Hugh Heflin Pattillo

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on November 13, 2004:

Hugh Heflin Pattillo Born September 5, 1928 - Died August 16, 1999 Hugh Heflin "Pat" Pattillo was born in Hartselle, Alabama on 5 September 1928 and was appointed to West Point from the 8th Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "As the former pride and joy of Gulf Coast Military Academy, Pat entered with a successful military career already begun. His big 'Bama smile has led us through the dark more than once. He will never know the word 'enemy,' for such a personality reaps only friendship. He is one of the few among us who will realize the dream of marrying the girl he had when he entered plebe year." Groups??JobBank??Listservices??Moderato During his cadet days Pat was with the Ring Committee all four years; on the Rifle Team plebe, yearling, and cow years; on the Policy Committee and with the Fishing Club cow and first class years; and was a Cadet Captain his first class year serving as Company Commander of C-2. Upon graduation Pat went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 504th Airborne Infantry Regiment from 1951 to 1952. Pat's next assignment was as Company Commander with the 5th Regimental Combat Team in Korea where he served from 1952 to 1953 and was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action; the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy; and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Returning to stateside Pat was assigned to the 504th Airborne Infantry Regiment once again and served until 1954 when he got orders to the Staff & Faculty at The Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia and served until 1957. In 1959 Pat earned a Master of Science degree Physics from the University of Virginia and then received orders to Office, Chief of Research & Development where he served until 1962 and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. In 1963 Pat attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and then was appointed Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General at Headquarters, Allied Land Forces South East Europe. He served as such from 1963 to 1966 and was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. In late 1966 Pat attended the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia and then was named Battalion Commander with the 11th Infantry, 5th Division where he served until 1967 and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. Then in 1968 Pat attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort Lesley McNair and on completion was posted to United States Army Reserve Vietnam and was awarded a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. This assignment was followed by appoint-ment as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division Republic of Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 and Pat was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight; 4 Bronze Star Medals for distinguished heroism against an enemy; 13 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; a second Commendation Medal for distinguished service; and a second Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1970 Pat was assigned to Office of Personnel Operations, Department of the Army and served until 1972 and was awarded a third Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Next Pat was named Commanding Officer of the Yuma Proving Ground and served as such from 1972 to 1975 and was awarded a fourth Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. From 1975 to 1978 Pat was assigned to Headquarters, Combat Development Experimentation Center, Fort Ord, California. Pat's last military assignment was as Professor of Military Science at the University of Alabama from 1978 to 1980 when he retired as Colonel after a distinguished career in the United States Army but not before he was awarded yet another Legion of Merit (his fifth) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. On retirement Pat and his wife Pat returned to his hometown of Hartselle, Alabama to make their home. Pat died on 16 August 1999 of a heart attack. Funeral Services were held on 19 August 1999. Pete Prehn gave a very warm and touching eulogy. Classmates and wives in attendance were Barnett & Betsy De Ramus, Joe Fant, George Meighen, Wayne Miller, Pete & Cathy Prehn, and Walt Russell. jac; 18065, wc 691

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