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Lieutenant Colonel <em>Robert Joseph Thomas</em> was born 10 January 1930 in Anaconda, Montana. Throughout his boyhood days he was an avid outdoorsinan, hunting and fishing with his father and brother at every opportunity. In search of adventure Bob enlisted in the United States Navy in February 1947, shortly after his seventeenth birthday, and served until his discharge to enter the United States Military Academy as a cadet on 1 July 1949. During Plebe year he met his OAO (one and only), Sally Neumeyer, whom he courted through four long years. After sharing all of the joys and frustrations of cadet life, they were married on 2 June 1953 following graduation and Bob’s commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Infantry.</div>
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Upon completing the Basic Infantry Course, Ranger and Airborne Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, Bob served as a platoon leader at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, until his reassignment to Korea in January 1955. In Korea he served as a platoon leader, company commander and regimental operations officer with the 31st Infantry Regiment until he was selected as aide-de-camp to the Commanding General, IX Corps Artillery in Japan in October 1955. Sally joined Bob in Japan and in November of 1956 Barbara Ann was born. From May 1956 to December 1956 Bob served as a detachment commander and operations officer with the 1st Special Forces Group, Army Forces Far East Command. Upon completion of advanced Infantry Schooling at Fort Benning in August 1958, Bob and Sally moved to Missoula, Montana, and joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Instructor Group at Montana State University. In March of 1959 their son, Garrison James (Garry), was born rounding out the Thomas family. In June of 1960 Bob was selected for graduate school at the University of Arizona where he studied nuclear engineering for two years followed by an assignment as a qualitative engineer at Sandia Base, New Mexico. In August 1965, Bob entered the Command and Ceneral Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and upon graduation was reassigned to the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam where he served as a battalion executive officer and the assistant G1. In September 1967 he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Research and Development, Headquarters, Department of the Army.</div>
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Like so many of his classmates. Bob Thomas volunteered to return to Vietnam to command a battalion in combat. On 17 March 1970, just two days after his arrival incountry, he was on a routine orientation flight with Major General Lloyd Ramsey, the Amcrical Division Commander, when their helicopter crashed during a sudden tropical storm. Bob and one member of the aircraft crew were killed in the crash and several passengers including General Ramsey were severely injured. Bob was to have taken command of his battalion the following week, an assignment he had eagerly sought and was eminently qualified to perform. He had aptly demonstrated the natural leadership ability to command and had acquired considerable expertise in counter-insurgency warfare. His leadership ability was recognized early when as a First Classman he was selected to be a Cadet Captain and the Company E-2 Commander. Moreover, he had an outstanding record as a commander of a rifle company and a Special Forces Detachment. His Special Forces training, combat experience as a battalion executive officer in the 1st Cavalry Division, and two years on the Southeast Asia Desk in the Office of Research and Development, provided him with a comprehensive background of counterinsurgency warfare.</div>
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That fateful accident on St. Patrick's Day 1970 robbed the Army of a dedicated soldier and an officer of unlimited potential. Although his death came as a great shock to his family and friends it was in some respects the way he would have wanted it. He died quickly, in uniform, on the battlefield, in the service of his country, and this is the way he would have preferred an untimely death. He dedicated his life to the military profession at an early age, had risked death many times before, and was aware of the hazards he faced. His dedication to our profession and distinguished service were appropriately recognized on 17 June 1972 when the United States Army Land Warfare Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground was dedicated as Thomas Hall in the memory of Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Thomas. Bob had worked closely with the Land Warfare Laboratory when assigned to the Office of the Chief of Research and Development effort associated with operations in Southeast Asia. He was instrumental in the development of several quick-response hardware items designed at the laboratory to meet Vietnam requirements. But it was his close personal liaison with the managers and technicians in the laboratory that resulted in his selection by the Memorialization Committee to have the laboratory named in his honor. The dedication ceremony was attended by Bob’s parents, brother and sister from Anaconda. Montana; Sally with Barbara and Cany from St. Petersburg, Florida; and many classmates and friends.</div>
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This article could never be complete without a few words about the character of Bob Thomas. He was unique-a brave soldier, a capable leader, a faithful husband, a loving father, a scholar, an athlete, an engineer, a skilled woodsman, a devout Christian, an adventurer, a craftsman, and a loyal friend—and he did them all well. He lived more in his forty years on this earth than most of us will if we live to be eighty. With a sparkle in his blue eyes, a bright friendly smile and the ability to intelligently converse on most any subject, he quickly made a lasting impression on the people he met. He had that rare touch of human understanding and the ability to communicate with people that made him remembered and respected. He was equally well known to the general he worked for and the clerk in the back office. There was a combination of exuberance and sincerity in his make-up that attracted people and resulted in his having many friends from all walks of life. His wit, humor and unusual talent for coining a new expression or phrase made him a welcome asset to any gathering.</div>
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Bob cherished excitement and was himself an exciting person. He was always deeply involved in some new sport or hobby. At one time or another he was actively engaged in such things as judo, scuba diving, horseback riding, archery, rug weaving, sailing, woodworking, dog training, antique collecting, refinishing furniture, trailer camping, and rebuilding old cars—to mention a few. With each of his avocations and sports he displayed boundless enthusiasm and energy. He did not just try a new activity, he attacked it! His enthusiasm was contagious when he entered into a new venture or project. He would become completely absorbed and not be satisfied until he had completed his project or attained the proficiency he desired.</div>
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Even though he engaged in a wide variety of activities at different times, he was always an ardent outdoorsman. His love for hunting and fishing, developed as a boy in the mountains of Montana, remained a source of enjoyment throughout his life. In the woods or on the stream he was a different man-more relaxed and reflective—yet observant and alert to all of nature around him. He was a delightful outdoor partner. Every trip afield with Bob Thomas became a "safari,” an adventure to be remembered. All day on a lake with perhaps one small fish for the effort would become an action-packed drama when he related the trip to his family that evening. He had a knack for getting the most out of a quiet day afield.</div>
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While Bob lived life to the fullest and did not put off doing those things which gave him pleasure, he nevertheless reserved time for his church, family and friends. He seldom missed a Sunday Mass and always had time to help his children or a neighbor with a project. He found real pleasure in being with his family on an outing, and they with him. Those who were closest and knew him best suffer the deepest sorrow at his passing, but they also must be the most grateful for having shared a part of his world-for that was a unique experience.</div>
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<em>-D.S.R. '53</em></div>