On 16 April 2010, General Carlton W Fulford, USMC, a member of DHS Technologies’s board of directors, was among those honored during the US Naval Academy’s 12th annual distinguished graduate award ceremony.
Presented by the US Naval Academy alumni association, the distinguished graduate award ceremony is held each year to honor alumni who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the US Navy or Marine Corps and have made significant contributions while in service, or as a leader in industry or government. Five graduates were recognised during this year’s ceremony, including Fulford, whose military career spanned nearly 40 years.
Raised in Millen, Georgia, Fulford graduated from the Naval Academy in 1966 and went on to serve as platoon commander with Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines in the Republic of Vietnam and later as commander with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines during the Tet Offensive in 1968.
Following his time in Vietnam, Fulford continued his service to the Marine Corps and, over the next four decades, rose to the rank of Four Star General and held such titles as deputy commander in chief, United States European Command; commander, US Marines Corps Forces and Bases, Pacific; and commanding officer, Task Force ‘Ripper’ during Operation Desert Storm. He also received several awards, including the Defence Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit and Purple Heart.
Since retiring, Fulford has continued to play a significant role within the defense industry. In addition to serving as a board member at DHS Technologies, he has served as a National Security Council envoy to east Africa’s Great Lakes region and as director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. He currently consults regarding security issues with a primary focus on Africa.
Having enjoyed a career that has spanned several decades and continents, Fulford credits his time at the Naval Academy for much of his success.
“The Naval Academy is a very special place that has contributed significantly to any success I have had throughout my career. Designation as a Distinguished Graduate is an honor that recognises professional achievements and contributions to the Academy’s mission. It also provides opportunities for future participation and contributions to this great institution,” he told Shipmate, the Alumni Association’s official magazine.