Walter Rudolph Walsh

Walter Rudolph Walsh, Colonel, USMC, Retired Walter Rudolph Walsh was born May 4, 1907, in West Hoboken, New Jersey. He passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2014. He was a former FBI agent, United States Marine Corps officer and Olympic competitor. He joined the FBI in 1934, serving during the gangster era of the 1930s and was involved in several high-profile cases, including the capture of Arthur “Doc” Barker and the demise of then public enemy number one, Al Brady, and his gang. Walter later served with the Marines in the Pacific theatre during World War II. After a brief return to the FBI, he continued his service in the Marine Corps. He was Commanding Officer, Weapons Training Battalion, Marksmanship Training Unit, Marine Corps Schools, in which capacity he was responsible for small arms training programs in the Marine Corps as well as the Marine Corps competitive shooting program. Walter served in this capacity until his retirement in 1969. As a world class, triple distinguished shooter, he won numerous tournaments locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. He participated in the 1948 Summer Olympics and served as coach of the U.S. Olympic Team until 2000. Col Walsh competed in and coached a number of Pan American Games and World Shooting Championship American teams. Walter received awards for his marksmanship into his 90s At the FBI’s 100th birthday, it was noted that he was a year older than the organization itself. Col Walsh remained physically fit throughout his life. In March 2013, he was recognized as the longest living Olympic competitor, the oldest Marine and the oldest FBI agent. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Col Walter Walsh Criminal Justice Scholarship Fund. The scholarship evaluation will include a preference for military veterans. The fund is administered by the Community Foundation of Collier County (www.cfcollier.org). A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2014, from 2-6 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 Broad Street, Falls Church, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 5, 2014, 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 5300-10th Street, Arlington, VA Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.