Who is your personal favorite General or Admiral of all time that you served with and why?

2016-01-16T19:36:01-05:00

Who is your personal favorite General or Admiral of all time that you served with and why?

RP Members tell us about a General or Admiral that you worked with, served under, or were assigned under during your career in the military that really caught your attention. Describe what he/she meant to you and why he/or she is considered you favorite while serving?

Here is mine. His name was Charles W. Dyke (1 Star at the time) and retired as a Lieutenant General

Here is a picture of him running and doing pushups with the 357th Aviation Detachment, Chièvres Air Base, Belgium and his picture as the Deputy SACEUR, SHAPE, Belgium. I'm running right beside in front and I'm the second man from the left doing pushups!

He is my favorite because of his down to earth approach to talking with soldiers and actually getting out and meeting with the soldiers no what rank, and doing PT with the Soldiers. I received to Letter's of Commendation for maxing the Army Physical Fitness Test from BG Dyke two years in a row while stationed with the 357th Aviation Detachment. As an E-5 he made a lasting impression on me and my decision to go to OCS and become a commissioned officer. I consider him a great general working right under GEN Alexander Haig during my tour of duty with the Aviation Detachment.

CHARLES W. DYKE
FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

Charles W. ("Bill") Dyke retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant General on September 1, 1988 after more than 34 years of service as a soldier, infantry officer, operations and planning staff officer at the unit, theater and national levels, and in high level political military assignments. He founded ITTA on September 1, 1989 and currently serves as Founder and Chairman Emeritus.

In addition to managing and directing ITTA, Mr. Dyke serves as a member of the board of directors of the George C. Marshall Foundation, Lexington, Virginia and with the Advisory Board of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

Mr. Dyke served extensively in Europe, including tours with operational units as a junior officer, as an Assistant Division Commander and Community Commander, and at SHAPE as Executive to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). In the 1980s, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations and Plans, U.S. Army, Europe and as Commanding General 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized).

In Asia, Mr. Dyke served in Korea as a Company Commander in the early 1960s. His thirty-three months’ service in Vietnam included battalion command and duty as G-3 (Operations and Plans) with the 101st Airborne Division. Mr. Dyke's final assignment was in Asia as Commanding General, U.S. Army, Japan and IX Corps, from 1985 to 1988.

Assignments in the United States included duty as Executive to the Secretary of the Army, Commander of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, and with the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Department of the Army, as head of the Army's cooperative weapons development and production program with NATO allies. This assignment was followed by Joint Staff duty where Mr. Dyke served as the Vice Director, J 3 (Operations), Joint Staff, and subsequently as Vice Director, Joint Staff. During this Joint Staff assignment, he headed the Contingency Review Group, reporting directly to the Chairman, JCS. This planning group was responsible for much of the detailed analysis and staff work required to form the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF) which evolved into the U.S. Central Command, now responsible for the Middle East and Persian Gulf region.

Over an Army career that included 13 years as a General Officer, Mr. Dyke gained substantial experience in the formulation and execution of foreign and national security policy, strategic planning, project management, and the direction of multi-national programs. As a senior commander in both Europe and Japan, Mr. Dyke worked with military, diplomatic, political, and business leaders to enhance understanding of the U.S. military and to promote the rationale for forward deployed units.

Mr. Dyke is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, and holds an MA degree in International Affairs (1968) from the George Washington University (Sino Soviet Institute), a Master of Military Art and Science (MMA) from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (1967), and a BA in History from the University of Southern Mississippi (1963). During his service with the U.S. Army, Mr. Dyke was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal twice, the Silver Star twice, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit four times, the Purple Heart, the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun (2nd Class), and numerous other U.S. and foreign badges and awards.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 16 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-01-16T19:38:49-05:00

My personal favorite General COL Mikel J. Burroughs is General of the Armies Omar Bradley who I had the honor of parading before as a cadet at USMA West Point.
Omar Bradley epitomised what was legendary about the greatest generation. He was not flamboyant like Patton and he was much more humbler than MacArthur. He was more like Eisenhower in that he was quit before the public yet an ultimate professional with wisdom combined with a keen sense of strategic and operational know how.
Next to him would be GEN Wayne Downing who I served under when he was COL Wayne Downing in the early 1980s as he commanded the 3rd Brigade 1st Armored Division in bamberg, Germany. Wayne Downing led from the front in every sense of the word. When I had done exceptionally well in a field problem he lent me his seat in his helicopter where his pilot gave me a whirlwind treetop level tour of Hohenfels, Germany.
Then three of my old friends and classmates; Generals Joe Votel, Raymond Tony Thomas and Vince Brooks each graduated with me on May 28, 1980 from USMA 1980. Joe Votel and I served on the honor committee, Vince Brooks was our First Captain and Joe Votel and Tony Thomas were in my regiment at West Point. During the 4 years we were at West Point together I learned to respect and trust each of these men.

Images: General of the Army Omar Bradley; General Wayne Downing; General Joe Votel CENTCOM Commander and General Tony Thomas SOCOM Commander [USMA, 1980]; General Vince Brooks USFK Korea [USMA, 1980]

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 16 at 2016 8:08 PM

2016-01-16T20:08:33-05:00

I had the honor serving with a few Generals, having been on Quantico in a few larger commands. General Zinni however was one of the who stood out the most for me. I was blessed with being able to stand at his retirement ceremony. During the final practice he called all of us together and said (paraphrasing) "If it was up to me, I would have just had them mail me the certificate, but the Commandant said I had to have a Ceremony, and this was as small as I could swing it" (about 100 of us.)

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 16 at 2016 8:23 PM

2016-01-16T20:23:39-05:00

I am too ignorant to answer. Does Alexander the Great count?

Response by SGT Benjamin Lindsey made Jan 16 at 2016 8:38 PM

2016-01-16T20:38:33-05:00

MG Altshuler, I worked for him as a driver for over a year and a half. Before working for him I had probably had the same idea about Generals that most enlisted had. But after working for him he changed my opinion, he was a hard worker, down to earth and even though I was an E4 at the time he never treated me like someone equal to him.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 16 at 2016 8:48 PM

