Walter Edwin Adams

Brigadier General Walter (Walt) E. Adams, U.S. Army (Retired), passed into the hands of the Lord on November 21, 2023. Walt was a soldier, leader, businessman, a beloved husband and father, and above all, a truly honorable man.

He was born in Warrenton, Virginia on August 22, 1928, to Walter and Lucy (Rector) Adams. His beloved older sister, Margaret, predeceased him. He is survived by Shirley, his beautiful wife of 67 years, four children, fifteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

He received an appointment to the United States Military Academy in 1946 and graduated from West Point in 1950. Soon after, he served in the Korean War in the 3rd Battalion 279th Infantry 45th Infantry Division, where he earned his first Purple Heart. After the Korean War, he returned to Washington, D.C. to join the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) as commander of Honor Guard at Fort Myer, VA, and served as military aide to the White House under President Eisenhower. Through this assignment, he met his wife, Shirley Young, and they married in 1956. Shortly after, they moved to West Point where Walt was a USMA trainer and tactical officer of a cadet company. He then became an “exchange” tactical officer to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Walt attended Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk. VA. He served at the Pentagon as Chief of the Far East Operations Branch and with the Advanced Research Projects Agency. He received his MS in International Affairs at George Washington University before moving his growing family to Okinawa, Japan, to command the 1st Battalion of the 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne.

In 1966, Walt moved his family to Bangkok, Thailand, while he entered Vietnam. During the war, he was Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion 27th Infantry 2nd Brigade, and Deputy Brigade Commander 25th Infantry 3rd Brigade. For his leadership in Vietnam, Walt was awarded the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Purple Hearts, and two Legion of Merit medals. These citations highlighted his distinct bravery, ingenuity, leadership and “remarkable innovations” that saved lives and have been “singled out for study and future application in tactical operation.” Walt rounded out his tour in Southeast Asia serving as political military attaché and representative to the King of Thailand.

He returned to the U.S. in 1970, to attend helicopter flight school, then took over Command of the 3rd Brigade 1st Armored Division in Bamberg, Germany. In 1973, he again returned to the U.S. to lead the Army Computer Systems Command at Ft. Belvoir, VA. His final tour overseas moved his family back to Germany, where he served as Commander of the Berlin Brigade in West Berlin. As he wrapped up his military career, he received the Army Distinguished Service Medal for “exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility” to the Government of the United States and the Department of the Army.

His retirement in 1979, began a new phase in the beautiful love story of Walt and Shirley. They navigated starting a Subway Franchise; traveled to exotic locations of splendor and intrigue; discovered the incredible life-affirming beauty of the desert with their home in La Quinta, CA; and became grandparents to a growing brood.

Walt loved spending time with Shirley at the family farm known to all as The Home Farm in Van Hornesville, NY, to include hosting a long-standing annual square dance full of music, love, family and community. Walt was an avid sports fan (Go Army!). He also loved reading, crossword puzzles and Jeopardy (we will refrain from mentioning that he also liked to watch Wheel of Fortune). His wit, sense of humor, integrity and unending love will be greatly missed by all.

Memorial services are to be private. Interment will be at the Arlington National Cemetery.

In consideration of his deep faith and his love of the U.S. Army, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to non-profit organizations and charities that help veterans and support military families.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Adams family.