Former 8th US Army commander dies

Charles Campbell

By Yi Whan-woo

Charles Campbell, a former Eighth U.S. Army (EUSA) commander and retired four-star general, died at his hometown in Shreveport, Louisiana, Monday, according to the Stars and Stripes. He was 68.

The online version of the U.S. military newspaper said Campbell died after a lengthy illness. It did not elaborate.

Campbell commanded EUSA in South Korea from November 2002 to April 2006 and dealt with sensitive security issues involving the two allies, such as drawing down the number of U.S. troops here.

He served as the chief of the U.S. Forces Command, overseeing all continental U.S.-based conventional operating forces, from 2006 to 2010.

Following his retirement in 2010, Campbell mentored the U.S. Army and coalition leaders in South Korea and Afghanistan, and visited here several times.

He earned his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Louisiana State University. After Special Forces training, Campbell participated in the Vietnam War, during which he taught tactics to the U.S Army stationed there.

He also served as A-Detachment executive officer and commander.

Among those who paid respects to Campbell, retired U.S. Army Lt.-Gen. Russel Honore, wrote on his Facebook, “Rest in peace, General Hondo Campbell.”

Honore was a former Second Infantry Division commander under EUSA, and also led relief efforts in New Orleans in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina.

“Rest well boss, we shall see you on the high ground,” Honore wrote.