CSM Getrea graduated from Gaithersburg High School in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in 1942, and was drafted into the Army in 1943. He attended basic training and advanced infantry training at Fort Benning where he also graduated from the Airborne Jump School. He served on active duty from 1943 to 1969 – through World War II, Korea and Vietnam – and was permanently retired in 1974.During his distinguished 26-year career, CSM Getreu held a wide variety of logistics administrative, command and staff positions that included Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Central Issue Facility, 82^nd Replacement Company; Regimental Supply Sergeant, 187^th Regimental Combat Team; Chief Clerk, G4 Section, 101^st Airborne Division; Sergeant Major, Command and Control Battalion, 101^st Airborne Division; Chief Supply Sergeant, G4 Section, 8^th Infantry Division, Airborne Brigade; Chief Clerk, G4 Section, 8^th Infantry Division, Airborne Brigade; Brigade Sergeant Major, 8^th Infantry Division, Airborne Brigade; Chief Clerk, G4 Section, Fort Ord, CA; Sergeant Major, 503^rd Supply and Transportation Battalion, 3^rd Armored Division, Germany; and Sergeant Major, 1^st Supply and Transportation Battalion, 1^st Infantry Division, Vietnam.