Calvin Schutte was born in Michigan and served in the Army during the Korean War. He arrived in Korea in December, 1951 after having been drafted into the service. He attained the rank of Sergeant and Squad Leader, and served in several capacities including general infantry duty and guarding prisoners on Koji-do Island. He spent much of his service on Heartbreak Ridge serving with the 25th Infantry Division. He returned to the United States and worked as a farmer and for General Motors.