MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The Marine Corps Information Operations Center is  scheduled to host a dedication ceremony April 19 to formally christen their new facility. The facility is named in honor of Gen. Lewis W. Walt, recognized as a pioneer of Marine Corps information operations.

Walt, born in Wabaunsee County, Kan., on Feb. 16, 1913, served  almost 35 years in the Marine Corps.  He attended high school in  Fort Collins, Colo., and attended Colorado State University where he  excelled as both a student leader and an athlete.  He accepted an appointment as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on July 6, 1936.  During his service, Walt lead Marines in World War Two, Korea and Vietnam, eventually ending his career as the first four-star assistant commandant of the Marine Corps.

While serving in Vietnam, Walt initiated the Combine Action Program, in which Marines would work side-by-side with Vietnamese soldiers to meet the needs of the local populace, building trust and rapport.  The first program of its kind, the CAP focused on gaining the support of the population to minimize the enemy's ability to operate in the area.  Walt also utilized psychological warfare extensively to reduce the enemy's will to fight and further minimize their effectiveness.  Over time, the use of loud speakers and propaganda was coordinated with other actions to gain population support and mitigate the success of enemy action.

Walt's vision and innovation is considered by many to be the infancy of what the Marine Corps today recognizes as information operations.  Walt Hall will serve to commemorate Gen. Walt's contributions to the evolution of warfare and solidify his place as a founding father of Marine Corps information operations.

Gen. John M. Paxton, Jr., the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, is scheduled to preside over the dedication ceremony and a number of former commandants and assistant commandants are scheduled to be in attendance.

Members of the media wishing to attend the event should contact Capt. Brian Villiard at bvilliard@mcia.osis.gov or 703-784-5315, or Capt. Shawn Mercer at shawn.m.mercer@usmc.mil or 703-432-2490.