2016-01-16T20:48:33-05:00

Ah, the qualifier that you put on the question limits the field. I was born far too late to serve under Jackson (although he was on the wrong side) or Patton. I suppose that I'd have to say then Major General Thomas M. Rienzi, Stratcom. He went to bat for me when the Army wanted me out. (Wrote letters and made calls to DA) Sadly, even he couldn't save my ass. I had pissed off too many superiors before I reached him. He was a colorful leader. He used to lead pep rallies at West Point tearing the claws off living crabs in prep for the traditional Army/Navy Game. Other than that quirk, he had a lot going for him. He took responsibility. One evening I arrived at our Communications Center where I was operations officer to discover the vault door entrance ajar. I immediately went inside, closed and locked it, then called the MPs to close the base (Fort Shafter). While we were clearing the tunnel, Rienzi arrived in full mess kit, spitting mad. He had a dinner date with the governor and couldn't leave the post. I spoke with him over the intercom (couldn't open the vault door to let even him in until we completed our sweep) and figured out that the last person to exit the tunnel was him. He had stopped by to check on something before heading home to pick up his wife. He commended me for sticking by my guns even though he missed his dinner. Later, he got into trouble with CINCPAC (Adm McCain) when an eyes only msg to McCain was leaked through a fault in the new computer system that I had warned of. He had the good grace to accept responsibility for that. Although he wasn't able to save my career he awarded me an ACM for service (my OLC on the ACM) and sent me on my way feeling proud of serving under him.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jan 16 at 2016 8:51 PM

2016-01-16T20:51:58-05:00

Mine was General Eric Shinseki when he was the ADC(M) of 3rd ID in Germany as BG. After I came out of command, I went to work on Division staff in the G3 shop as the officer in charge of gunnery (coordinating ranges at Graf, etc.). I worked pretty closely with him putting together some different cost-saving measures and I got to fly with him to Graf to meet with the 7th Army Training Command CG. He was very down to earth and I never saw him get upset and yell. In fact, one of the worst ass-chewings I ever had was from him and he didn't raise his voice. I felt so bad because I had let him down. I know he caught a lot of grief later for introducing the black beret when he was the Chief of Staff but I have always had a lot of respect for the leader he was in 3rd ID.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Jan 16 at 2016 9:41 PM

2016-01-16T21:41:52-05:00

Patton, he had what it takes to destroy the enemy.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2016 9:55 PM

2016-01-16T21:55:13-05:00

The only General I served with was Westmoreland, and he was terrible. But there was this one:

Response by SSG Don Maggart made Jan 17 at 2016 12:22 AM

2016-01-17T00:22:12-05:00

Ltc Allen West Hands down then MG. Omar Bradley before my time for giving me life....

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jan 17 at 2016 12:54 AM

2016-01-17T00:54:41-05:00

I never really got to hob nob with generals but I did serve under "Mad-Dog" Mattis when he was a Colonel commanding 7th Marines in the late 1990s. One time after Training at 29 Palms he was down at Camp Pendeltion visiting 3/4 ( My unit) he made it a point to pull our Lt aside and compliment him on the way our 81s Platoon maintained tactical readiness on the move.
Also he once came to one of our ranges and the strap on his sand goggles had "Trigga Happy Bitch Killa" on it.

Response by PO1 T.M. Ritchie made Jan 17 at 2016 1:24 AM

2016-01-17T01:24:43-05:00

Admiral Jeremy(Mike)Boorda the first Navy CNO to go from enlisted to the top rank in the Navy. In 1988 he stopped for refueling near where I was stationed on his plane just to meet me.
I thought that was a nice gesture on his part that he thought that much of me to visit and introduce himself.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jan 17 at 2016 9:38 AM

2016-01-17T09:38:22-05:00

FABULOUS, MIKEL!!!
Well, I never served under him, but I would have to say General George Smith Patton, Jr.
He was quite a General; and quite a personality.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jan 17 at 2016 10:21 AM

2016-01-17T10:21:18-05:00

Mine was MG Patrick Hughes (Army). At the time, he was Director of Intelligence, USCENTCOM. I was a SrA (E-4) at the time and assigned as a country analyst for Somalia. It always impressed me how he trusted my input when the AF senior officers wouldn't even pay attention unless the briefing came from a Captain or higher.

Response by Sgt Tom Vaughn made Jan 17 at 2016 10:48 AM

2016-01-17T10:48:57-05:00

Admiral Zumwalt as s Navsl officer , and 2 of my former company and barracks commanders . 1st admiral Zumwalt chief of Naval Operations , one Sunday morning in December 1973 , while I was NCOIC of raising the colors over the Washingyon Navy yard , with the Post colors being raised right I front of Adm. Zumwalts house ! The Recorded trumpet coming from Bldg 58 ,
I saluted the flag as my 2 other marines pulled and steadied the line as we raised colors , just as it hit the top I heard a families voice say
" corporal Vaughn , it's ipside down "!!!!
It was just a whisper ,

Response by Sgt Tom Vaughn made Jan 17 at 2016 10:48 AM

2016-01-17T10:48:58-05:00

Response by Sgt Tom Vaughn made Jan 17 at 2016 10:48 AM

2016-01-17T10:48:58-05:00

Response by PO3 Michael James made Jan 17 at 2016 5:04 PM

2016-01-17T17:04:10-05:00

Admiral E. R. Zumwalt.. CNO + his efforts to make DOD, and Congress aware of Health Hazards associated with the use of A/O, Which, indeed, we are STILL dealing with 45/50 years later.. Never met him, however, you have to RESPECT his overall knowledge, and concern a human life..

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Jan 18 at 2016 7:05 AM

2016-01-18T07:05:21-05:00

Not too hard of a question. General Louis Hugh Wilson, Jr. (February 11, 1920 – June 21, 2005) was a World War II recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Guam, and 26th Commandant of the Marine Corps. I had the pleasure of serving while he was CMC. He did a splendid job as CMC, but the main reason is my personal connection to this General. I had made Gunnery Sergeant and his signature is on my warrant. While on Joint Service Duty in Germany, he visited our group of Marines in Stuttgart, GE. There were not that many Marine Officers serving, so the Staff NCOs were accorded the privilege to dine with the Commandant. It was a real honor to dine with a Medal of Honor recipient and to be able to actually speak with him. Turned out he was a very likable man as well. His record of service speaks for itself.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Jan 18 at 2016 7:18 AM

2016-01-18T07:18:10-05:00

My father was in the Navy during WWII and then spent another 18 years in the Air Force. The only Admiral or General he ever spoke of with fondness was General Curtis LeMay. Any of you Air Force types familiar with this General?

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Jan 19 at 2016 2:03 AM

2016-01-19T02:03:34-05:00

I never served with these guys but I like General Zanetti... and LOVE General Jerry Boykin of Delta... Also like Admiral Lyons... I think I served under Lyons but not directly... Also like General Stan Flemming...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 5:43 AM

2016-01-19T05:43:12-05:00

In Marine Boot Camp at P.I. years ago there was a General Burroughs I think he was Top-Dog with in the Corp back than. Are you related ??. * As far as the question goes my answer is Brig. General-Christmas. Only because during Boot Camp he was Lt.Col Christmas and I was shocked years latter to see him on C-Span talking with Congress about something important. I felt a strong connection to him simply for that reason , not really a strong reason. But being he served as the my Commanding Officer , First Recruit Training Battalion I felt I knew this great & powerful Marine. I still feel that way - Semper-Fi

Response by CW5 Ivan Murdock made Jan 19 at 2016 6:29 AM

2016-01-19T06:29:47-05:00

GEN Bryan D. Brown

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 19 at 2016 8:30 AM

2016-01-19T08:30:44-05:00

General Al Gray when he was CG of Second MarDiv.

