ConocoPhillips White House Lecture Series - 12/6/2004
Charles C. Krulak
On the forefront of our nation's highest priorities for the last 35 years, General Charles C. Krulak, USMC (Ret), knows what it means to be a leader. He reached the pinnacle of achievement in 1995 when he assumed the duties as the 31st Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.
General Krulak has served as Chairman of MBNA Europe since January 2001. Since his military retirement in 1999, he had served as Senior Vice Chairman of MBNA America Bank N.A., the largest independent credit card lender in the world. In addition to credit card lending, the Corporation also manages loans of over $73 Billion and offers insurance and other financial service products.
General Krulak joined MBNA well prepared to take on his new leadership responsibilities in corporate America. During his distinguished U.S. Marine Corps career, he served as a leader at every level within Marine Corps - from infantry platoons to Commander of Marine Forces Pacific (Commanding General FMF Pacific).
General Krulak's management qualifications are without question, as evidenced by his achievements as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Reserve Affairs and Commanding General Marine Corps Combat Development Command. No stranger to organizational management, he has served as Deputy Director of the White House Military Office and in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence, Office of the Secretary of Defense.
In a time when integrity and courage have become rare qualities in our nation's public and private sector leaders, General Krulak is a prominent stand out. Having lead a Marine Corps platoon and a company during two tours of duty in Vietnam and commanded the 2nd Force Service Support Group during the Gulf War, General Krulak is a leader who has been tested in the most severe environments. In a time when going along with the political whim-of-the-day is the key to success in Washington DC, General Krulak, as Commandant, never wavered in upholding the correct course of action in the face of every level of political pressure. In a time when cynicism and apathy run rampant in our nation, General Krulak sets an example for us all, that honor and virtue are a way of life.
General Krulak's decorations and medals include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Silver Star Medal; Bronze Star Medal with combat "V' and two gold stars; and the Purple Heart with gold star.
General Krulak graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964, and holds a master degree in labor relations from George Washington University (1973).