Wallace Hall Nutting
General, U.S. Army

Wallace Hall Nutting was born on 3 June 1928. His military career began when he served in the Maine National Guard. After graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1946, he received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, graduating in 1950.

He saw combat in the Korean War and served as a commander during two tours in the Vietnam War. His commands include the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam; the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment; and the 3rd Armored Division.

He also served as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Southern Command (USCINCSOUTH) from 1979-83 and as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Readiness Command (USCINCRED) from 1983-85. He was promoted to the rank of four-star General on 25 May 1983.

General Nutting retired in 1985.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Legion of Merit with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Soldier's Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal
Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star
Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
United Nations Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Parachutist Badge
Army Staff Identification Badge
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation (Synopsis)

First Lieutenant (Armor) Wallace H. Nutting (ASN: 0-62468), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in Korea, while serving with Company C, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, on 18 May 1951.

General Orders: Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 172 (1951)

In Retirement

Nutting settled in Biddeford, ME, with his wife Jane, where he served as Mayor from 2003 to 2007. Nutting also served as a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Higher Defense Studies at the National Defense University and is an Associate Fellow at the Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. He was Chairman of the University of Southern Maine's Senior College board.

On 28 May 2008, General Nutting received the West Point Distinguished Graduate Award from the academy's Association of Graduates in a ceremony at West Point.