Visitation for family and friends will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in Columbus, GA on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM. A procession to The Infantry Chapel on Fort Benning for Funeral Services will follow with services starting at 12 Noon. Another procession will lead to Fort Mitchell National Cemetery for Burial with Full Military Honors performed by the Ranger Training Brigade of Fort Benning at 2:00 PM.
BG Getz was born on August 1, 1936 in San Francisco, CA, the son of the late Charles and Olga Getz. He married Mary Jane McNulty on December 19, 1959 in Fort Benning, Georgia and is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Jane and sisters Elizabeth Spaulding and Olga Tent.
BG Getz began his Military service after graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1959. He attended the Air Command and Staff College in Maxwell AFB in 1969 and the National War College in 1974. His exemplarity career took him around the globe and included 2 tours in Vietnam in which he was awarded numerous awards for valor and service making him one of the most highly decorated soldiers in US history. His significant awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star (5th OLC), Defense Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross (2d OLC), Bronze Star Medal for Valor(5th OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (10), Army Commendation Medal with V(4th OLC), Purple Heart (2d OLC), Soldiers Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, BG Getz also earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachutist badge, Air Assault Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, and was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2002. He was a fearless leader, a true patriot and an American Hero. BG Getz was a devoted husband and father and his family will proudly cherish is memory and legacy.
BG Getz is survived by a sister, Martha Dillon of Great Falls, Virginia, his daughters Holly Getz Grange, (David) of Wilmington, NC, Pamela Getz Bell, (Kerry) of Big Canoe, Georgia, Jane Getz of Tampa, Florida, Lauren Getz of Winchester, Virginia and a son, Colonel Charles E. Getz, Jr. (Alison) of Lithia, Florida, 7 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many extended family members and close friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Winchester SPCA at www.winchesterspca.org, or Pets for Vets at www.petsforvets.com
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Getz family.
