Raised in Levittown, NY; Lt. Col. Larson joined the Marine Corps in 1967 attending Boot Camp in San Diego, CA. Later during his time at Basic School in Quantico, VA, he met the love of his life, Maggie, whom he married in 1969.
In 1970 he was designated a Naval Aviator after completing flight training with the USAF and Navy. Initially stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, NC, Lt. Col. (AKA "Legs Larson") was assigned to squadron VMA (AW) - 332, flying the A-6 Intruder. Upon completion of combat training, he was reassigned to Nam Fong, Thailand where he flew 58 combat missions, all but three being at night. The A-6 that Lt. Col. Larson flew is now housed at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center.
Following his combat service, he was assigned to HQMC in Washington, DC. While serving as Project Manager for real property maintenance (air stations), Lt. Col. Larson earned a BSBA from the University of Maryland. From there he attended Amphibious Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia. His next assignment returned him to his original squadron in Cherry Point, where in 1979, his squadron was deployed to Iwakuni, Japan.
Upon returning in 1980, he served as the Staff Secretary to the Commanding Officer of 2nd MAW at Cherry Point. He was then assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps in Virginia where he served as Installations and Logistics Office for USMC air stations and later as Aide to the Director of Manpower. During this time Lt. Col. Larson earned an MA from Central Michigan University.
His final assignment returned him to Cherry Point where he served as a Commanding Officer. He retired from the Marine Corps in January 1990.
During Lt. Col. Larson's illustrious career, he received numerous commendations including two Meritorious Service Medals, four Strike/Flight Air Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
Following his service, he and Maggie moved to Cary, NC. His life of service continued , volunteering in long-term care and veteran support. Shortly thereafter, he embarked on a second professional career as a Human Resource Consultant.
Bob's many accomplishments extended to his hobbies. An avid golfer, bridge and poker player, it was his culinary talents that were probably most appreciated by his many friends and family.
Bob will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Columbia Garden Cemetery in Arlington, VA at a later date. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and genuine interest in others. Both professionally and personally, Bob showed by example how to live a courageous life. We salute you, Colonel.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Margaret Larson; son and daughter-in-law, Robert S. and Meredith Larson and granddaughters, Judith and Sydney Larson.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 3:00 pm in the Chapel of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, with a Reception to follow.
Flowers are welcomed; however, memorial contributions are preferred to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org)
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