Olson, Curtis W.
Colonel Curtis W. Olson '62 is being honored posthumously with Valley City State University's Distinguished Alumnus Award, recognizing a lifetime of exceptional leadership, professional achievement, and service to the nation.
Born on a farm near Litchville, North Dakota, Olson's journey took him from rural Barnes County to the highest levels of service in the United States Marine Corps. After graduating from Litchville High School in 1952, he enrolled at Valley City State College. A chance encounter with a Navy recruiter led him to Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, launching a distinguished military career that would span nearly three decades.
As a Marine Corps helicopter pilot, Olson served in Hawaii, Japan, and aboard a Navy aircraft carrier supporting scientific operations in the Pacific. He later joined Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), the presidential squadron responsible for transporting the President of the United States. During that assignment, he accompanied President Dwight D. Eisenhower on international trips throughout South America and Europe, participated in the historic visit of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to the United States, and completed numerous missions supporting the presidency.
Following his aviation service, Olson returned to Valley City State and completed his bachelor's degree in 1962. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law before rejoining the Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate.
Olson served in Vietnam and advanced through a series of senior legal leadership positions throughout the United States and Pacific region. His distinguished career culminated in his appointment as Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Marine Corps at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., where he advised the Commandant of the Marine Corps. He later served as the senior military judge on the West Coast before retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1986.
His exemplary service earned numerous military honors, including the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, one awarded with the Combat "V" for valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
Colonel Olson passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 90. He will also be honored with a memorial marker at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitting tribute to a life defined by service, leadership, and dedication to country.
The 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes Colonel Curtis W. Olson's extraordinary career and lasting legacy, reflecting the values of excellence, leadership, and service that define Valley City State University.