He pushed the 4th generation Maneuver Warfare motif that animated the Corps in the ‘80’s. I remember seeing 50 Marine tanks at Fort Pickett in 1982. That many Marine tanks together had probably not been seen since WWII.

Also, General Gray (proving handily why the Marine Corps is better than the Army) directed that all long weekends would start at Noon on Friday and end at Noon on Tuesday for the troops of 2nd MarDiv and what they called back then the “Carolina MAGTF.” A friend of mine who was at Fort Bragg in the same time frame told me that the Army went to the exact opposite – holding liberty call (or whatever the Army calls it) until 10PM on Fridays and requiring that it end at 6AM on the Tuesday following the holiday. Like the Army guys weren’t going to sky off up and down the East Coast any way.

What General Gray did was a real world answer to a real world problem. A dozen or more Marines and sailors were getting killed every year in car wrecks coming back to CamLej after holiday weekends. I knew two personally who were killed in 1984.

General Gray was a great leader.

He also oversaw the writing of FMFM 1-1.

Picture taken when he was CMC.

Walt

Response by CW4 William Van Almsick made Jan 19 at 2016 10:54 AM

2016-01-19T10:54:43-05:00

I have had the opportunity to serve with some great commanders during my career. Some went on to attain the rank of General. My personal favorite is current LTG Kevin Mangum, currently the Deputy Commander at TRADOC. He was my company commander when I was a young Warrant Officer, CW2. I was his Standardization Officer and he taught me more about the whole "Big Picture" than any other commander I had previous to that. He challenged me to excel at being the "whole" soldier. Not just a Warrant Officer or aviator, but to excel at being the consummate soldier. I was just about to get out of the Army when he took command of our unit and through his guidance, he changed my whole career, definitely for the better. Thanks boss. "Shoot'em in the Face!" (That is the 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment motto)

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jan 19 at 2016 11:40 AM

2016-01-19T11:40:01-05:00

I knew LTG Dyke, he was my first CG upon entering the Army and IX Corps back in 1988. He was a stellar guy on the outside, but my only drawback was I was never inside the board room (Command and Staff), but the COL's that came out of there was in disbelief and amazed at his temper. Man liked to throw pencils at colonels and most did not like working for him. It was unfortunate as he was admired much like you said from the ground up.

While LTG Dyke was my first CG out of basic training, I have had the opportunity to work for a few and interact with them. I must say that the general officers who are still people, real and sincere in their quest to make the Army and its most valuable resource, Soldiers better stand out the most. GEN Cody, the VCSA was ex ceptional in the fact he always tried to dump the aide and get to where the Soldiers were without his entourage and the early nofitication. He wanted to see and talk to Soldiers where the rubber met the road. His love for the Army is still divested in the enterprise as we move forward, much like many others to include GEN Sullivan and others.

Because my career is not culimnated in retirement yet, I will reserve my answer until complete my career as others still have a chance to impress and drive my answer to be "That guy or gal" that I will place at the top. There are a list of ones I truly think and hold in high regard, others, not so much.

Thanks for the walk down memroy lane with Dyke and I must say, that was the funniest uniform I have ever worn for a Change of Command, that was his passing of the IX Corps colors to then LTG Johnny Corns. We wore the Army Class A uniform, with a camoflage Kevlar and jump boots with LBE, fixed bayonets. Was probably the longest change of command I was ever a part of in my current 28 years.

Response by SSG Larry Smith made Jan 19 at 2016 1:06 PM

2016-01-19T13:06:27-05:00

general keith ware KIA in viet nam, shot down in his chopper call sign 77

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Jan 19 at 2016 3:29 PM

2016-01-19T15:29:51-05:00

General Monday !

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Jan 20 at 2016 12:46 AM

2016-01-20T00:46:09-05:00

I worked for General Disarray a lot!!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 21 at 2016 1:28 AM

2016-01-21T01:28:11-05:00

Though I never worked directly for him, CNO ADM Jeremy "Mike" Boorda. The first CNO that didn't graduate from Anapolis. The Sailor's Sailor. The Champion of the Enlisted Man. The man who went from E-1 to O-10.

I read many stories of how he cared for the Sailors. A few that really stand out to me was: He was touring some base and came up on a Sailor in an extremely dirty uniform, because the Sailor was doing some dirty work (picking weeds, picking up trash/butts, etc.). ADM Boorda was on his way to the base auditorium for an All Hands Call and asked the Sailor if he was going to attend. Sailor said "No Sir, I wouldn't have time to get cleaned up and put on a fresh uniform. My Chief would kill me." Boorda said something like "Nonsense. I expect to see you there, as is."
Said Sailor showed up, dirty uniform and all, getting many dirty looks from Chiefs and Officers. ADM Boorda comes out and says "Where is Seaman soandso? He's my personal guest." Basically he made the kid feel just as important as everyone else.

Another time he was touring another base and was going through the junior enlisted barracks, which was pretty rundown. Boorda understood that he couldn't magically pull funds out of the air to fix the barracks, so he ordered the BEQ manager to get a pool table for the recreation room.

One other story, and I can't confirm this one (heard it from a guy who heard it from a guy, that kind of thing). Boorda was on a ship doing another All Hands call, and at the end of it asked "Does anyone have any questions or requests for me?" A PO2 supposedly raised his hand and asked if he could become an Ensign. Allegedly Boorda was so impressed that he promoted the guy on the spot to O-1.

Again, I'm not sure about the accuracy on that, since I don't think that even the Chief of Naval Operations has the authority to commission an Officer. I thought that authority came from Congress by the President.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2016 10:31 AM

2016-02-08T10:31:50-05:00

General Miley

Response by BG Keith Gallagher, FACHE made Feb 17 at 2016 3:32 PM

2016-02-17T15:32:40-05:00

My favorite General was Blackjack Pershing. He embarked on the Army's expeditionary mission with convictions, a deep caring for his Soldiers, and took no BS from the Generals of France or Britian as to how his Soldiers would be used. He ensured they fought as Americans and led by Americans. He even delayed putting them on the line until they were trained on the tactics of trench warfare. He and the Amerrican Doughboys saved Europe and through maneuver, not trench warfare, they broke through and prompted Germany's surrender. He was an American hero and legend.

Response by COL Lee Flemming made Aug 23 at 2016 3:26 AM

2016-08-23T03:26:56-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs love the Chievres pics! I have operational control (OPCON) of the squadron on that base now. Small world!!

