Rodney B. Gilbertson

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chaonc on August 29, 2004:

Rodney Bruce Gilbertson Born July 15, 1929 - Died November 13, 1999 Rodney Bruce "Rod" Gilbertson was born in Walla Walla, Washington on 15 July 1929 and was appointed to West Point from the 4th Congressional District. His West Point classmates remember Rod as follows: "Rod came to West Point after spending a year at Washington State. Although he had his struggles with the Academic Department, social sciences proved easy for him. He didn't drag here, but was known as the sackoid of L-2. He was a ready listener of everyone's problems, was ready to offer helpful advice, and wished much that West Point was on the Columbia River instead of the Hudson." Rod was on the Howitzer Staff and on the Pistol Club his plebe year, on the Public Information Detail and Model Railroad Club plebe and yearling years, and on the Ski Club cow and first class year. He was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. On graduation Rod went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to Camp Roberts, California where he served through 1952. He then served as Battalion S2 and later as Company Commander with the 5th Regimental Combat Team in Korea from 1952 to 1953. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy, and the Combat Infantryman Badge on returning to the States. From 1953 to 1956 Rod served with the 3rd Infantry Regiment and then was appointed Assistant Professor of Military Science at Montana State University where he served from 1957 to 1960. He was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service on completion of this tour. In 1961 Rod attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and then was assigned to Headquarters, 9th Corps from 1961 to 1964. Then Rod went to school again, this time to the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia during 1964, and on completion was appointed Battalion Commander with the 101st Airborne Division where he served until 1966. Next Rod went to Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam and served as Deputy Commanding Officer of the Task Force Brigade, 25th Division where he served until 1967. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services, the Air Medal for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight, and the Combat Infantryman Badge on completion of this duty. Returning to the states Rod attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania in 1968, and on completion was appointed to the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Department of the Army, where he served until 1970. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation on completion of this tour. Rod's last military assignment was Iran with the ARMISH and Military Assistance Advisory Group where he served until he retired from the United States Army as a Colonel. On retirement Rod was decorated with a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Rod and his wife Joan made their home in Belgrade, Montana. Rod died on November 13, 1999. Rod was an Infantryman. For the Infantryman's Creed click: Creed jac; 18271

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