Silver Star
Medal for valor. Returning to the States, he attended the Amphibious Warfare School at Quantico
. Upon completion of school, he was promoted to major
in May 1968, and was transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps
, Washington, D.C.
, for duty as the Administrative Assistant and Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs. Following this assignment, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College
in Norfolk, Virginia
.
In 1971, Boomer attended the Short Advisors Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina
, in preparation for advisor duty with the South Vietnamese Marines. In August of that year, he returned to Vietnam as an advisor to a South Vietnamese Marine Infantry Battalion. While serving this tour of duty, he was involved in the Easter Offensive, North Vietnam's largest assault on the South.
Transferred back to the States in September 1972, he attended American University
, receiving his M.S. degree in December 1973. The following month, he began a three-year tour as a management instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy
, Annapolis, Maryland. During the last year of his tour, he was the Chairman of the Department of Management. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel
in September 1976.
From July 1977 to June 1980, Boomer was stationed in Hawaii, where he served as Executive Officer, 3rd Marines, 1st Marine Brigade, and then as Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines. Returning to the mainland in July 1980, he attended the Naval War College
, Newport, Rhode Island, graduating with distinction in June 1981.
He then assumed the duties as the Deputy Director of the Fourth Marine Corps District, Philadelphia. He was promoted to colonel on 1 November 1981, and became the Director of the Fourth Marine Corps District on 17 June 1983.
During February 1985, Colonel Boomer returned to Quantico to assume command of the Marine Security Guard Battalion. While serving in this capacity, he was selected in April 1986 for promotion to brigadier general
. He was advanced to that grade on 2 June 1986 and assigned duty as the Director of Public Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps on 7 June 1986. He served in this capacity until 27 May 1988, when he was assigned duty as the Commanding General, 4th Marine Division (Reinforced)
, FMF, New Orleans. On 14 March 1989, he was advanced to major general
; then, promoted to lieutenant general
on 8 August 1990.
On 15 August 1990, General Boomer deployed to Saudi Arabia
, where he served as the Commanding General, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command
and I Marine Expeditionary Force during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
On April 22, 1991, he returned to Camp Pendleton
and assumed the duties of Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force/Commanding General, Marine Corps Base. He served in this capacity until September 6, 1991. General Boomer reported to Quantico, Virginia, on September 27, 1991, where he assumed duty as the Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command
. He was promoted to general on September 1, 1992, and assumed his last duty assignment as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.
General Walter E. Boomer retired from the Marine Corps September 1, 1994.
— in 1997 as President and CEO. From 2002 to 2004, Boomer was Chairman of the Board of Rogers Corporation. Boomer current serves on the Board of Directors of Rogers Corporation, Cytyc Corporation
, and Baxter International
.
General (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. General ranks above lieutenant general and below General of the Army or General of the Air Force; the Marine Corps does not have an...
and Assistant Commandant
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps is the second highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps, and serves as a deputy for the Commandant of the Marine Corps...
of the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
and business executive. Boomer led all Marines in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
. He later served as the Chairman and CEO of Rogers Corporation, and retired in 2004. He is the current lead director of Baxter International
Baxter International
Baxter International Inc. , is an American health care company with headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois. The company primarily focuses on products to treat hemophilia, kidney disease, immune disorders and other chronic and acute medical conditions...
. Boomer is a 1960 graduate of Duke University
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present day town of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco industrialist James B...
; he later earned a master's degree from American University
American University
American University is a private, Methodist, liberal arts, and research university in Washington, D.C. The university was chartered by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892 as "The American University", which was approved by President Benjamin Harrison on February 24, 1893...
.
Biography
Walter Boomer was born on September 22, 1938 in Rich Square, North Carolina. In 1956, He graduated from Randolph-Macon AcademyRandolph-Macon Academy
Founded in 1892, Randolph-Macon Academy is a coeducational college preparatory school for students in grades 6-12 and postgraduates in Virginia, USA. The school features both a boarding and day school program. Randolph-Macon Academy is affiliated with the United Methodist Church...
in Front Royal, Virginia. He earned a B.A. degree
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
from Duke University
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present day town of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco industrialist James B...
in 1960, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned a Master of Science
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
degree in Technology of Management from American University
American University
American University is a private, Methodist, liberal arts, and research university in Washington, D.C. The university was chartered by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892 as "The American University", which was approved by President Benjamin Harrison on February 24, 1893...
, Washington, D.C. in 1973.
