Harvey Sanborn Walseth

Colonel Harvey Sanborn Walseth, USMC Retired Colonel Harvey Sanborn Walseth, USMC retired, passed away December 21, 2012 after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. On December 10th, he and his family celebrated his 101st birthday. Harvey, better known to his family and friends as "Wally", was born on December 10,1911 in the farming community of Clear Lake, South Dakota, the son of the late Einer and Grace Walseth. He was the oldest of four brothers. After a year at South Dakota State College, he accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy graduating in 1935. Following graduation, Wally served in Shanghai China with the 4th Marine Division Expeditionary Force sent there to protect the International Community from the Japanese. It was during his return voyage from China that he met his future wife Eugenia (Billie) Bulloch. Upon arrival in San Francisco Wally went on to assignment in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Billie went to Nogales, AZ to teach school. They would be married a year and a half later, June 14, 1941. His next assignment was at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he prepared for the 1st Marine Division's invasion of Guadalcanal in August 1942. He was the commanding officer for the 1st Marine Division tank battalion on Guadalcanal. Following Guadalcanal, Wally returned to Washington, D.C. to help design and build a new amphibious landing craft. In February, 1945 he helped direct the amphibious landing in the battle for Iwo Jima. Following the end of WW II, Wally commanded the Military Police Force on Okinawa. It was there that he was finally able to reunite with his wife and two sons. After Okinawa he returned to the United States for duty at Marine Corps Headquarters in Quantico, Virginia. When the Korean War broke out in the summer of 1950, Wally was involved with the monumental task of activating and training thousands of Marine reservists from across the country, almost overnight, for combat in Korea. After helping to bring the Division to full strength as assistant Chief of Staff to General Oliver P. Smith, Wally shipped out to Korea with General Douglas MacArthur and General Smith to help direct the invasion at Inchon. Later, he followed the Division north in the Chosin Reservoir campaign, one of the greatest battles in Marine Corps history. It was at Chosin where Wally was wounded in action receiving the Purple Heart and also receiving the Legion of Merit for meritorious leadership of the Division's G-I section. After returning from Korea, he assumed command of the 13th Marine Corps Reserve District in Seattle, Washington. His final three assignments were at the Amphibious Training Center in Coronado, Comptroller of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, and Camp Pendleton, where he retired after 25 years of service. Wally and his loving wife, Billie, who predeceased him in 2005, were married 64 years. Like many of the Greatest Generation, their love and loyalty endured years of multiple separations during WW II and the Korean War. Following their years of Marine Corps duty assignments, Wally entered the banking business residing in Rancho Santa Fe and La Jolla, California. Wally and Billie enjoyed sailing in San Diego Bay during their retirement years, and then moved to Santa Barbara in 1989 to be closer to their family. Harvey's legacy to all of us was his strength of character, honesty, integrity, sense of fairness, and understanding. His "always" very strong eye contact and warm hand shake communicated his inner strength and confidence throughout his life. His judgment, discipline and calmness under the most difficult of circumstances inspired many. Harvey's life was a testimony to the Marine Corps motto, "Semper Fidelis", always loyal. Harvey is survived by his brother Curtis Walseth of Portland, Oregon, sons Harvey S. Walseth Jr. and wife Becky of Austin Texas and Dr. George R. Walseth and wife Sue of Santa Barbara, six grandchildren, Monique Thompson, Tyler Walseth, Doug Walseth, Michael Walseth, Justin Walseth and Tara Walseth and, six great grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers Erling S. Walseth and Tracy S. Walseth. A family memorial service was held December 27, 2012 at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego, California with full military honors provided by the U.S. Marine Corps, San Diego. The Walseth family wishes to extend gratitude to Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara for their very professional and dedicated care. It was Wally's wish that any donations be made to http://www.woundedwarriorproject. org.