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<em>Robert Chaffee Oliver </em>was an Army “brat” and gloried in his inheritance. He was born in Manila, the Philippine Islands, the son of a dental surgeon who was later to become the senior officer in the Dental Corps. Bob learned early to treasure the nomad existence which added so much flavor to life in the “Old Army.”</p>
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Bob was a natural for the Academy. His love of the Service, a well-coordinated body, a nimble mind well-tutored by Shadman’s, a deeply defined sense of fair play, and a fondness for people made him an ideal candidate.</p>
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As a cadet, Robert led an almost ideal existence. Nothing ever really got him down. Academics never worried him. He was an above-average participant in all sports. He sang in the Cadet Choir for four years and took part in all Color Line and Hundredth Night performances. He always had time to join others in search of diversion. His pleasing tenor voice and faithful guitar could be heard in the rooms, halls, and sinks of old “D” Company at any hour, regardless of the Tacs. As one of his roommates wrote: “I check in with a final loving salute to Bob’s memory—one gloriously young in heart; the guitar player with the snappy brown eyes and the infectious grin; the beloved, carefree, roommate who skidded into ranks at the last second; the true friend who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.”</p>
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Upon graduation Lieutenant Oliver chose the Field Artillery and served in that branch or over seven years before entering flight training. During the years before World War II, he progressed through the usual command assignments and a succession of Service institutions: Field Artillery School, flight schools at Brooks and Kelly, Air Tactical School, and the Command and General Staff School.</p>
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In October 1941, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver was detailed by General Arnold as an observer with the British Desert Air Force in Libya and Egypt. Later, flying IMO’s with the 2d South African Squadron, he scored his first "kill” against the German-Italian Desert Air Force while on a fighter sweep over Rommel’s line.</p>
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Promoted to colonel in March 1942, Bob was sent to India with the mission of activating and commanding the China-Burma-India Air Service Command. He received his promotion to brigadier general there in December 1942.</p>
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In late 1945 and early 1946, Bob commanded the Flying Training Command at Randolph Field, Texas, and in October 1946 he took command of the 301st Fighter Wing in the Far East and later the 13th Air Force in the Philippines. He returned from the Philippines to become Deputy Commander of the 9th Air Force at Langley. From May 1950 until his retirement, General Oliver headed the Air Depot at Burtonwood, England.</p>
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As far back as I can remember, Bob was courting Dorothy Townshend, another Army “brat.” All during our cadet days we basked in the sunshine of Dottie’s smile. They were married at Christmastime in 1923. To this union was born one son, Robert Townshend Oliver, who, when he married, took up residence in Westminster, California, only a few miles away from Dottie and Bob. The young couplc, with their four children, was a great source of happiness to Bob in the final years when his health was failing so rapidly. Dottie still resides, in Long Beach, California.</p>
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General Oliver was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters. He also received the Order of Rafidran from Iran, the Order of Chien Yuan from the Republic of China, and the Legion of Honor, Commander, from the Philippine Commonwealth.</p>
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Bobbie was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery along with his old friends and compatriots in arms. We shall miss him.</p>
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One who lived valiantly has passed</p>
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Why should we grieve </p>
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If we believe.</p>
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<em>—A Classmate</em><br />
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