Robert Allison Hyatt was born on June 3, 1927 at the San Diego Naval Station Hospital. The second son of Delwyn and Gladys Hyatt, a career Navy family, Bob grew up knowing the hardships of military life and constantly moving around. On graduation from Great Neck High School in 1944, he immediately joined the Navy as a Seaman Apprentice. Although he loved the water, Bob knew that his calling was serving with soldiers on land. While in the Navy and after his discharge Bob attempted to gain admission to West Point. After two failed attempts, he was admitted to West Point on 1 July 1947 as a member of the class of 1951.
From his experience in gaining admittance to West Point, Bob constantly imparted to his family the lesson those things worth having entail sacrifice and hard work. At West Point, his open and unambiguous personality gained him the friendship of his classmates; and his unquestioned concern for doing the right thing and letting people know his position, also earned their respect. His determination and spirit remained with him throughout his four years at West Point. He graduated in June 1951 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry.
After the Officer's Basic Course at Fort Benning, Bob was assigned to the 8th Infantry Division at Fort Jackson, SC and it was here that he met Charlene Dasher whose father was Assistant Division Commander. However, shortly thereafter, the Army issued orders reassigning Bob to the 6th Infantry Regiment in Berlin, Germany and sending General Dasher to Korea. Charlene, affectionately known as Tinkey to family and friends, along with her mother, moved to Washington, DC and started a long distance relationship with Bob, culminating in their marriage in November 1953.
Upon returning to the United States in April 1955, Bob was assigned to Headquarters 5th Army, Ft. Sheridan, IL where the first of Bob's and Tinkey's six children, Robert Jr., was born. Bob attended the Infantry Officers Advanced Course from 1956-57 and then was assigned to the Army Language School in Monterey, CA where he became proficient in Arabic, a language that was to play a role after his retirement from the Army. On graduation from the Language Institute, Bob was sent to Saudi Arabia in July 1958 for a 12 month tour, and during this time a daughter, Catherine, was born. After Saudi Arabia, Bob was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division where he successfully performed various duties related to the rank of Captain and Major during this three and half year tour. While stationed at Ft. Bragg, the Hyatt clan doubled with the addition of two daughters, Helen and Beverly.
From Ft. Bragg, Bob was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He served as the 3rd Brigade Supply Officer and later as Operations Officer, and was recognized for his solid organizational ability. Many strong family friendships which had their foundations lain in Hawaii survive today.
After spending three years on Oahu, Bob was selected to attend the Command and General Staff College, graduating in June 1966. Timing couldn't have been better as two days before graduation a second son, Charles, was born. Now with five children in tow, the family headed for Washington where Bob dropped off Tinkey and the children and he continued on to Viet Nam. He served briefly with the First Cavalry Division before rejoining the 25th Division and commanding the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment. Bob was next assigned to the Pentagon where he worked on the Army Operations Staff. In 1968 he was selected to attend the National War College and upon graduation in 1969 was assigned to the Joint Staff. In 1970 Anne was born increasing the Hyatt family to six children.
In 1971 as the war in Viet Nam was winding down, Bob volunteered for a second tour. This time he served as the Senior Advisor to the Vietnamese Airborne Division, which was still heavily engaged in combat operations.
Upon returning home, Bob re-entered the "Puzzle Palace" serving in various staff positions before being selected to command the 10th Special Forces Group at Ft. Devens, MA. His last assignment before retiring from the Army in 1980 was as the IG of INSCOM.
Bob served with soldiers for 17 years of his 30-year career. He commanded infantry units at all levels commensurate with his grade. He loved the challenges of command; he loved his soldiers; and he earned their respect. He was fond of saying "take care of your soldiers and they will take care of you." He was living proof of this maxim.
After his Army retirement, Bob called upon his Arabic training and knowledge of the Middle East by returning to the region as Senior Vice President for Operations for OMZEST, a private enterprise located in Muscat, Oman. Finally, fully retiring in 1986, Bob returned to the United States.
Even in retirement, Bob continued to serve his community by becoming a substitute teacher in the Fairfax County School System. It didn't matter what the subject was, Bob was up to the task of intriguing young students and getting them to think. He was not adverse to discarding a teacher's lesson plans and broadening the students' minds with a lesson in military history. It did not matter if the subject was algebra or Spanish, Bob was eager to tell young students stories of Viet Nam.
Bob numbered among the highlights of his life the opportunity to serve his nation, his Army, and his community. No one had more pride in being a West Pointer. Even with these highlights and accomplishments, nothing gave Bob more pleasure or pride than his family --- and especially his wife of 42 years, Tinkey. To him, his love of life and family were his crowning achievements. As a leader and motivator of people, he touched other lives in so many different ways. Bob, not withstanding his strong convictions, was a gentle man, a gentlemen, and a dedicated and devoted husband, father, and friend. God Bless.
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