Rupert W. "Bill" Catlin, 97, a retired Colonel, who was an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander in Europe during World War II and an Intelligence Officer in Vietnam, died peacefully at his home on September 23, 2018.

Born on August 15, 1921, he was the only son of the late Rupert William and Virginia Adams Catlin.  His wife of 65 years, Mary Jane Catlin, preceded him in death on November 11, 2011.

Colonel Catlin's military career of 32 years began in 1940 when he enlisted in Co. L. 115 Infantry. He remained with Co. L until 1942 when he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. Infantry and assigned to the 99th Infantry Division. While with the 99th, he participated in combat operations in Europe during 1944-1945 including the Battle of the Bulge which resulted in being awarded the Bronze Star and 1st Oak Leaf Cluster.

Peace time assignments between 1946-1966 were varied including four overseas tours. Highlights during this period included receiving a Regular Army Commission and commanding the 1st Armed Rifle Battalion, 48th Infantry. Staff assignments included duty with the office of the Secretary General Staff, Headquarters Europe; Intelligence office with European Command, 2 US Army and 8th US Army; and graduating from the Command and General Staff Colleges. It was also during the period that he attended off duty classes at the University of Maryland from which he graduated with honors in 1966.

Colonel Catlin served in Vietnam in 1966-1967 as a Corp Intelligence Officer with Hqs. 1st Field Force where he received the 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star. Returning to the U.S. he was assigned to the Office, Asst Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Headquarters U.S. Army at the Pentagon where he served as a Division Chief. In 1969 he was reassigned to Headquarters 1st US Army at Ft. Meade where he was awarded the Legion of Merit upon his retirement in 1972.

After retiring from the Army, he became the Director of Materials Management at University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore until 1981 when he again retired and established permanent residence in Lewes, Delaware near the beach that they have dearly loved.  He made many trips to Crisfield over the years to visit the gravesites of his parents and loved ones.

He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Post #7, American Legion Post #27, and Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge #2540, all in Delaware. He also performed as a volunteer in the Meals on Wheels program serving as the President for 2 years.

He is survived by his son, William Dennis "Bill" Catlin, of Lewes, Delaware; grandchildren, Paige Catlin and Candie Catlin, both of Annapolis; great-grandchild, Zoey Dominici; and a cousin, Nancy Lee Banfield of Florida.

Graveside services with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 1 PM at Sunnyridge Memorial Park in Crisfield. Rev. Steve Willing will officiate.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home.  To send condolences to the family, please visit our website at www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.