Chief Warrant Officer-4, Colwell was a career Marine Corps. veteran officer, retiring after almost 40 years of service. He was both a World War II and Korean War veteran. He joined the Marines as a private in May of 1924 and retired in October of 1961 as a CWO-4. He saw sea duty on the USS Chaumont, USS Saratoga, USS Sacramento, and the USS Salt Lake City. He saw shore duty at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Pearl Harbor, Marine Base San Diego and Camp Pendleton. He was awarded the Marine Corps. Good Conduct medal, the Yangtze Service medal, the National Defense Service medal, the American Theater Campaign medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal, the World War II Victory medal, the Korean Service medal, the United Nations Service medal and the Commendation Service Ribbon. His Commendation Citation reads: "For meritorious service in the performance of his duties while serving as assistant personnel officer on the staff of the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, from 1 May, 1944, to 20 August, 1945. Working under exceptionally difficult circumstances due to the unprecedented size of the Fleet Marine Force and the constant shifting of large groups of men necessitated by combat operations covering the entire Pacific Ocean area, Commissioned Warrant Officer COLWELL, as enlisted personnel officer, domonstarated outstanding professional ability in administering a personnel section by means of which the Gommanding General was kept continuously informed as to the status of enlisted personnel of the Force. His efficient administration of personnel policies of this command contributed materially to the combat effectiveness of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." Signed Roy S. Geiger, Lt. General, U.S. Marine Corps.