Richard Scholtes

Richard A. Scholtes (born 18 March 1934)[1] is a retired United States Army major general who served as the first commander of Joint Special Operations Command.[2][3] Scholtes' experience as the commander of Joint Special Operations Task Force 123 during the United States invasion of Grenada made him an important figure in the reorganization of the US special operations community and eventually led to his appointment to the newly formed JSOC. After his tenure as JSOC commander, Scholtes retired from active service so he could candidly testify in August 1986 before Congress about the perceived need for a separate, four-star, special operations command. Then-Senator William Cohen described Scholtes' testimony as vital in the decision of Congress to create the United States Special Operations Command.[4]

Richard A. Scholtes
Major General Richard A. Scholtes
Born (1934-03-18) 18 March 1934
Joliet, Illinois, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army
RankMajor General
Commands heldJoint Special Operations Command
2nd Armored Division
Battles/warsVietnam War
AwardsSilver Star
Legion of Merit
Soldier's Medal
Bronze Star Medal

Awards and decorations
  • Unidentified jump wings

References
  2. Jeff Gerth, Philip Taubman; et al. (8 June 1984). "U.S. MILITARY CREATES SECRET UNITS FOR USE IN SENSITIVE TASKS ABROAD". New York Times.
  3. Philip Taubman (5 December 1984). "U.S. MILITARY TRIES TO CATCH UP IN FIGHTING TERROR". New York Times.
  4. US Special Operations Command. "Tip of the Spear" (PDF). specialoperations.net.
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