Marine Corps service
After completing The Basic School, QuanticoMarine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico, sometimes abbreviated MCB Quantico, is a major United States Marine Corps training base located near Triangle, Virginia, covering nearly in southern Prince William County, northern Stafford County, and southeastern Fauquier County...
, Virginia in January 1961, his first assignments were with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines and the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division
U.S. 2nd Marine Division
The U.S. 2nd Marine Division is a division of the United States Marine Corps, which forms the ground combat element of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. The division is based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and headquartered at Julian C...
, Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a United States military training facility in North Carolina. The base's of beaches make it a major area for amphibious assault training, and its location between two deep-water ports allows for fast deployments.The main base is supplemented by five satellite...
, where he was platoon commander, weapons platoon commander and battalion training officer, respectively, from 1961 to 1964. He was promoted to first lieutenant in December 1961, and to captain in April 1965.
Boomer saw combat action
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
from 1966 to 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam
South Vietnam
South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
as the Commanding Officer, Company H, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. During this combat tour, he was awarded the Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
Medal for valor. Returning to the States, he attended the Amphibious Warfare School at Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico
Marine Corps Base Quantico, sometimes abbreviated MCB Quantico, is a major United States Marine Corps training base located near Triangle, Virginia, covering nearly in southern Prince William County, northern Stafford County, and southeastern Fauquier County...
. Upon completion of school, he was promoted to major
Major (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel...
in May 1968, and was transferred to Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions...
, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, for duty as the Administrative Assistant and Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs. Following this assignment, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College
Joint Forces Staff College
The Joint Forces Staff College located in Norfolk, Virginia, was established as the Armed Forces Staff College in 1946 and incorporated into the National Defense University in August 1981. It educates and acculturates joint and multinational warfighters to plan and lead at the operational level...
in Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
.
In 1971, Boomer attended the Short Advisors Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Fort Bragg is a major United States Army installation, in Cumberland and Hoke counties, North Carolina, U.S., mostly in Fayetteville but also partly in the town of Spring Lake. It was also a census-designated place in the 2010 census and had a population of 39,457. The fort is named for Confederate...
, in preparation for advisor duty with the South Vietnamese Marines. In August of that year, he returned to Vietnam as an advisor to a South Vietnamese Marine Infantry Battalion. While serving this tour of duty, he was involved in the Easter Offensive, North Vietnam's largest assault on the South.
Transferred back to the States in September 1972, he attended American University
American University
American University is a private, Methodist, liberal arts, and research university in Washington, D.C. The university was chartered by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892 as "The American University", which was approved by President Benjamin Harrison on February 24, 1893...
, receiving his M.S. degree in December 1973. The following month, he began a three-year tour as a management instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
, Annapolis, Maryland. During the last year of his tour, he was the Chairman of the Department of Management. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant Colonel (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, a lieutenant colonel is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of major and just below the rank of colonel. It is equivalent to the naval rank of commander in the other uniformed services.The pay...
in September 1976.
From July 1977 to June 1980, Boomer was stationed in Hawaii, where he served as Executive Officer, 3rd Marines, 1st Marine Brigade, and then as Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines. Returning to the mainland in July 1980, he attended the Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
, Newport, Rhode Island, graduating with distinction in June 1981.
He then assumed the duties as the Deputy Director of the Fourth Marine Corps District, Philadelphia. He was promoted to colonel on 1 November 1981, and became the Director of the Fourth Marine Corps District on 17 June 1983.
During February 1985, Colonel Boomer returned to Quantico to assume command of the Marine Security Guard Battalion. While serving in this capacity, he was selected in April 1986 for promotion to brigadier general
Brigadier general (United States)
A brigadier general in the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, is a one-star general officer, with the pay grade of O-7. Brigadier general ranks above a colonel and below major general. Brigadier general is equivalent to the rank of rear admiral in the other uniformed...
. He was advanced to that grade on 2 June 1986 and assigned duty as the Director of Public Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps on 7 June 1986. He served in this capacity until 27 May 1988, when he was assigned duty as the Commanding General, 4th Marine Division (Reinforced)
U.S. 4th Marine Division
The 4th Marine Division is a reserve division in the United States Marine Corps. It is the ground combat element of the Marine Forces Reserve and is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana and has units throughout the United States.-Mission:...
, FMF, New Orleans. On 14 March 1989, he was advanced to major general
Major general (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force, major general is a two-star general-officer rank, with the pay grade of O-8. Major general ranks above brigadier general and below lieutenant general...
