Walter E. Katuzny, Jr. – Major General, United States Army

Courtesy of the United States Army, 78th Division

Major General Walter E. Katuzny, Jr., a former brigade commander in the 78th Division (Training), died at home on July 31, 1998, in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, after a long struggle with cancer. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on August 11.

Katuzny served in the 78th Div. in positions of increasing responsibility from 1973 to 1987. In Edison, his last assignment was as commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade, One Station Unit Training, and at Ft. Dix, as commander of the first 78th Mobilization Army Training Center mission. His final command, the culmination of an illustrious career, was as Commanding General, 79th U.S. Army Reserve Command, in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

Born in Chicago in 1941, Katuzny dedicated over 33 years of his life to the Army after earning a commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He served 10 years on active duty, including a tour in Vietnam as a field artillery officer. He later taught at West Point. He was selected for and graduated from a variety of challenging military schools, to include the Defense Language Institute, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. He was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, 2 Air Medals, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Katuzny’s service to country and community was not confined strictly within military boundaries. As a civilian, he was a teacher and high school basketball coach. In these dual roles, he epitomized the highest ideal of the citizen soldier. He is survived by his supportive wife Carol, two fine sons, Jeff and Rick, and beloved grandchildren.

The 78th Division salutes a brave officer and exemplary American. We mourn his passing.

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard