| Charles L. Bolte | |
|---|---|
General Charles L. Bolte |
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| Born | May 8, 1895 |
| Died | February 11, 1989 (aged 93) Virginia |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1916-1955 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | U.S. Army, Europe 69th Infantry Division 34th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Silver Star Legion of Merit Purple Heart |
General Charles Lawrence Bolte (May 8, 1895 – February 11, 1989) was a U.S. Army general and World War I and World War II veteran.
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Bolte graduated from what is today the Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in chemical engineering.[1] He began his military career in 1916 when he earned a commission in the Army as a second lieutenant. Two years later, he shipped off for France and saw combat in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive as a member of the 58th Infantry, 4th Division.
Bolte returned to the United States as a captain in 1919, completed the Infantry Advanced Course at Fort Benning in 1930, and graduated in 1932 from the Command and General Staff School. Bolte completed his education at the Army War College and remained there as an instructor until 1940.
In 1941, Lieutenant Colonel Bolte journeyed to London as head of a group of Army observers and, early in 1942, assumed the position of Chief of Staff of U.S. Forces in the United Kingdom. As a major general, he commanded the 69th Division in 1943 and then, in July 1944, took over the 34th Infantry Division in Italy, guiding it through successful actions, including the drive through the Apennine Mountains and the capture of Bologna. Bolte earned two Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit and the Purple Heart for his exploits.
Bolte served in Washington after the war and in 1953, as a lieutenant general, became Commander in Chief, U.S. Army, Europe. Later that year, General Bolte returned home to serve as Army Vice Chief of Staff under General Matthew B. Ridgway. Bolte retired from active service in 1955.
Following retirement, he worked as special assistant to the chairman of the board of American Car & Foundry Industries from 1955 to 1958. He then became Chairman of the Board of Advanced Growth Capital Corporation, retiring from this in the 1960s. He was also active in charitable work, and served as President of the Army & Navy Club.[1] He died February 11, 1989 at Mount Vernon Hospital, Virginia, after a stroke, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Government document "[1]".
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Manton S. Eddy |
Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe April 1, 1953 to September 29, 1953 |
Succeeded by William M. Hoge |
| Preceded by Manton S. Eddy |
Commanding General of the Seventh United States Army August 1952 to April 1953 |
Succeeded by William M. Hoge |
| Preceded by Gen. John E. Hull |
Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army 1953 – 1955 |
Succeeded by Gen. Williston B. Palmer |
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