; then, promoted to lieutenant general
Lieutenant General (United States)
In the United States Army, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps, lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-9. Lieutenant general ranks above major general and below general...
on 8 August 1990.
On 15 August 1990, General Boomer deployed to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
, where he served as the Commanding General, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command
United States Central Command
The United States Central Command is a theater-level Unified Combatant Command unit of the U.S. armed forces, established in 1983 under the operational control of the U.S. Secretary of Defense...
and I Marine Expeditionary Force during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
On April 22, 1991, he returned to Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base of the United States Marine Corps and serves as its prime amphibious training base...
and assumed the duties of Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force/Commanding General, Marine Corps Base. He served in this capacity until September 6, 1991. General Boomer reported to Quantico, Virginia, on September 27, 1991, where he assumed duty as the Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command
Marine Corps Combat Development Command
Marine Corps Combat Development Command, located in at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, has the mission of developing Marine Corps warfighting abilities to enable the Corps to field combat-ready forces...
. He was promoted to general on September 1, 1992, and assumed his last duty assignment as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.
General Walter E. Boomer retired from the Marine Corps September 1, 1994.
Awards and honors
General Boomer's medals and decorations include:| 1st Row | Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast... |
Silver Star Silver Star The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.... w/ 1 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Row | Bronze Star Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the... w/ 1 award star & V device |
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star, the Valor device may... w/ V device |
Combat Action Ribbon Combat Action Ribbon The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal military decoration of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard which is awarded to those who, in any grade including and below that of a Captain in the Navy and Coast Guard , have actively participated in ground or... |
Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ 1 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... |
||||
| 3rd Row | Navy Unit Commendation Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... w/ 2 service stars |
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Meritorious Unit Commendation The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions.... w/ 2 service stars |
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is a decoration of the United States Marine Corps which was first created on 8 May 1919. Originally known as the Marine Corps Expeditionary Ribbon, a full-sized medal was authorized in July 1921 by Presidential Order of Warren G. Harding... |
National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... w/ 1 service star |
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| 4th Row | Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy... |
Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... w/ 1 service star |
Southwest Asia Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal The Southwest Asia Service Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by order of President George H.W. Bush on March 12, 1991. The award is intended to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War... w/ 3 service stars |
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Sea Service Ribbon A Sea Service Ribbon is an award of the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard and the United States Army which recognizes those service members who have performed military duty while stationed on a vessel at sea.... |
||||
| 5th Row | Vietnam Gallantry Cross Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... w/ gold and silver stars |
Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal The Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal was a decoration of South Vietnam that was first created in 1953. The medal was issued in two grades and reached its height of bestowals during the years of the Vietnam War... , 1st class |
King Faisal Faisal of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud was King of Saudi Arabia from 1964 to 1975. As king, he is credited with rescuing the country's finances and implementing a policy of modernization and reform, while his main foreign policy themes were pan-Islamic Nationalism, anti-Communism, and pro-Palestinian... Award, 2d Class |
Ordre national du Mérite Ordre National du Mérite The Ordre national du Mérite is an Order of State awarded by the President of the French Republic. It was founded on 3 December 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle... , Officer class |
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| 6th Row | Vietnam Gallantry Cross unit citation Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... |
Vietnam Civil Actions unit citation Vietnam Civil Actions Medal The Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was a decoration of South Vietnam which was first established in 1964. The decoration is a mid-level service award which was awarded to any member of the Vietnamese military who performed outstanding civic service to the state or who participated in civil service... |
Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is... |
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) The Naut Tahrir al-Kuwait was instituted by King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.- Background :... |
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Post-Marine Corps career
After retiring from the Marine Corps, General Boomer served as Executive Vice President of McDermott International (1994–1996). He joined Rogers Corporation — an international specialty materials manufacturing company— in 1997 as President and CEO. From 2002 to 2004, Boomer was Chairman of the Board of Rogers Corporation. Boomer current serves on the Board of Directors of Rogers Corporation, Cytyc Corporation
Cytyc
Cytyc Corporation was a company engaged in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of clinical products that focus on women’s health. Its products covered a range of women's health applications, including cervical cancer screening, breast cancer risk assessment, treatment of excessive...
, and Baxter International
Baxter International
Baxter International Inc. , is an American health care company with headquarters in Deerfield, Illinois. The company primarily focuses on products to treat hemophilia, kidney disease, immune disorders and other chronic and acute medical conditions...
.
See also
- List of United States Marine Corps four-star generals
- Commandant of the Marine CorpsCommandant of the Marine CorpsThe Commandant of the Marine Corps is normally the highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...