Conrad

Michael J. Conrad

MAJ. GEN. U.S. Army (Ret.)

Major General (Ret.) Michael J. Conrad of McLean, Virginia, died January 6, 2023, at Carmichael, California. Born July 29, 1933 in Dayton, Ohio, he was son of Major General Victor A. Conrad (USMA 1924) and Martha O'Leary Conrad. He is survived by his sons Michael, Jr. (wife Holly) and Thomas (wife Lillian); sister Mary Conrad McGarey; and brother Donald Conrad (USMA 1963). He was pre-deceased by his wife Ann; son Christopher; and sister Martha Catherine Rogers. Mike grew up as an Army brat, graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA, in 1951 and from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY in 1956. While at West Point he played second base for the Army baseball team and became President of his graduating class – a position he held continuously until his death making him the longest serving Class President in the history of West Point. After graduation, he was commissioned as an infantry officer and married Ann Colby Cotter, a teacher, of Lexington, MA, in June of that same year. Together they had three boys; Michael, Jr. (USMA 1979), Thomas, and Christopher. After serving overseas tours in Germany and Vietnam and receiving his master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, Mike returned to West Point to teach Mathematics and serve as the Officer's Representative (OR) for the Army baseball team. In 1969, Mike deployed to Vietnam for his second tour and served as the battalion commander for the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment. After many Pentagon assignments and another overseas tour to Germany, Mike was selected to command the 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas, from 1984 to 1986. Mike retired from active duty in 1988 as the Deputy Inspector General for the US Army in the rank of Major General. Mike subsequently worked for EER Systems, Inc. and L-3 Communications and took pleasure in serving the US Army in a different capacity. He and Ann enjoyed their West Point classmates, traveling, and attending opera, ballet, and music concerts at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Mike was a beloved grandfather to Colby, Taylor, Michael III, Veronica Barrison (husband Brian), Jordan, and Daniel (wife Marlena) and great grandfather to Hannah Barrison. Service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The online guestbook is available at:

www.moneyandking.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 22, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Conrad

7 Entries

Gerald Phipps (Sergeant)

August 21, 2025

He was a soldier's soldier; a great officer and more than capable Commanding General when I served under him at the 1st Cavalry Division headquarters in his office. I had a day to day opportunity to watch the General fulfill his duties. he was down to earth, and carried himself impeccably.

Med Tech Crystal

April 27, 2025

Uncle Mike ! We all miss you dearly. We talk about you often and laugh at all the memories we had together.

Colonel Gregory Berry (Army Retired)

November 2, 2023

Major General Conrad was the father of Michael Conrad Jr who was in my company at West Point. Additionally, I served as a Company Commander under General Conrad when he commanded the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. General Conrad was an outstanding man to work both for and with. Rest in Peace Sir!

Gregory Berry
USMA Class of 1979
Colonel, USA (Retired)

Dennis Bullard

February 22, 2023

General Conrad was my brigade commander while I served as his secretary in the Second Brigade, 9th Infantry Division in 1977-78. I went through some very tough personal times and even though I was just a young sergeant, he and Mrs. Conrad were always there for me when I needed them. I am a much better man because of General and Mrs. Conrad and am so proud to have served under him.

Dennis M. Bullard
SFC, USA (retired)

Jason and Pamela Frye

January 23, 2023

Rest in peace Mike. Much respect. Prayers to the Conrad family. Mike was such a strong and positive influence to both me and my wife Pam.

Colonel Raymond A. Celeste Jr.

January 23, 2023

I met Major General Mike Conrad many times as he presided over the West Point Class of 1956 annual remembrance event at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in D.C. He was simply outstanding in his annual remarks and noted those in attendance who were related to the West Point graduate they were honoring that year who was killed in action in Vietnam. He would then lead us with a wreath to the approriate location of their name on the Memorial's Wall where we would pay remembrance to them. I was blessed to know Major General Conrad and his wife Ann who always accompanied him at the event.

God bless him and his beloved family!

Semper Fidelis,

Ray

Raymond A. Celeste Jr.
Colonel, U. S. Marine Corps (Ret.)

Rob Celeste

January 23, 2023

General Conrad was exceptionally warm and generous to my family. My father was a classmate of his and was KIA in Vietnam. General Conrad always made us feel comfortable and welcome at class functions.

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