Walter Ulmer, a native of Maine, graduated from the US Military Academy in 1952 and was commissioned in Armor.

During his military career he commanded three companies, the Cavalry Squadron of the 82d Airborne Division, a separate armor brigade, the 3d Armored Division, and III Corps. He served on the faculties of the Army War College and West Point, and was Commandant of Cadets.

He was in Korea at the end of the Korean War and served two tours in Vietnam where he was awarded the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with "V" device, and the Bronze Star [Medal]. Other awards include three Legions of Merit, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Distinguished Service Medal. His advisory team was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its role in the defense of An Loc during the North Vietnamese spring offensive in 1972. He holds awards also from the Republics of Korea and Vietnam and the Federal Republic of Germany. He earned the Combat Infantryman and Master Parachutist Badges.

Upon retirement from the Army he became president and CEO of the Center for Creative Leadership, a position he held for nine years. (The Center is a non-profit educational institution devoted to leadership education and executive development, providing programs to over 22,000 individuals worldwide annually.)

Newsweek Cover July 9, 1984
featured General Ulmer in a Special Report edition focused on "The Top Brass, Can They Fight a Modern War?" (note that the cover has been autographed for Paul Hamblin who once served with Ulmer in 1956-57 when both were staff officers at HQ 82nd ABN, Ft. Bragg, NC.)

General Ulmer was spotlighted in this article on page 38

Recently he has been consultant to corporate and government organizations. In 2002 he served as the first occupant of the General of the Army Omar N. Bradley Chair of Strategic Leadership, shared by the Army War College and Dickinson College. He was co-author of a February, 2000 study of American military culture sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, and recently participated in an Army study of leadership of division commanders in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He has been designated a Distinguished Fellow of the Army War College, an Alumni Fellow of Penn State University, and a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Military Academy.

He and his wife Marty have three married sons and ten grandchildren.