Tkach, Walter R. (Walter Robert), 1917-1989

Major General Walter Robert Tkach was born in LaBelle, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Pennsylvania State College, University Park, Pa., in 1941 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and then attended medical school at the University of Pittsburgh where he graduated in 1945 with a commission as a Reserve Second Lieutenant and a Doctor of Medicine degree. In 1946 he began active duty in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He transferred to the U.S. Air Force in 1949. In January 1953 he was reassigned to the Medical Officer Staff in the White House Dispensary. Tkach was an assistant White House physician during the eight years of the Eisenhower administration and the first eight months of the Kennedy administration. He was senior White House doctor during Richard Nixon's years in office. In May 1961 he reported to the 818th Medical Group, Lincoln Air Force Base, Neb., as Assistant to the Commander and later, was Commander. In August 1962 he became Chief of the Professional Division and Deputy Surgeon at Strategic Air Command headquarters, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. From July 1965 until July 1968, he was assigned to Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, as Director of Professional Services and Deputy Surgeon. General Tkach then became Command Surgeon for Headquarters Seventh Air Force, Tan Son Nhut Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, from July 1968 until January 1969, when President Nixon asked him to become White House surgeon. On Sept. 16, 1974 he became Command Surgeon of the Air Force Systems Command. His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the White House Service Medal. He holds the aeronautical rating of Chief Flight Surgeon. He was promoted to the grade of Major General effective July 1, 1972, with date of rank July 1, 1969. In 1979, Tkach retired and moved to San Diego. General Tkach was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.

From the description of Tkach, Walter R. (Walter Robert), 1917-1989 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10611918