Response by CW5 Ivan Murdock made Feb 9 at 2017 9:17 PM

2017-02-09T21:17:28-05:00

Gen Bryan D. Brown - our first Aviation Branch GEN officer. I was fortunate to have served with him at Battalion, Brigade (REGT), JSOC, USASOC, SOCOMM level as a commander. He came in the army during Vietnam as a young enlisted soldier returned as an officer and went to fly in Vietnam as a 2nd LT. He worked through all levels of the "new" branch. One of the first company commanders who was pulled from the 101st Airborne Division to form what is now the 160th SOAR(A). Working in the ashes of Desert One to train for the second attempt. The Iran government released the hostages on President Reagan's inauguration day. As a plank holder he helped shape the transformation of Aviation as they moved to the modern aircraft as we prepared the new unit to specifically pair with our ground partners in preparation for missions at a National Command level.

He never forgot who he was or where he came from, even as he was working at the highest echelons of our military in a combined commander as one our CINC's. With GEN Cody, (who I also served with at several levels) they are still the only 4 start aviation branch GEN officers in our 34 year history. Staying connected through charity and mentor ship, still inputs valuable direction and guidance to our leadership.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 15 at 2017 3:53 PM

2017-05-15T15:53:25-04:00

Major General Gordon Stump, AG for the state of Michigan, he earned my respect for his mannerism, his treatment of the troops in the state. A great person to look up to.

Response by SFC William H. made May 15 at 2017 4:06 PM

2017-05-15T16:06:37-04:00

General Norman Swartzkoph. Old "Stormin Norman" was a great General; loved his troops and put up with absolutely ZERO incompetence or BS.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made May 15 at 2017 4:16 PM

2017-05-15T16:16:02-04:00

Well I don't have a favorite General per se but I liked my General at 1st Cav during OIF 2. Somehow I'd only remember the only General I didn't like during my time in the Army... General Shinseki.

Response by SSG William Jones made May 15 at 2017 4:34 PM

2017-05-15T16:34:20-04:00

MG Lindsay M. Freeman is a man that I deeply respect because I served under him many years ago when he was my company commander and I was company clerk. MANY years later, when I came back to Ft. Campbell from the Gulf War, he sent a Major in a Humvee to tell me to wait about 15 minutes because he wanted to welcome me back. Soon, he arrived in a silver staff car with a 2 star licence plate. He visited me for probably 10-15 minutes. He later was at Ft. Knox and took time to visit me while I was in a class during Drill Sergeant School. Later, he sent me a letter on his MG stationary congratulating me on graduating (I was in my mid-forties which was a bit old for most folks). How can you not think highly of a man like that!!! I still see him once a month when a bunch of us retirees gather at a restaurant close to Ft. Campbell. I'm thankful to be his friend.

Response by SPC Benjamin Hartog made May 15 at 2017 4:51 PM

2017-05-15T16:51:33-04:00

I nominate Lt. General Julian Johnson Ewell, CG of the 9th Infantry Division, 1968, the year he commanded operation "Speedy Express" in the Republic of South Vietnam. The operation lasted 6 months and reputedly resulted in 10,899 enemy KIA. Only 748 weapons were captured and turned in, however. The huge disparity between these two numbers suggest that many more civilians were killed than VC. The operation took place in the Mekong Delta, an enclave long dominated by the VC. I submit this nomination with irony. General Ewell had a very decisive impact on the pacification of the Mekong Delta and it led to his promotion to II Field Force commander. General Ewell died on 7/27/2009 at the age of 93. His legacy will always be controversial. He was well known as a brilliant tactician and strategist. He was obsessed with high body counts and until the day he died he never provided a convincing explanation why so many non-combatants died in operation "Speedy Express."

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 15 at 2017 6:39 PM

2017-05-15T18:39:53-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Have to be My First Boss at CINCPACFLT, ADM Thomas B. Hayward, Short, Thin, Fellow that always Carried Himself Well, Very Pleasant Personality, We would Generally take the Back Stairs to avoid contact with Senior Members of Staff but Tommy Knew and He was Having None of it. He would take the Back Stairs quite Frequently to Visit with "His Enlisted's. Only had one Personal Inspection and the reason being "I've Never Seen My Entire Staff in One Place at One Time" (More of a Meet and Greet) and Always thought the World of My Direct Boss RADM Dixon, Chief of Staff for Intelligence. Definitely an Attention Getter being that He was Taller than Me and I'm Pretty Tall. You could Usually find him on the Tennis Court behind FICPAC, Damn Good Tennis Player and I was a Tennis Hustler. He thought it was Great Fun if He could Sneak Up on You. Remember working a Crisis in the FOSIC and Hot and Heavy on 3 TTYs typing and passing Orders from the ICWO and MWO. Someone comes up behind me asks to establish a 3 way tty conversation between a few Outstations, I Figure it was the ICWO (LTJG Usually) "Just Hold on a Damn,,,,Oh Hello Admiral" (Shit, Damn, SOB). RADM Dixon Just Got a Big Shit Eating Grin on his Face.

Response by MSG Andrew White made May 15 at 2017 7:05 PM

2017-05-15T19:05:10-04:00

MAJOR GENERAL CHARLIE WILSON!! GOOD GUY-I RAN THE INFANTRY, OPFOR, AND MP TEAM WHILE IN THE 85TH DIV, AND ALSO SERVED WITH HIM IN THE 70TH DIV TRAINING, WHEN I WAS A DRILL SGT. ALWAYS BACKED HIS GUYS!!

Response by SFC William Stephens made May 16 at 2017 12:06 PM

2017-05-16T12:06:28-04:00

ACOS GENERAL MARTIN DEMPSEY as a MG he lead the 1AD to VICTORY in IRAQ in OIF I served in 4-1 FA Direct Support Artillery to 1AD and got to meet GEN Dempsey before I left Iraq. 2003-2004

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made May 16 at 2017 8:34 PM

2017-05-16T20:34:09-04:00

Obviously I did not serve with him, but I did write my H.S. Senior Paper on Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. Coming from a H.S. where they made the football team ride bulls on the off season to keep them tough, that went over like a turd in the punch bowl. However, the more I studied the man and the officer, I came to realize what a honorable and pure warrior he really was. OK guys you are weapons free...

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 17 at 2017 12:37 AM

2017-05-17T00:37:49-04:00

David Quantock!

