Charles L. Southward

Charles Lutcher Southward was born in Richmond, Virginia on May 16, 1912.[1] He graduated from John Marshall High School,[2] joined the Virginia National Guard in 1930, and attained the rank of first sergeant before receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in 1935.[3][4]

Between 1935 and 1940 Southward advanced to captain, and he graduated from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 1939.[5]

During World War II Southward served on the staff of Army Forces Pacific, South West Pacific Command as a member of the Logistics (G4) section. During the war he was promoted twice, leaving active duty as a lieutenant colonel.[6]

After the war Southward pursued a full-time career with the federal government, serving as a Veterans’ Counselor and Business Specialist with the United States Department of Commerce in Richmond.[7][8]

He continued his military service, and in the 1950s was Commander of the 176th Regimental Combat Team with the rank of colonel.[9][10]

Southward graduated from the United States Army War College in 1954.[11][12]

In 1954 Southward was assigned to full-time duty at the National Guard Bureau, serving as head of the Policy and Liaison Office. In the early 1960s he served on the staff of the Continental Army Command.[13][14]

From 1964 to 1967 Southward was Chief of the Army Division, (now Director of the Army National Guard), receiving promotion to brigadier general.[15]

Southward was appointed Commander of the District of Columbia National Guard in 1967 and promoted to major general. He served until retiring in 1974.[16][17][18]

Southward’s awards included: Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; Legion of Merit; Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster; American Defense Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with service star; World War II Victory Medal; Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), National Defense Service Medal with service star, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with gold hourglass; Philippine Defense Medal; Philippine Liberation Medal; Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation; Virginia National Guard Legion of Merit; Alabama Commendation Medal; and Mississippi Magnolia Medal.[19]

Southward died in Williamsburg, Virginia on April 28, 2000.[20] He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 65, Site 3264.[21]

The District of Columbia National Guard presents the annual Southward Leadership Award. The Southward Trophy is awarded to the outstanding Army and Air National Guard leaders in the organization.[22]