2021 Hall of Fame Inductee
University of Missouri (1989)
Col. Timothy Karcher was born in St. Louis, Missouri, Jan. 26, 1967. He is a 1989 graduate of the University of Missouri where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. He entered the U.S. Army in January 1990, serving as an Infantry officer throughout his career. His professional training and development include attendance at the Command and General Staff College and the School of Advanced Military Studies.
Karcher’s early assignments focused on preparing forces for combat and developing young leaders. His primary company-grade assignments were to training centers in the United States and Europe, serving in the Opposing Forces at the National Training Center and the Combat Maneuver Training Center. Following these training center assignments, he was selected to serve as a Small Group Instructor at Fort Benning’s Infantry Officer Advanced Course (subsequently renamed the Infantry Captain’s Career Course), preparing young officers to serve and excel in combat arms units at company, battalion, and brigade levels.
Following his attendance of Command and General Staff College and the School of Advanced Military Studies, Karcher was assigned to III Corps Headquarters as an operational plans officer, and was responsible for planning the transition between the initial invasion forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom and forces committed to Operation Iraqi Freedom II. He then served as a Battalion Operations Officer in 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment participating in operations to liberate An Najaf from Shia Militias in August 2004, and Fallujah from elements of Al Qaeda in Iraq in November 2004. Karcher served as a Battalion Executive Officer and Brigade Operations Officer prior between his first and second combat deployments to Iraq. During his second deployment to Iraq in January 2006, he was wounded when he was shot by a sniper while advising and leading an Iraqi Infantry Brigade.
While commanding the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment during his third combat deployment to Iraq, Karcher was again wounded when his vehicle was struck by an Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) that tore through the vehicle’s armor and his legs. As a result of this attack, he lost both legs above the knee. Following a lengthy hospitalization, recovery, and rehabilitation learning to walk on prosthetic legs, he chose to remain on active duty. His final assignments included serving as the Director of the Army’s Wounded Warrior Program, and with the Army’s Operational Test Command as the Operations Officer and Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff.
Karcher’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Purple Heart Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Joint Services Commendation Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster). He also wears the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Parachutist Badge.
About the Army ROTC Hall of Fame
The ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016 as part of the ROTC Centennial celebration. The first class (2016) inducted 326 former ROTC Cadets who had distinguished themselves in their military or civilian career.
The Hall of Fame honors graduates of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits. It provides a prestigious and tangible means of recognizing and honoring Army ROTC Alumni who have made lasting, significant contributions to the Nation, the Army and the history and traditions of the Army ROTC Program.
Social Sharing