Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
Walter R. Walsh chased gangsters as an FBI agent in the 1930s before becoming the longest-lived Olympian.
He died at 106 at his home in Arlington, Va., the Associated Press reports.
Walsh also trained Marine Corps snipers.
In 1934, Walsh joined the FBI and began pursuing gangsters. His efforts led to the capture of Arthur “Doc” Barker in Chicago. He also fatally shot Russell “Rusty” Gibson – one of between 11 and 17 gangsters he killed, his son said.
Walsh also joined the Marine Corps and trained snipers in North Carolina.
In the London Olympics in 1948, Walsh placed 12th in the men’s 50-meter free pistol event.
We thank you Walter Walsh for your great service to this great nation! I would have loved to have sat down and spoken to you for a while. You were a unique man who served beyond the call of duty. For that we thank you!