Karl William Peltz

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on November 13, 2004:

Karl William Peltz Born April 9, 1929 - Died November 8, 1988 Karl William Peltz was born in Baltimore, Maryland on 9 April 1929 and was appointed to West Point from the 4th Congressional District. His classmates at West Point recall: "Coming from the life of a Baltimore gentleman, Karl decided to try the more carefree life of a plebe in Beast Barracks. Though his roommates were kept broke by his collecting of dimes, their spirits were kept high by unceasing anecdotes of his fair city. His success in combating the courses here at West Point indicates a continued future success in his chosen career as an officer." During his cadet days Karl went out for Football and the Ski Club his plebe and yearling years, the Chess Club plebe year, the Weight Lifting Club yearling year, and the Portuguese Club yearling, cow, and first class year and he was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. On graduation Karl went in the Corps of Engineers and after completing the Basic Engineers Course at Fort Belvoir, Virginia reported to the 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion in 1951 then in 1952 to the 74th Engineer Combat Battalion in Korea. His next assignment was to Japan with the Constabulary Agency where he served until 1953. Next he served with the 46 Engineer Battalion from 1953 to 1954. Karl's next duty was with the Geodesy, Intelligence, Mapping Research and Development Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia where he served from 1961 to 1963. Then from 1963 to 1964 Karl served with Military Advisory Group in Thailand. Next Karl was appointed Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Alabama where he served from 1965 to 1967. Karl was then appointed Commanding Officer of the Engineer Topographic Center & of the 656th Engineer Battalion in Europe where he served from 1968 to 1970. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services on completion of that tour. Next Karl reported to the Army Support Command Republic of Vietnam where he served from 1970 to 1971. This time Karl was decorated with a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of out-standing services and the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy. Karl's last military assignment was to Headquarters, Fort Polk, Louisiana where he served from 1971 until he retired disabled from the United States Army in 1972 in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. At his retirement Karl was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. From his retirement until his death on 8 November 1988 Karl served as General Manager, Greater LC Water Co. Mrs. Karl W. Peltz (Marthell) makes her home in Fayetteville, North Carolina jac; 18069 wc 440 (9/30/2000)

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