Naval War College Review
Abstract
Victor “Brute” Krulak is a legend within the U.S. Marine Corps. That may be a cliché, but it is true. This reviewer personally witnessed this phenomenon at the Naval War College, in Newport, Rhode Island, nearly four decades after Krulak left the service. While delivering a lecture at the College, I flashed a pic- ture of Krulak on the screen. Instantly, audience members began to call out Krulak’s nickname—“Brute! Brute!” The fact that Krulak’s son became Commandant of the Corps only en- hanced his reputation. The funny thing about Krulak’s being so admired is that he never held a major combat command as a general officer. He was brave, and he won hero medals in World War II, including the Navy Cross, but as a general during the Vietnam War he was in Hawaii instead of in country. Flag and general officers usually need to be combat leaders during a war to reach iconic status.
Recommended Citation
Sarantakes, Nicholas Evan
(2011)
"Brute: The Life of Victor Krulak, U.S. Marine,"
Naval War College Review: Vol. 64:
No.
3, Article 14.
Available at:
https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/nwc-review/vol64/iss3/14
Accessibility Request
Some items in this repository were created or digitized prior to implementation of the accessibility standards under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and are preserved in their original, unmodified state for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the College provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request a version of a file or resource, please submit an Accessible File Request Form.