Charles Wallace "Wally" Carlson was born to Charles Lewis and Elaine Carlson on Oct 31, 1930, in Eugene, OR. His father, a professional Army officer, transferred to the Air Force when it was made a separate service in 1947. Wally had a sister, Joan, who was born on the same day as Wally, eleven years later. With a connection like that, he really loved his little sister. Wally started playing golf at the age of ten after hurting his hand trying to make a rocket (young engineer in training). Both his parents played the game, and his doctor told him it would be good therapy for his hand. He was immediately hooked, and the only times he shot over 100 were his first game and when he finally became sick, but still played. As a military dependent, Wally moved around the country finishing at Lanier High School in Montgomery, AL. It was here that he met his wife-to-be, Mary Ann. They stayed in touch over the next six years, an amazing accomplishment for both of them.

 

The next assignment brought the family back to Hawaii, where Wally enrolled in the University of Hawaii. Always interested in a military career, Wally obtained a congressional appointment to West Point, entering on Jul 6, 1950, with the Class of 1954. Sailing through academics, Wally got cross-wise with the Tactical Department. Either overstaying an evening out on a summer tour or missing a required formation, Wally spent many hours paying for these infractions. These difficulties, however, never affected his high spirits or sense of humor. He always had a smile on his face and a cheerful word for everyone. A standout on the Army golf team from plebe year on, this team defeated Navy all four years of Wally’s cadet career.

 

Upon graduation, Wally selected the Infantry for his branch of the Army. He attended the Basic branch school at Fort Benning and successfully completed Ranger and Airborne training. While assigned to Fort Benning, he reconnected with his sweetheart, Mary Ann, and they were married in 1955. During the course of his military career, Wally served one tour in Germany, two tours in Vietnam, and an assignment as a military adviser to the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group, Thailand. He earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University in 1965 and was a graduate of the Army Command and Staff College in 1968. His decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service medal, the U.S. Joint Service Commendation medal, two Army Commendation medals, the National Defense Service medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, the RVN Cross of Gallantry and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

 

Wally and Mary Ann had three children—sons Charles and Sam, and daughter Cristina. He retired in 1977 at the rank of lieutenant colonel at Fort Benning. Wally and Mary Ann decided to make their home in Columbus, GA. Always interested in education and possessing a talent for mathematics, Wally became the Head of the Mathematics Department at the Columbus Vocational and Technical School. During his tenure as a professor, he received a master’s degree in education from the Columbus State University. Using this knowledge, he developed the certification program for the two-year engineering degree for the state of Georgia.

 

Tragically, Wally lost his wife Mary Ann to cancer in January 1997, and he had retired from teaching the previous year. Then in 1998, he met the next love of his life, Nancy. They were married that year. Being a true family man, Wally eagerly embraced Nancy’s adopted family of three children and one grandchild. Nancy encouraged Wally to continue his phenomenal golf play where he routinely "shot his age," an amazing accomplishment. Nancy also introduced Wally to the thrill of scuba diving and the intellectual joy of classical music. Nancy and Wally were active members of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Association and supported their many activities. He also had a love for reading and gardening but nothing surpassed his passion for golf. Wally would dress in "plus fours," knickers, long socks and a Tam O’Shanter hat, wielding an old hickory shaft putter, defeating everyone in sight.

 

Then, in March of 2012, Wally’s health began to fail. After putting up a valiant struggle, with the unfailing support of his wife, Nancy, and good friends, Wally died in Columbus, GA, on Apr 2, 2012. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered around the lands that he loved. Wally was an outstanding military officer, a devoted husband, and a warm and understanding father, and grandfather. He lived the ideals of West Point—Duty, Honor, Country.