Robert Francis Berdan

West Point, 1965

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Rhoderick Leslie on April 7, 2014:

I knew Bob Berdan in 1966 and 1967 in Cu Chi, when he replaced Capt Duvall at the ADSO. We developed a friendship that surpassed differences in rank (I was EM) because Bob's character, sense of irony and class made it possible. He was such a fine man that the standard military formalities were secondary to the natural respect he was due as a man. I found this obituary because I came upon a photo I had taken of him when I drove him to Tay Ninh during Operation Junction City. Curiosity led me to this site where I discovered the sad event of 1988. Of all the men who pass through your life in wartime, only a few will rise above the pathos you will feel for all of them. Those few contribute something of importance that you carry through the years long after the war is done. Bob was brave without posturing, never prideful or arrogant, honest to all men in his orbit and authentic in all ways. He would laugh about this description, too, which is itself a virtue. I last saw him atop a tank returning at dusk from an operation; he called out to us and waved. As I recall, he had joined up with the Bobcats while still on the roster of the 125th Signal. His passing is a shock. Even after all these years. He left much too young and with more to give. RIP, Lt Bob. Les'

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