General Grinalds was born in Baltimore, Maryland on January 5, 1938. He graduated with honors from West Point in 1959 and was the first cadet since 1814 to be commissioned directly into the US Marine Corps. He continued his education as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, earning a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Geography and graduating with honors. At Harvard University, he earned a Master's degree in Business Administration, graduating with distinction.
General Grinalds served abroad in the Mediterranean region, the Panama Canal Zone, Japan, Belgium, and for two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded a Silver Star for heroism in combat. In Belgium, he was the Special Assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe working on negotiations between NATO and the French Military. His outstanding service was recognized by French President, Francois Mitterand, who inducted him into the Legion d'Honneur.
In 1989, General Grinalds was promoted to Commanding General of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, a position held until his retirement. In 1991, he became the Headmaster of Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry Forest, Virginia. In 1997, he accepted the position as President of The Citadel.
Columns and Articles
- General's Journal: The legacy and traditions of the Class of 2005 - June 2005
- General's Journal: The time is right for a change - January 2005
- General's Journal: Leadership 101 - November 2004
- So many reasons to be thankful - November 2004
- General's Journal: Essentials and amenities - October 2004
- General's Journal: Fresh starts - September 2004
- Lessons of The Citadel - Summer 2004
- General's Journal: Reflections on 2003 - December 2003
- General's Journal: What sets a Citadel graduate apart? - July 2003
- General's Journal: The prospect of war - March 2003
- General's Journal: The return from the holiday break - January 2003
- General's Journal: Christmas brings opportunity for reflection and renewal - December 2002
- General's Journal: So many reasons to give thank - November 2002
- Letter to Alumni and Friends - October 2002
- General's Journal: We hold these truths... - September 2002
- General's Journal: Keeping honor first and foremost - August 2002
- The honor system and the great contradiction - August 2002
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