VICKSBURG, Miss. - Ernest W. “Butch” Lutz Jr., chief of Internal Review at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, Miss., was named one of 12 distinguished Louisiana State University (LSU) alumni inducted into LSU’s military Hall of Honor this past fall.
The induction is part of LSU Salutes, which celebrates the contributions of U.S. veterans. The Hall of Honor inductees, all of whom must have attended LSU and served in the military, were selected based on their involvement with the university, as well as military and community service.
Lutz graduated from LSU in 1975 earning a bachelor’s in history and was commissioned through LSU’s Army ROTC. A scholarship cadet, he was a member of the Troy H. Middleton Company, Association of the United States Army, and D Company, 5th Regiment, Scabbard and Blade.
Lutz’s enlisted service included service in Germany and the Louisiana Army National Guard. As a commissioned officer, he served on active duty in South Korea, Germany and Southwest Asia, as well as in the United States.
His last 13 years of military service were spent at the Pentagon on the Joint Staff. His numerous military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
Lutz, a certified public accountant in Maryland and Mississippi, served as chief, Internal Review, Department of the Army, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, prior to coming to ERDC in 2012.