Response by MAJ Alan Reiter M.A. made May 17 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-05-17T13:13:26-04:00

Upon mobilization of my USAR unit I worked on the staff of Colonel(P) David A Whaley, who was DCSTRANS 22nd Support Command, from 13 October 1990-31 May 1991 as a transportation Staff Officer. During that time I was responsible for the following: I was assigned as the Theater Tasking Officer during Desert Shield (Gulf War/Defense of Saudi Arabia) , Desert Storm (Gulf War/Liberation and Defense of Kuwait) and Desert Farewell (Gulf War/Southwest Asia Ceasefire Campaign), managing Third US Army, 22nd Sup Com, host nation, contracted and allied nations common haul transportation assets for the CENTCOM commander.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
US Army liaison officer for the November 1990 Presidential visit to Dhahran Saudi Arabia.
22nd Support Command JUMP-CP planning cell in December 1990 for the planning of the transportation portion of Operation Desert Storm.
Assigned, Port of Dammam Saudi Arabia March 1991 as redeployment officer and the C.O., 22nd Support Command Representative.
When I was demobilized and reverted back to reserve status on 4 July 1991 I left my unit and applied for a position as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee with Military Traffic Management Command eastern area. Brigadier General David Whaley had taken command of the unit and hired me. General Whaley is a brilliant planner and logistician who was extremely professional yet approachable. He had an ability to place people into positions that they could excel in. He also had the ability to bring out the best work product in subordinates even when those subordinates did not think they had to ability to do so. I learned a lot about leadership while working for him.
David A. Whaley – Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, The Linc Group
Prior to his current role, Whaley held the same position at ServiceCo and has served as CEO or President of several of The Linc Group’s current or former business units. Prior to pursuing a career in the commercial sector, Whaley served 33 years with the U.S. Army, retiring as a Major General. Major General Whaley served in the Pentagon as an Army War Planner and as a Joint Chiefs of Staff War Planner. He commanded soldiers and units at all levels including commanding the 11th Battalion at Ft. Story, Virginia from 1984 to 1986. From there, he went to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, '86-'87; '87-'88, he was a War Planner on the Joint Staff JCS. From there, he commanded the 7th Group for 27 months here at Ft. Eustis, Virginia, and took it to Saudi Arabia, changed command in Saudi Arabia in November of '90. From November of '90 to September of '91, he was the Deputy Commanding General for Operations and Transportation, 22nd Support Command in Saudi Arabia for Desert Storm/Desert Shield/Desert Farewell. He left in September 1991 and took command of the Military Traffic Management Command, Eastern Area. He commanded that through July of '93. He was the Commanding General, U.S. Army Transportation Center; Commandant, U.S. Army Transportation School; and Chief of Transportation at Fort Eustis, Virginia. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics and Readiness, Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort McPherson, Georgia. His last duties before retiring in February 1999 were as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, Headquarters, Department of the Army. In this assignment, he functioned essentially as the Army’s Real Estate or Property Manager developing and defending before Congress a $9 billion annual budget and was responsible for the operations and maintenance functions of all 264 Army installations worldwide representing 12.8 million acres, 169,000 buildings, 1.1 billion square feet of family housing, 70,000 miles of road, 13,700 miles of waterway, and 2,600 miles of railway. Additionally, he was responsible for the development and execution of the Army’s Outsourcing and Privatization Program, Base Realignment and Closure (“BRAC”) Programs, Environmental Restoration, Military Construction and Barracks Renewal Programs and the Army’s Residential Community Initiative. Whaley holds a BS from the University of Rhode Island and a MBA from Adelphi University. He is a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made May 18 at 2017 12:28 AM

2017-05-18T00:28:58-04:00

COL., I had the opportunity to serve under numerous Outstanding Admirals in my 33 year Naval Career. My Two Favorite were Admiral Sullens who was my 4th FSSG 4th MedBn Commander! He always led from the Front and was a great mentor to me. The second was Admiral Frankin who was my Readiness Commander. We served on numerous boards together including a ComNavResFor Policy Board at Naval Headquarters Station New Orleans. He was Truly an inspiration to me as I advanced up to Master Chief. Both of these Admirals were Outstanding Leaders and we came to be on a first name Basis out of Mutual Respect for Each other's opinions and input. They called me John and I Always called them Admiral

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made May 18 at 2017 8:40 AM

2017-05-18T08:40:48-04:00

My career allowed me the opportunity to get to know several General officers on a personal level and there are three that I could easily pick as a favorite depending upon the circumstances; Lt. General James Pocock, Major General Bruce MacDonald and Major General John Kulhavi.
Each one contributed to my success as an officer through guidance, assignment selection and by setting and maintaining an exemplary example of a military officer worthy of emulation.
But to select the man having the greatest impact on my professional career, that would have to be Lt. General Pocock.
I served on his staff when he commanded the 70th Infantry Division (IT) and found him to be intelligent, level headed and personable while maintaining the highest standards and traditions of the U.S. Army.

General Pocock could challenge an individual in subtle ways, never leaving the impression that he was disappointed in someone, but always that he had a greater ambition for them and drew out the best in a leader. His technique made one want to produce for him and to exceed whatever his expectations were of them.
While other senior field grade officers and even some general officers played the role of the "hard core, tough-guy", General Pocock was the polar opposite of that style of leadership and his CIB and other awards spoke for his abilities as a warrior.

The following is an excerpt from the National Military Archives:
"For over 38 years, Major General James Pocock served in numerous important positions. These include guarding the East-West German Border as part of the 14th Armored Cavalry.
After serving in combat during the Vietnam War, Pocock commanded the 70th Training Division.
His 2006 novel, Across the Barbed Wire, tells the story of an East German family's attempt to escape into West Germany. It has been called "Fascinating, compelling and historically accurate."

I still serve with him today, as a member of the scholarship committee for the Michigan chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

While much can be said about this highly decorated combat veteran and his military accomplishments, there is much more to be said about him as a person.
He is real - there are no pretenses with Jim Pocock. In the nearly 40 years that I have known him, he has been the same quiet, humble, gentleman I first met in the late 1970's and in all that time, I've never heard anyone cast a disparaging remark about his abilities, professionalism or character and I was certainly in a position to hear such things had they been uttered.

I am proud to have served under his command and prouder still to call him my friend.

Thank you for posting this Colonel Burroughs- have a great day!

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made May 18 at 2017 8:45 AM

2017-05-18T08:45:59-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I'm going with Gen Al Gray, even though I didn't directly work for any Generals PER se, I feel he made the biggest impact on my Marine Corps career. He demonstrated how to be tough but fair, compassionate with a resolve, and he set the tone for the U.S.M.C. to follow.
S/F

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made May 18 at 2017 8:58 AM

2017-05-18T08:58:00-04:00

Never got within a football field distance from an Officer above O-6. Might be a message there. However, Patton and Nimitz would be at the top of my list. With totally different mannerisms and leadership styles.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2017 9:15 AM

2017-05-18T09:15:46-04:00

General Mattis. He's a living legend. I'm not saying the others aren't. And not because he's SecDef (that's a bonus tho, we definitely needed that). But he my personal favorite.

