The REAL Most Interesting Man In The World: The Legacy Of Walter Walsh

That Mexican-German beer commercial was lying.

Walter Walsh, National Guardsman, legendary Marine, gangster-hunting FBI Agent, Olympian, American Rifleman and Life magazine subject, and multiple national championship-winning competition shooter was “the most interesting man in the world.”

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Walter Rudolph Walsh was born May 4, 1907, in West Hoboken, New Jersey. He passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2014. He was a former FBI agent, United States Marine Corps officer and Olympic competitor. He joined the FBI in 1934, serving during the gangster era of the 1930s and was involved in several high-profile cases, including the capture of Arthur “Doc” Barker and the demise of then public enemy number one, Al Brady, and his gang. Walter later served with the Marines in the Pacific theatre during World War II. After a brief return to the FBI, he continued his service in the Marine Corps. He was Commanding Officer, Weapons Training Battalion, Marksmanship Training Unit, Marine Corps Schools, in which capacity he was responsible for small arms training programs in the Marine Corps as well as the Marine Corps competitive shooting program. Walter served in this capacity until his retirement in 1969. As a world class, triple distinguished shooter, he won numerous tournaments locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. He participated in the 1948 Summer Olympics and served as coach of the U.S. Olympic Team until 2000. Col Walsh competed in and coached a number of Pan American Games and World Shooting Championship American teams. Walter received awards for his marksmanship into his 90s At the FBI’s 100th birthday, it was noted that he was a year older than the organization itself. Col Walsh remained physically fit throughout his life. In March 2013, he was recognized as the longest living Olympic competitor, the oldest Marine and the oldest FBI agent.

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Walsh’s Facebook page is simply stunning.

walsh hoover
Agent Walter Walsh joined the FBI’s pistol team in 1935. He shot his way to two marksmanship trophies presented him by FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. He also was on the bureau’s “Heavy Squad,” responsible for arresting the more deadly criminals.(Facebook)

An FBI 100th anniversary video pays tribute to Walsh as one of it’s most legendary agents.

Godspeed, Colonel Walsh, and congratulations on living an extremely full life.

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