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<em>Charles Edward Balthis, Jr., </em>was born in Roanoke, VA, where he graduated from Jefferson High School before attending the USMA Preparatory School at Ft. Monroe, VA. He entered USMA in 1936 as a member of the Class of ’40. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the Infantry.</p>
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2LT Balthis’ first troop duty was with the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Lewis, WA. While en route to Ft. Lewis, he first attended the Rifle and Heavy Weapons Course at Ft. Benning, GA, and upon graduation married Elizabeth Mountcastle in November 1940 in Roanoke. Together, they drove cross-country to Ft. Lewis, where he served with an anti-tank company of the 15th Infantry regiment until 1942. While on maneuvers in California, the Regiment was called to Los Angeles to support local officials in settling the strike of the unions against North American Aviation Company. They enjoyed visiting Hollywood during their time off.</p>
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From October 1942 to June 1943, he was a company commander and battalion executive officer of training units at Camp Roberts, CA. In June 1943, he was assigned to the 102d Infantry Division at Camp Maxey, TX. During WWII, he served with the 102d Infantry from soon after activation until its deactivation, as battalion executive officer, assistant G-3, G-3, and Chief of Staff. After WWII, COL Balthis served with the Intelligence Section of Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, in Heidelberg, Germany.</p>
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Other overseas tours included duty with the First Military Assistance Advisory Group to Indochina during 1950-51, with stations in Saigon and Hanoi; command of the 2d Battalion, 21st Infantry in 1955 in Korea; Deputy G-1 of Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army in 1956 in Korea; and service in Viet Nam as the Senior Advisor to the Commanding General of the II Corps Tactical Zone in 1964 at Pleiku.</p>
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COL Balthis’ stateside tours included duty with the Chief of Information, Department of the Army; command of the 2d Battle Group, 60th Infantry at Ft. Devens, MA; Senior Advisor to the Commanding General 100th Division, USAR, at Louisville, KY; and, finally, Executive Officer to the Chief of Reserve Components, Department of the Army.</p>
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Civil Defense matters were a staff responsibility for COL Balthis during his tours as Deputy G-3, Headquarters, First U.S. Army, at Governors Island and as Deputy G-3, Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, Ft. McPherson, GA. His command of the 2d Battle Group, 60th Infantry at Ft. Devens was the highlight of his career. He received the Army Commendation Medal, with the citation, "COL Charles E. Balthis, Jr., USA, ... is cited for outstanding service during the period 14 Oct 1960 to 19 Mar 1962, while assigned as Commanding Officer, 2d Battle Group, 60th Infantry, accomplished all assigned missions in an exemplary manner. COL Balthis was responsible for the planning, coordination, and effective participation of the 2d Battle Group, 60th Infantry, in four major exercises.</p>
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In the Battle Group ATT, a score of 91 was attained, despite difficult weather conditions. COL Balthis also distinguished himself in CONARC directed exercise Mohawk Arrow/TAC Air 61-9, when the battle group completed every mission with efficiency and effectiveness. In the amphibious exercises of the Virginia east coast, he directed his task force to a highly successful landing under severe conditions of wind and surf, described by officials of the U.S. Marine Corps as a landing they would not attempt on a training basis.</p>
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"Again under severe weather conditions, this time in the Tanana River Valley of Alaska, he directed his task force 2/60 toward a highly successful accomplishment of all Exercise Great Bear training objectives. Regardless of his many complex and demanding responsibilities, COL Balthis, by application and sound leadership principles, has continually produced highly commendable results. Through his remarkable and untiring efforts, the battle group has received numerous oral and written commendations from both military officers and civilian officials. His friendly and cooperative manner has earned him the respect and admiration of his superiors and subordinates alike. By his achievement, COL Balthis has brought great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army."</p>
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Other decorations awarded to COL Balthis include two Legions of Merit, the first for outstanding service in Viet Nam during 1963—64 and the second for outstanding service in the Office of the Chief of Reserves Components, DA, during 1967-70; two Bronze Stars for outstanding service in the 102d Infantry Division during combat in Germany during 1944—45; and the Vietnamese Armed Forces Honor Medal First Class for outstanding services as the Senior Advisor to the Commanding General of the II Corps Tactical Command at Pleiku during 1963—64.</p>
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After 30 challenging and rewarding years in the Army, COL Balthis retired in 1970. The ceremony was held in the Office of the Chief of Staff, highlighted by the presentation of the Legion Merit by GEN W.C. Westmoreland. Following his retirement from the Army, COL Balthis moved to Atlanta and joined the Atlanta-Fulton County Civil Defense Agency as Assistant Director. During his many years of service with the agency, COL Balthis demonstrated the highest possible standards of personal conduct and job performance. His exceptional abilities, coupled with his outstanding motivation and dedication, have contributed immeasurably to the excellent status of emergency preparedness presently enjoyed by Atlanta and Fulton County. That exemplary service was recognized in 1981, when he was awarded the Department of Public Safety Distinguished Service Award. During their 27 years of residence in Sherwood Forest, COL and Mrs. Balthis were active participants in civic organizations and the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. Their wonderful life together came to an end in September 1997, when Elizabeth died.</p>
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After a lengthy illness, COL Balthis died two years later, while visiting his son Vernon and family in Longmont, CO. He is survived by his son Vernon, daughter Elizabeth B. Gray, sister Ophelia, brother Richard, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.</p>