Glynn Clark Mallory Jr. was born in Natchez, MS on February 10, 1939. He was raised on a cotton farm in Waterproof, LA, where he lived with his parents, Ann (Brann) and Glynn Mallory Sr. (a descendant of William Clark and Cherokee ancestry); his sister, Grace; and their paternal grandparents. He spent his younger years working in the fields, fishing, hunting, and raising beef calves. The values and work ethic he learned from his family were the foundation of his entire life. He played football at Waterproof High School, graduating with 19 students in his senior class. A documentary featuring West Point cadets inspired him to pursue the goal of attending USMA and becoming a soldier. He was appointed by Congressman O.E. Passman and entered the Academy in 1957. He joined Company K-1 (“Second to None”) and formed unique bonds and friendships that continue today. The companymates of K-1 relive their experience from plebe year through graduation as though they have never been apart. Glynn always reflected that his roommate would have been first in the class had he not spent so much time helping him master math. He joined the 150-pound (Sprint) Football Team under Coach Eric Tipton in his cow year, and his focus was to forever “Beat Navy!” Later, as tactical officer of E-2, he was honored to serve with Coach Tipton again as officer representative of the Sprint Football Team.
Glynn graduated from West Point in 1961 and was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry. He commanded infantry and armor units at every level in the Army. He served two tours in Vietnam: as an infantry company commander, 101st Airborne Division, and brigade operation officer, 4th Infantry Division. He commanded 1-8th Infantry Battalion at Fort Carson, CO, and the 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division in Wiesbaden, Germany. He was Commanding General, 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, TX and 6th Army at the Presidio of San Francisco.
He served as senior military assistant to the Secretary of the Army, deputy director of operations in the National Military Command Center and director of operations, mobilization and readiness during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (two OLC), the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit (OLC), Bronze Star (“V” device with five OLC), and the Purple Heart. He earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Army Staff and Joint Staff Badge. He graduated from the Command and General Staff College, Army War College, and earned an M.A. in business administration from University of Georgia.
Glynn (called “Mal” by close friends and “Coach” by others) was a professional soldier and gentleman of remarkable character and integrity. Selfless and humble, he treated every person with respect, living his Christian faith every day. He valued relationships with officers, subordinates, and his NCOs, practicing their guidance to be firm, but fair, and never walk past a mistake. Possessing high standards, he never expected soldiers to do anything he would not do himself. He loved soldiers and considered them the noblest creation of mankind. He was a “Happy Warrior,” a soldier’s soldier, instilling that spirit in cadets and soldiers he mentored.
Always positive and upbeat, Glynn never met a stranger. Greeting everyone with a smile, a hug, or handshake, he referred to them as a “Great American.” He engaged in conversation with old soldiers, revering their stories. His wit and sense of humor was contagious but also helped him navigate challenging times. Calm in a crisis, he was reassuring. His ability to motivate people was a gift. He encouraged everyone, including his own family, to be all they could be. He had no agenda for himself other than to do good for others. He was an avid football fan, especially for Army. He enjoyed gardening, golf, country music, grits, road trips cross country, his dogs, and a good cigar.
Glynn and Linda (Hollstein), whom he affectionally called “Midget,” met at Fort Campbell, KY and married in June 1964. They were blessed with three wonderful children: Meg, Glynn III, and Amber. Their life together was reflected by the words he had inscribed in her wedding ring, “Color It Happy.” He had unconditional love for his Army Midget, his children and grandchildren, friends, his country, and the “Great American Soldier.”
After retirement in 1995, they relocated to San Antonio, TX, where Glynn did contract work in Army training. When wounded warriors from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and their devastated families descended on Brooke Army Medical Center, Glynn received a request to visit a dying, burned soldier. He committed to mentoring wounded warriors, focusing on the burn unit. He joined a board of dedicated individuals, Returning Heroes Home, to build a respite place for wounded warriors and their families. This became his passion. He continued to mentor and bond with injured soldiers at the Center for Intrepid even after being diagnosed with myeloid dysplastic syndrome, and later, acute myeloid leukemia.
Glynn’s constant reassurance, faith and sense of humor sustained Linda and their family while they both were in cancer treatment at the same time. They were grateful to the BAMC medical team for giving Glynn one more football season and additional precious time with his family. The support they received from so many people who came into their lives is immeasurable. Glynn is interred at Arlington National Cemetery with the soldiers he loved, Section 12A, Grave 993, inscribed, “Great American.”
Known for his many humorous original and memorized famous quotes, he would say: “This marks my final roll call with you…Beat Navy!”
— Linda Mallory and K-1 classmates