Posted by Robert P. Morris on September 1, 2009:

Hap Lieber was my friend of long standing. He and I were students at Sullivan's prep school in Washington DC as teenagers, then served in Army assignments spanning 12 consecutive years. His family was wonderful to our family and at risk of seeming presumptuous, our families "bonded." Among Hap's many professional achievements, one that comes to mind is that he engaged in combat operations early on -- likely the first member of our West Point class so involved. In 1956, while serving on detail with the CIA, he was the "American Advisor" with the Thai Border Police conducting para-military combat operations along the Malaya Thailand Border. Hap's patrol engaged the enemy in a firefight against the so-called "Chinese Terrorists," that were infiltrating from Malaya into Thailand. Hap's patrol prevailed, resulting in a tactical victory and the capture of a live enemy combatant. Hap documented this action with his 8mm movie camera. While stationed at Fort Campbell with the 101st Airborne Division, Hap and his wife, Joan, bought an airplane and both of them became licensed pilots. Their flying days came to an abrupt halt a few years later when their Aeronca Champ was destroyed in a tornado. Later, Hap served with distinction as a battalion operations officer for LTC (later Major General) Herbert J. McChrystal, with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam -- this during the early days 1965-66 of the Division's long tenure in Vietnam. Their impressive "body counts" and battle victories are documented in the military literature. Hap certainly lived up to the motto of the Big Red One -- "No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great, duty first!" Hap was a great officer, great gentleman, great leader and a great role model. He was also a great friend to many. May he rest in well earned peace.

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