Response by PO3 John Wagner made May 18 at 2017 9:35 AM

2017-05-18T09:35:16-04:00

Wow. That list of accomplishments almost make Colin Powels look tame. Though I never served under Powel of course he is the General I have admired most. But this man of whom you speak did it all. Thanks for sharing Sir. I have learned a great deal about you this morning as well.

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made May 18 at 2017 9:50 AM

2017-05-18T09:50:23-04:00

My grandfather was a marine and avid reader. He introduced me to Chester Puller. I liked Chesty's story he started out a private and made his way to general.

Response by SSgt John Carter made May 18 at 2017 10:03 AM

2017-05-18T10:03:05-04:00

Chappie James.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 18 at 2017 10:47 AM

2017-05-18T10:47:58-04:00

General Walter Kross, USAF. Then-Maj Gen Kross was the US Transportation Command, Director of Operations and Logistics, J3-4, during DESERT SHIELD/STORM. I worked with Gen Kross in the USTRANSCOM Crisis Action Team for many months. I greatly admired his unflappable personality. He came into the J3-4 job just after DESERT SHIELD started and had a steep learning curve, but rapidly grasped and shaped USTRANSCOM's leadership of transportation and deployment support to the DoD. He was comfortable communicating with generals at US Central Command, Army Forces Command, Military Airlift Command, and many others; but equally capable of guiding and mentoring the operations staff in difficult situations. His leadership shaped the way USTRANSCOM worked with its Transportation Component Commands, the Supported Commander, and the Force Providers for the next decade. He presided at my retirement--a great honor in itself.

A couple of interesting points: he flew 100 missions over North Vietnam. He authored a book about combat flying because he thought he could do better than "Twelve O'clock High." He did.

Several years later, I met him again at the USTRANSCOM 10th anniversary. He was a General by then. I was impressed that he remembered my name, my wife's name, and asked about our children. That's the type of person he was. Truly mission oriented, but concerned for his people.

Response by SSgt Carrie Foster Campbell made May 18 at 2017 11:07 AM

2017-05-18T11:07:57-04:00

When I was in the Army (yes I served in the Army along with also serving the in Air Force) while stationed in Germany the Commanding General of Army Europe was a man name Gen. Glen Otis. A few years earlier My father work directly with him when my dad was CSM of the 1st Armored Div in Germany. I was a young airman in the Air Force when I met him and treated me with nothing but respect.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made May 18 at 2017 11:10 AM

2017-05-18T11:10:44-04:00

All the Generals I've served under were Stalwart men that looked after the Airmen
That served in their command, so they were all favorites ...

Response by CAPT Hiram Patterson made May 18 at 2017 12:47 PM

2017-05-18T12:47:03-04:00

If I had served under Patton or Halsey in WW2 it would have been them. They were tough old warriors who gave the enemy no quarters. Marine General Al Gray in the mid-80's was a true warrior who transformed the Marine Corp into a premier force of maneuver warfare. In 1988 I heard him speak in Long Beach at a commemoration ceremony for a new Tarawa Battle Monument that replaced one that was destroyed. I was one of the honor guards for the monument.

Response by PO2 Chris Hearne made May 18 at 2017 1:53 PM

2017-05-18T13:53:11-04:00

For a General, it would be JCS Peter Pace. I was on a deployment (as anE4), and he gave us a 10 minute speech about the importance of our mission, presence, etc. It was a Saturday, and I decided to goto sleep early that night because i didnt have watch. At about midnight, i get woken up by an MM1, saying that his (the Flag Staff personal) refrigerator was not working. So I get dressed, get my multimeter and other tools, and get up there with a quickness. Of course, the general is standing there watching us work. I checked fuses and they were fine, then i checked the fans, and it looked like it didnt have power. As I was about to ask the dumb question, the MM1 told me to go back to sleep. The cord was unplugged. General Pace said, "So, my staff woke you up for that? Come back here at 1000, and lunch will be taken care of." Lunch wasnt anything fancy: pasta and cheese bread, but both MM1 and i got an apology from one of the Maj he was with.

As for Admiral, well, I worked for Capt O'Hanlon while on the TR, and he was the most down to earth man I had met. I remember the announcement over the 1MC of his promotion to 1 star, but didnt hear much after he went to Hawaii.

Response by SGT Darryl Dunlap made May 18 at 2017 1:54 PM

2017-05-18T13:54:15-04:00

My favorite General to serve under was BG Sidney Shachnow, Commander of the Berlin Brigade, 15 Dec 1989 - 14 Aug 1991. I again served under him while serving with 12th SFG(A).
He was always leading by example, cared for those he served with. He had quite an upcoming in life and the military. During my years of serving, I had the pleasure of receiving 2 BC coins from him and he personally gave me my ETS Pin.He was always someone to look up to and strive to be like militarily.

(Below taken from the Berlin Brigade 6941st gdbn.com webpage)
Retired in 1994, after 40 years of active service. Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, he was imprisoned for three years during World War II in a German concentration camp. In 1950, he immigrated to the United States. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and later entered Officer Candidate School as a Sergeant First Class. In 1960, Gen. Shachnow was commissioned in the Infantry.
His past assignments have been as commander or staff officer with Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, Airmobile, Airborne and Special Forces units. Gen. Shachnow's most recent assignments include: Commanding General, John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Airborne, Fort Bragg; Commanding General, United States Army Special Forces Command, Airborne, Fort Bragg; Commanding General, U.S. Army-Berlin; Director, Washington Office, United States Special Operations Command, Airborne; Deputy Commanding General, 1st Special Operations of Command, Airborne, Fort Bragg; and Chief of Staff, 1st Special Operations Command, Airborne, Fort Bragg.
Gen. Shachnow is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters and "V" device, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, the Air Medal with the numeral "12", the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters and "V" device, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Response by MAJ Glenn Lasater made May 18 at 2017 2:25 PM

2017-05-18T14:25:26-04:00

I served with "Big Sam" Leffler when he commanded the 7th Signal Brigade in Germany in the early 80's. Sam was a hands-on leader who was always caring and responsive to soldiers. He seemed to have unlimited energy and was completely committed to excellence. He held himself to an extremely high standard and demanded the same of all he led. He pinned on his first star when he left there and held his promotion ceremony and reception at the Coleman Barracks NCO Club. Every member of the brigade was invited and many hundreds attended. He made every soldier feel like his promotion was their individual achievement!

His most admirable attribute was a complete lack of ego. He strongly believed in a "boots on the ground" leadership approach and demanded the same of his subordinate officers and NCO's. He valued input and feedback from Private to General and gave credit where credit was due. He most often described himself as just "an ol' pig farmer from Iowa."

I was fortunate to reestablish contact with Sam when he retired to his ranch in Falcon, Colorado in 1995. Unfortunately, Sam now suffers from mild dementia. It's truly heartbreaking to see such an amazing and vital individual fight this terrible disease but there are many of us around the country and across the globe that are standing in the door to be there when needed -- any time -- any place -- any cost!

Every individual service member deserves to serve with a man like "Big Sam" at least once in their career. It's truly a life changing experience and I'm a better man for it.

================================================

MAJOR GENERAL SAMUEL LEFFLER

Major General Samuel A. Leffler was named Platoon Leader of Company A upon graduation of the U.S. Army Signal School in 1962. He served the 142d Signal Battalion, 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas (1964).

He served as Commander, 16th Aviation Detachment, 516th Signal Group, U.S. Army Europe, Germany (1967); Signal Officer 223d Combat Support Aviation Battalion, U.S. Army, Vietnam (1968); Executive Officer, 36th Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade, U.S. Army, Vietnam (1970); Commander, 124th Signal Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Carson, Colorado (1977).

He served in numerous positions in the U.S. Army in Washington D.C. (1978 - 83); Commander, 7th Signal Brigade, Germany (1984); Commanding General/Deputy Chief of Staff for Information management, 5th Signal Command, Germany (1989). He then returned to Washington D.C. from 1991-92. He completed his career as the Commanding General, U.S. Army Systems Command, Fort Huachuca, Arizona (1992-95).

His U.S. awards include the Legion of Merit (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal with V Device (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (One Oak Leaf Cluster), Air medals, Army Commendation Medal, Parachutist Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge.

He retired from the Army August 31, 1995.

Response by PO1 Louis Green made May 18 at 2017 2:25 PM

2017-05-18T14:25:30-04:00

Admiral Flatly was my favorite and he loved his enlisted.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made May 18 at 2017 2:47 PM

2017-05-18T14:47:32-04:00

My uncles served with Patton and they remember a speech he gave in which he said these words; General Patton's ’s last words to us before we left Africa came home with meaning: “No dumb bastard ever won a war by going out and dying for his country. He won it by making some other dumb bastard die for his country.”

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made May 18 at 2017 3:11 PM

2017-05-18T15:11:43-04:00

Smedly Butler who single-handedly saved the nation from a coup. Not to mention perhaps being the most bad-ass Marine officer in US History. His book should be required reading for all who serve.

Response by CPL Beth Allsop made May 18 at 2017 4:02 PM

2017-05-18T16:02:20-04:00

My favorite General of all time is Lt. Gen. Thomas N. Griffin (U.S. Army, Retired), as a Maj. Gen. he was The 3AD Commander from June 86 - March 88. His tour with the 3AD was almost identical to mine, Gen. Griffin was always of the troops and for the troops and knew all of his MP's by name. He always kept it straight with us and we loved him for it! Never met a better leader under pressure! After my year at Ft. Stewart and HAAF was complete, I begged to go to Italy and back to his command, it was not meant to be.

The passage below is from the 3AD Assosiciation Newsletter that was printed in early 2013:
Prior to retirement Lt. Gen. Griffin’s most recent military
assignment was as the Chief of Staff , Allied Forces South-
ern Europe in Naples, Italy in 1988. Other positions that he has held include: 3rd Armored Division Commander and the Commander of the Frankfurt Military
Community, U.S. Army Berlin Brigade Commander and
Commander of the Berlin American Military Community,
Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver) 3rd Armored
Division (Spearhead) and Commander of the Giessen
Military Community, Deputy Director for Plans and
Policy for the U.S. Pacific Command, Chief of Colonels Division in the Military Personnel Center, Chief of Readiness Division in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, and Commander of the 3rd Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea from 1978-1979.

Lt. Gen. Griffin’s awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, The Army Distinguished Service Medal (two awards), the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, Air Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and two Army Commendation Medals. He was also awarded the Gallantry Cross with Gold Star and the Staff Service Medal by the Republic of Vietnam. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

Lt. GEN Griffin retired after 35 years of active service in 1991.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made May 18 at 2017 4:34 PM

2017-05-18T16:34:42-04:00

As an E-4, my respect tends to be more for the officers who served with neither a commission nor a warrant but were officers just the same. I would have to say my favorite officer was a butterbar. He did five years as a machine gunner in the USMC before he got his college degree and commission into the Army through Texas A&M. The Aggies gave us some good officers. But LT Garrett had his stuff together. Last I checked about ten years ago, my butterbar was an Armored Major on his way to Iraq. I will also give kudos to my first permanent party Battalion Commander, LTC Calhoun, who bought me a beer in Crete, and whom it was rumored canceled my first FTX with the Battalion because it was raining. A rumor he subsequently denied several weeks later at a battalion meeting in the post movie theater. He and his wife had a baby during his tour with us and now one of the old man's sons is currently a LTC in Armor/Cavalry. LTC Calhoun may have made full bird before he retired, but I don't think he made flag rank. BG Blackwell was the post commander although he was not in my chain of command like Col. Schulte was in Babenhausen. I did not know General Blackwell very well but he did attend the post chapel every Sunday and seemed to enjoy the service. He was an ADC for Spearhead but I was one of two units belonging to 41st Field Artillery Brigade on post who did not wear the 3rd AD patch.

I did not know my generals personally. As a short guy, I was always in the back of the formation at their Change of Command ceremonies and I could only see them for a split second in passing upon review under the hot sun. One actually came and inspected us shortly after taking command and I got to see him walk quickly through the ranks without questioning us. Then we went to our rooms sort of expecting the general and sure enough, we call attention for only Sgt. Cavanaugh of A Btry. That is just wrong. We in Bravo Btry busted our butts all night for CAVANAUGH???? Are you kidding? What kind of sick joke was this? Among the lower enlisted, one cannot really be blamed for wondering about the integrity of our generals.

Response by CWO3 Bill Carter made May 18 at 2017 5:15 PM

2017-05-18T17:15:09-04:00

The favorite Admiral I served under was Vice Admiral James A. Sagerholm. I was assigned, temporarily to his staff (Commander South Atlantic Forces) for UNITAS XVII (1976) and XVIII (1977). He was a submariner while I had aircrew wings. I was usually assigned to allied ships to assist in communications and operations (I was a CTI1 (E-6) Spanish Linguist) and he decided I needed to see how the submarine Navy worked. Anyway, I was told I was to embark on the USS Blueback (SS-581) for a couple of weeks for familiarization. I commented to the Admiral "Sir, I'm not a submarine volunteer". He responded to me "I really don't care if you volunteer or not. I'm and Admiral and you're a first class". I responded "Aye, aye, sir! When do I go aboard?" A couple of months later I was again called in by the Admiral and since the Blueback which was a conventional diesel-electric powered boat, had been relieved by the USS Shark (SSN-591) he wanted me to spend a couple of weeks aboard her to see the difference between a convention boat and a nuke boat. He also said "and I don't want to hear any bull about you not being a volunteer either". I responded that "I don't make the same stupid mistake twice, sir, when do I go aboard?" He was a great officer to work for and I received two Letters of Commendation from him one for each cruise, which helped me make Chief Petty Officer!

