Former Joint Chiefs chairman partially paralyzed after fall

Gen. Shelton with former Defense Secretary William Cohen

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Retired Gen. Henry "Hugh" Shelton, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, suffered some paralysis after a fall from a ladder at his home in Fairfax, Virginia, on Saturday, officials said Tuesday.

Shelton initially had no ability to move his arms or legs, but some movement has returned since the accident, Pentagon sources said.

A statement from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where Shelton is being treated, said he is in "serious condition but resting comfortably."

"Shelton initially experienced partial paralysis, and is still experiencing weakness in his right leg and both arms but has shown some gradual improvement," the statement said. "He has no problems with speech or breathing. He is alert, able to sit and is conversing with the medical staff and with his wife, Carolyn, who is at his bedside."

EXTRA INFORMATION On the Scene: Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Shelton's prognosis

A spokesman for the Walter Reed Army Medical Center said Shelton, 60, was initially taken to Fairfax Hospital, and was transported to Walter Reed later Saturday.

Shelton completed a four-year term as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on September 30. Before that he was chief of the U.S. Special Operations Command.

He commanded the Joint Task Force that conducted Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti in 1994-95 and was assistant division commander for operations of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during the Persian Gulf War in 1991.

Shelton's other commands have included the 82nd Airborne Division and the 18th Airborne Corps. He served two tours in Vietnam, first with the 5th Special Forces Group and then with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

A native of Tarboro, North Carolina, Shelton has received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.