Adolf Carlson

Colonel (Ret.) Adolf "Dolf" Carlson, USA Born in New Britain, Connceticut, October 15, 1947 Died in Tbilisi, Georgia, May 6, 2013 We all lost a loved one and dear friend last Monday. To many, Dolf Carlson was just a jovial guy with a jaunty smile and a twinkle in his eye. He loved an audience and loved to tell historic stories or reflect on his family. He was a master story teller. But, he never bragged about himself or his exploits...and there was much he could have told us. Dolf was a professional soldier, scholar, and patriot that truly made a difference in the lives of all he touched. He served his country his entire life and filled that life with many notable accomplishments. From his graduation from West Point in 1969 to his retirement thirty years later in 1999 he demonstrated outstanding leadership, superior intelligence, bravery, charisma, and determination. The awards he earned reflect the character of his service: The Silver Star for courage in combat; the Purple Heart for wounds in battle; the Legion of Merit for meritorious service; four Bronze Star awards; the Combat Infantryman's Badge; Parachutist Badge; Ranger Tab; Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge; and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry...just to name a few. His service was also honored by the National Infantry Association with the Order of Saint Maurice, Primicerius, the highest level of recognition they can bestow. His education and scholarly achievement is immense. He held a Master's Degree in International Relations from Boston University, was the Chair of the US Army War College Distance Education Department, and graduated from eight various universities and military courses. He was a visiting lecturer, a historian, and author of many scholarly articles and published a book. He taught classes in US, European, and classical military history at the US Army War College and it was Dolf's determined effort that led to the curriculum being accredited for awarding a Master's Degree in National Strategic Studies. Now every War College student receives this degree upon graduation. Not being one to retire, after his thirty year military career, Dolf continued his life of service by taking his immense education and experience to international schools and former Soviet countries. He was a Senior Advisor to the ministries of defense in several nations and influenced modernization efforts in Ukraine, Nigeria, Lithuania, Romania, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The respect he garnered from his peers and students, wherever he stood, was remarkable. Dolf was a driven man. He sought perfection and demonstrated professionalism in every endeavor. He could be a lion when necessary but always a gentleman. Dolf was truly a self-actualized man...a man that lived to his fullest potential. Dolf is survived by his wife, Marina, his sons, Oskar and Clifton, and daughters Danielle, Megan and Karolina.