Robert M. Shoemaker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert M. Shoemaker
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | February 18, 1924 Almont, Michigan |
| Died | June 21, 2017 (aged 93) Harker Heights, Texas |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1946–1982 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | United States Army Forces Command III Corps 1st Cavalry Division 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star Medal |
| Other work | Commissioner, Bell County, Texas |
| Signature |  |
Robert Morin Shoemaker (born February 18, 1924 – died June 21, 2017) was a very important United States Army general. He once led the United States Army Forces Command, which is a huge part of the Army. He is also honored in the Aviation Hall of Fame because of his work with military aircraft.
Contents
Robert Shoemaker's Early Life and Army Career
Robert Shoemaker was born on February 18, 1924, in a town called Almont, Michigan. He went to the United States Military Academy and finished in 1946. After graduating, he became an officer in the infantry, which is the part of the army that fights on foot.
Before joining the Army, he had actually signed up to be an officer in the United States Navy. But he switched to the Army before he started active duty in the Navy. He served in different groups like the 1st Infantry Division and the 82nd Airborne Division. Later, he helped decide where infantry officers would be assigned. He also worked as an advisor to the Iranian military.
Flying High: Becoming an Army Aviator
In 1960, Shoemaker learned to fly and earned his aviator's wings. This meant he could pilot military aircraft. He even taught at the Army's Aviation School. In 1962, he was part of a special group called the Howze Board. This group created new ways for the Army to use helicopters and aircraft in battles, known as "air assault operations."
After that, he went to Vietnam to see how well Army aircraft could be used there. He joined an experimental group called the 11th Air Assault Division. This division later became the famous 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). In July 1965, he took charge of the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment.
In December 1965, he led the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment. This was the only "air cavalry" squadron in the Army at that time, meaning they used helicopters for quick attacks and scouting.
Leading Big Army Groups
General Shoemaker returned to the United States for a while, working at the Pentagon. Then, he went back to Vietnam for his third time. He became the Chief of Staff for the 1st Cavalry Division. In 1969, he became the Assistant Division Commander of the same division.
Later, he became the main commander of the 1st Cavalry Division. He also commanded the III Corps, which is a very large group of soldiers. In 1977, he became the Deputy Commander of the United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM). A year later, he was promoted to a full general and became the top commander of FORSCOM.
Awards and Honors
General Shoemaker received many important awards for his bravery and service. Here are some of them:
He also earned many medals, including:
- Army Distinguished Service Medal
- Silver Star
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star Medal
- Air Medal (many times)
- Army Commendation Medal
- Army Presidential Unit Citation
- Valorous Unit Award
- Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
- American Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
- Army of Occupation Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Korean Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 1st class
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm
- Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, 1st class
- Korean Presidential Unit Citation
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
- United Nations Korea Medal
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
Life After the Army
General Shoemaker retired from the Army in 1982. He moved to the area near Fort Hood, Texas, and continued to help his community. He was elected as a Bell County Commissioner for eight years, helping to make decisions for the county.
He also supported a project that led to the creation of Texas A&M University–Central Texas, a university near Fort Hood. He was also involved with many other groups, like being the President of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and the Heart of Texas Council of the Boy Scouts. He also served as President of the Fort Hood Chapter of the United Way, which helps people in need.
General Shoemaker received more honors later in his life. In 2002, he was added to the United States Army Operational Testers' Hall of Fame. In 2004, he received a special award from the alumni group of the United States Military Academy. He was also honored in the Army Aviation Hall of Fame in 1983.
Robert Shoemaker passed away on June 21, 2017, at the age of 93, in Harker Heights, Texas. A high school in Killeen, Texas is named after him, honoring his lasting impact.
Images for kids
-
Combat Infantryman Badge
-
Army Master Aviator Badge
-
Senior Parachutist Badge
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal ribbon
-
Silver Star ribbon
-
Legion of Merit ribbon
-
Distinguished Flying Cross ribbon
-
Bronze Star Medal ribbon
-
Air Medal ribbon
-
Award numeral 4
-
Award numeral 5
-
Army Commendation Medal ribbon
-
Army Presidential Unit Citation ribbon
-
Valorous Unit Award ribbon
-
Army Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon
-
American Campaign Medal ribbon
-
World War II Victory Medal ribbon
-
Army of Occupation Medal ribbon
-
National Defense Service Medal ribbon
-
Korean Service Medal ribbon
-
Vietnam Service Medal ribbon
-
Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order ribbon
-
Vietnam Gallantry Cross ribbon
-
Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal ribbon
-
Korean Presidential Unit Citation ribbon
-
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation ribbon
-
United Nations Korea Medal ribbon
-
Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon
