Roscoe Robinson

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on November 23, 2003:

Roscoe Robinson, Jr Born October 11, 1928 - Died July 22, 1993 Roscoe Robinson was unique, special, one of a kind. He will be remembered for a myriad of reasons. As a class, we are proud of Robby's accomplishments and feel fortunate to have had him as a classmate. While many others have been and will be honored by promotion, it is Roscoe who will be remembered as the first black four-star general to graduate from West Point. It has been said that this recognition was not important to Roscoe, but the future will remember him for this extraordinary achievement. In recent years, all West Pointers have been dismayed after learning about how earlier black members of the Corps were treated. It seems hollow to rationalize that that was how it was at the time, an answer simply not good enough. Roscoe served in segregated units when first commissioned. How sweet it must have been to have gone all the way from such a tough beginning. The prime source of Roscoe's classmates' pride in him is that he did it all as an infantryman with a great deal of command time and in two wars. He was the type of soldier who set the example and was the role model for thousands of young black soldiers during his 35 years of service and to this day. Roscoe always had such a warm smile. He was personable, confident and had a great sense of humor. He truly believed he was the best hand-ball player in the Army and was convinced that he was the best paratrooper. He loved sports, his home town of St. Louis and even had a warm spot in his heart for the old St. Louis Browns, with all of their unique experiences. After joining the 11th Airborne Division following graduation, Roscoe made one of his finest decisions by courting and marrying Mildred E. Sims. They formed an unbeatable team, living and serving together around the world. Roscoe's time as a rifle company commander in the 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War made a lasting impact on him and his desire both to accomplish the mission and to take care of the troops. His other important assignments included being an instructor at the Airborne School, duty with the military mission in Liberia, and service with the Infantry Assignments Branch. Command of the 27th Cavalry and Division Staff duty with the 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War, Executive Officer to CINPAC and Brigade Commander with the 82nd Airborne Division followed. In addition to the usual Army Schools, Roscoe attended the National War College and earned an MA degree in International Relations from the University of Pittsburgh. Roscoe's general officer assignments included deputy commander and later commander of U.S. Army Forces in Okinawa, commander of his beloved 82nd Airborne Division, deputy chief of staff for Operations for US Army Europe, and commander of US Army Japan and IX Corps. His final active duty assignment was as the United States Military Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is interesting to note how often Roscoe's assignment called upon him to work in joint and combined situations. Although he would have been happy serving forever with the 82nd and wearing battle fatigues every day, he made an easy transition, when required, to represent our country in Asia, Europe and Africa. He was one of the very few officers to have such a diverse record of service. After retiring from active duty, Roscoe served on several corporate boards and as a trustee with the Association of Graduates. He was called on often to serve on committees for the Department of the Army which continued to take advantage of his experience and expertise. During his final 18 months, Roscoe had a tough time fighting a battle with leukemia. Like everyone engaged in this fight, he had a great many good days mixed with the bad. Millie was there through it all. Roscoe's son Bruce '84, was married in the spring of 1993 and was transferred to the Washington area before Roscoe died. Roscoe took great pride in discussing Bruce's career and when Bruce would relate an anecdote about serving in today's Army, his father always had a few of his own to recall. Another great source of pride to Roscoe was that he and his daughter Carol attended Fort Myer Chapel Service together whenever possible. Being with Carol and his grandchildren gave Roscoe great pleasure. Roscoe received many honors from his friends and admirers. One of special note was dinner which hosted the famous Tuskeegee Airmen of WWII. In May of 1993, Roscoe was presented with the Distinguished Graduate Award at West Point. What a thrilling experience to be recognized by one's fellow graduates, the people who know you best. Roscoe was having one of his bad days and went in front of the Corps in a wheelchair, but he stood firmly at attention during the playing of the National Anthem. Later, at the presentation in Washington Hall, Roscoe gave a short acceptance speech. He reminded everyone to do their best regardless of the job and then repeated what his mother told him when he left home for West Point. She said, "If they don't treat you right, come on back home." He reminded us that he stayed. Although he had more ups and downs over the next few weeks, Roscoe and his beloved Millie were planning one more business trip when the end came. He continued to look ahead. Roscoe's funeral saw classmates, friends, and Washington Officialdom from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Secretary of the Army, the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Color Guard of the 82nd Airborne Division. Classmate and Chief of Chaplains, Kermit Johnson read the Cadet Prayer, Shy Meyer gave a wonderful personal eulogy in a magnificent and very personal ceremony. Roscoe was laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery. jac; 18309, wc 991 (10/7/2000)

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