Robert G. Yerks

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Gary Yerks on July 27, 2021:

Robert George Yerks Lieutenant General, United States Army (Retired) 1928-2021 General Yerks married Iris Anderson in 1951. Together they would serve our country for 30 years. Iris and Bob would have 10 Children and were devoted Catholics. Iris passed in 2013. Today, General Yerks would tell you that they are still married and going on 70 years of devotion to each other. Upon graduation from The United States Military Academy at West Point in 1951, General Yerks was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry. He saw his first combat action during the Korean War as a Platoon Leader and then Company Commander of I Company, 2nd Battalion 15th Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. General Yerks would again serve in combat during the Vietnam War as the Battalion Commander, 2nd Battalion (Airborne) 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Division. During his tenure in the United States Army, General Yerks received twenty-two awards for Valor in Combat including, Two Silver Stars for Valor, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier's Medal for Gallantry, Two Bronze Stars for Valor, Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, and the Vietnamese Service Medal. He would Command the Army War College, The Military District of Washington D.C., and retire as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, United States Army, Washington, D.C. Upon Retirement from the US Army, General Yerks continued to serve U.S. Interests as the Deputy Chairman, International Trust Company, Monrovia, Republic of Liberia from 1991 to 1996. During this period, Liberia was embroiled in a Civil War which lasted throughout his service in Liberia. General Yerks became a key player leading to a peace accord that is still in effect today. For his heroic actions he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, given the title of Honorary Paramount Chief, Council of Chiefs, Republic of Liberia. Only one other U.S. citizen has garnered that title, President Jimmy Carter. In December of 2007, General Yerks would receive a Doctor of Humanities from Eastern Kentucky University and in the dedication, then President Douglas Whitlock wrote of General Yerks: Patriot, hero, dedicated servant of humanity; one whose love of country led to a distinguished career in its service; one whose love for peace is reflected in his selfless efforts to resolve conflict in strife-torn lands; a true soldier, diplomat, and humanitarian. In 2013, General Yerks received one of the most endearing honors a West Point Graduate can receive, the United State Military Academy Distinguished Graduate Award. Robert G. Yerks, Soldier for Peace, Loving Father, Friend to all. God Bless...Well Done!

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