Robert Winthrop Newton

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jim Darrah on September 24, 2012:

There are very few with whom I have had the honor to be a close friend longer than Bob Newton. From those frenetic days as Plebes, when we first crossed paths at the Reeder's and Draper's quarters at West Point, we seem to have been destined to lead almost parallel courses through our careers. We both became Field Artillerymen, Army Aviators and survivors of the Georgia Tech AE masters program. I even followed Bob in his utilization tour in Aviation safety at Ft Rucker and he followed me in the 1st Cavalry Division's Aerial Rocket Artillery Battalion in Vietnam. At Rucker, he was instrumental in redesigning helicopter fuel tanks and systems to nearly eliminate post-crash fires, thereby saving untold number of lives. Inasmuch as Bob and Linda were apparently intent on becoming homesteaders in the Washington DC area, they insisted that Billie and I stay with them during our infrequent visits to the area. Even after his retirement and settlement in Middleburg, Bob and Linda frequently insisted we be their guests at Roundaway. He was a daunting soldier, fearless horseman and a most gracious host. As a classmate, comrade-in-arms and true friend, I will never forget how blessed I have been to have known Bob Newton during his distinguished life and career. Well done! Rest in peace!

admin