Response by SSgt James Cottrell made May 18 at 2017 5:28 PM

2017-05-18T17:28:52-04:00

My personal favorite, is BG Harry "Heinie" Aderholt. He was wing commander the the 56th Air Commando Wing, at Nakon Phanom, Thailand. He would lead A-1 missions and get down in the trees. He would take time to talk with any enlisted man. He passed on a few years ago, and book was written about him. "Commando One".

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made May 18 at 2017 5:29 PM

2017-05-18T17:29:28-04:00

My all time favorite was killed before he had the chance to make General in what was rumored to be someone else's suicide by plane crash. The late Col. Keith Grimes, USAF, was the commander of 10th Weather Squadron when I was in Thailand. A compassionate and consummate leader, he had been involved with the planning of the Son Tay prison raid, and subsequently deployed on the ill-fated mission. His leadership has always made me feel that if in combat he had said we are going down the mouth of this cannon, successfully complete our mission and everyone come back out of the cannon I would have believed him and had no qualms about the mission. We lost a great warrior with his death.

Response by MSgt Jeff Greene made May 18 at 2017 5:38 PM

2017-05-18T17:38:44-04:00

LTG Oren DeHaven. In 1975 while stationed at MacDill AFB with Readiness Command I had an assignment to Thailand. I was less then 24 hrs from leaving when my assignment got cancelled. MPC told me I would have to wait 3-6 months for another assignment. I had already cleared housing, shipped household goods and hold baggage and had no where to live. At the time, Brig Gen DeHaven called MPC and in less than an hour he got me an assignment to Korea and I departed on time. He went above and beyond for an Air Force troop,.

Response by 1SG James Matthews made May 18 at 2017 7:17 PM

2017-05-18T19:17:51-04:00

General Depue--was not afraid to walk the front lines with the troops in VN.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 18 at 2017 7:57 PM

2017-05-18T19:57:05-04:00

Gen Lindsey, 3star XVIII Corps Cdr, Desert Shield/Storm, moved up to 4th Star, Far East and I think later FORSCOM. Level headed, no ego trips, smart as a whip, friendly to all his staff, a fine caring officer!

Response by SSgt John Carter made May 18 at 2017 8:53 PM

2017-05-18T20:53:11-04:00

I met two while on active duty. The first was while I was in the Navy. The task force commander of the U.S.S. Oklahoma City was Rear Admiral (upperhalf) Gerald Thomas. I was a E-2 and didn't know at the time there were Black Flag Officers (there were, the Navy had Thomas and Adm. Gravely). We had an interesting conversation in CIC about how it was to be an officer (Black) during WWII-Vietnam, and he told me to just do your job, keep your mouth shut, and let a lot roll off of you and don't make waves. Later Adm. Thomas became an Ambassador to Ghana appointed by President Reagan. When I was in the Air Force, I met Gen. Chappie James twice. jovial man, and made an impression.

Response by MSgt Steven Valentine made May 19 at 2017 1:20 AM

2017-05-19T01:20:27-04:00

This was easy....General Goldfein. Never played games with his kids, cared about giving silly speeches to college kids that would never be able to be in the AF anyway....he was too busy putting warheads on foreheads, taking care of his troops, and winning wars....I had the privilege of loading weapons and launching his F-16 during Allied Force while he was the CC of the 555th FS. I had been deployed before and worked for amazing CCs, but Col Goldfein, at the time, was one of those CCs that everyone was eager to go to war with.....we knew he had our best interest at heart, tough SOB...even got shot down during the war and got right back flying when he got the ok.....as far as I'm concerned, any general that makes the list has to be have been deployed and taken the fight personally to the enemy.....I couldn't care less how many speeches or high profile events most of these fakers have done.....what matters is body count and wars won

http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/article/108013/lieutenant-general-david-l-goldfein/

GENERAL DAVID L. GOLDFEIN U.S. Air Force Biography Display

Gen. David L. Goldfein is Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.,

Response by PO3 Daniel Stone made May 19 at 2017 6:47 AM

2017-05-19T06:47:23-04:00

Rear Admiral Bernard Smith was a one star admiral that oversaw the carrier group USS Independence comprising of Carrier Airwing 5, and small boys such as the Mobile Bay, Bunker Hill among other ships. The was one of the first men that I got to work for that displayed Emotional Intelligence in the correct way. He had a very important position that essentially oversaw all of the ships and aircraft at Yokosuka and Atsugi, yet was always smiling and would make time for small talk with the junior enlisted men that worked for him.

After my first deployment to the Persian Gulf, he gave a few of us a Letter of Appreciation. To this day, I have the picture with him receiving that award. It is next to my shadow box, MBA diploma, and State of Ohio business license. I show that picture to my daughter and nephew with a great sense of pride.

Response by Emerald S made May 19 at 2017 8:55 PM

2017-05-19T20:55:55-04:00

this may see odd m, but i'd say my dad ' no he was not a general or a admiral ,yet i'm very sure his action may have been quite close to that statues ..he was army 100% army ,, ok , um ~ for the rest of you please excuse my approach and do continue with great admiration of those that have been there with you where ones style or resolve have made a difference for you beneficially in your life .

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 21 at 2017 11:38 AM

2017-05-21T11:38:33-04:00

GEN (Ret) David Rodriquez as CJTF82 Commander in OEF 7. I had the chance to talk him several times about Civil Military Operations strategy aka Separating the Enemy from the Population. He got it. Then there's GEN (Ret) Eric Shinseki, aka Pegasus 6. This man KNEW how to lead. He would show up ANYWHERE - ANYTIME from the FLE to the FEBA at NTC. He knew EVERYTHING.

Response by MAJ Hank Maze made Aug 14 at 2018 8:34 AM

2018-08-14T08:34:18-04:00

LTG Johnny J. Johnson

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Sep 6 at 2018 8:49 PM

2018-09-06T20:49:33-04:00

I chewed out Dyke one night when he was a LTC and the G-3 for the 101st Division in 1970. I was a junior Captain and he kept one of my pilots out after dark along the DMZ. Our SOP called for two pilots in the OH-6. They had to siphon out fuel to get back to Camp Eagle. I told him that had they gone down, he put the entire 101st Division in jeopardy. He had the look like a deer in the headlights. I never heard another word about the incident.

I had the honor to fly with Major General James Smith one afternoon when he was a BG and an ADC for the 101st. He knew every PLL clerk by their first name. He never raised his voice and expected you to do your job.