SAE Alumnus Lee William “Bill” McNutt Receives George Marshall Award for National Veterans Advocacy

Lee William “Bill” McNutt, an SAE alumnus and longtime advocate for America’s veterans, was honored with the George Marshall Award during a ceremony held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on April 13, 2026.

The George Marshall Award recognizes patriotic Americans who embody the sacrifice, resilience, and service of the 16 million men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II.

McNutt, who served as an SAE Educational Advisor at Tennessee Nu from 1977 to 1979 and at Texas Delta in 1977, also dedicated his time as an alumni advisor to the Vanderbilt SAE Chapter. His lifelong involvement with SAE reflects a deep commitment to mentorship, brotherhood, and developing future leaders.

Beyond his fraternity service, McNutt is best known as the co-founder of State Funeral for War Veterans, an organization he launched in 2017 alongside his daughter, Rabel McNutt. What began as a family-driven idea grew into a nationwide movement dedicated to honoring fallen service members and advocating for national recognition of the final Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and the Korean War. McNutt worked tirelessly to provide strategy, leadership, and recruitment, building an organization with representation in all 50 states.

“I had the honor of working with Mr. McNutt,” said Medal of Honor recipient from Vietnam, James McCloughan. “The United States had held many funerals for famous Generals, but never one for an enlisted man until Bill McNutt and his daughter got involved. They truly changed American history.”

The United States had held many funerals for famous Generals, but never one for an enlisted man until Bill McNutt and his daughter got involved. They truly changed American history.

The United States had held many funerals for famous Generals, but never one for an enlisted man until Bill McNutt and his daughter got involved. They truly changed American history.
Through McNutt’s leadership, the organization successfully supported national ceremonies honoring Medal of Honor recipients Hershel “Woody” Williams and Colonel Ralph Puckett, both of whom lay in honor under the U.S. Capitol dome. These efforts fulfilled a long-standing mission to ensure that America’s most decorated heroes received recognition on a national stage.

Congressman Jack Bergman, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General, presented the award and praised McNutt’s leadership and vision.

“Mr. Bill McNutt took his daughter’s idea and turned it into a nationwide organization that honored the 16 million men and women who wore our uniform in World War II, and the 1.9m who served during the Korean conflict. It is fitting he is receiving the George Marshall Award. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called Marshall ‘the organizer of the Allied Victory in the Second World War’. Bill McNutt’s organization and perseverance brought honor to the Veterans of both World War II and Korea.”

The George Marshall Award has previously been presented to national leaders, military heroes, and public servants who demonstrated exceptional dedication to honoring America’s veterans, including Congressman Steve Scalise, Hershel “Woody” Williams, Charles Coolidge, and Senator Joe Manchin.

The April 13 ceremony brought together veterans, leaders, and supporters from across the country to recognize McNutt’s lasting impact and decades-long commitment to service, remembrance, and national honor. Congratulations, Bill!