Robert Allen Rachek

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on December 29, 2004:

Robert Allen Rachek Born December 16, 1926 - Died March 11, 1998 Robert Allen "Ray" Rachek was born in New York City, NY on 16 December 1926 and was appointed to West Point from the 21st Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "Ray, coming to the gray walls via the Army, brought with him a general knowledge of the military. Dividing his time between the sack and athletics, Ray found academics very trying but successfully bluffed the Academic Department for four of his five years. He will have no trouble making friends in the Army as he will always be remembered for his good nature and carefree attitude." During his cadet days Ray was with the Chess Club plebe year; with the Spanish Club plebe and yearling years; with the Fishing Club cow and first class years; with the Ring Committee first class year; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Ray went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Division in Korea during 1952; he was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action, the Purple Heart for wounds in action against an enemy, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Ray's next assignment was with the 278th Infantry Regiment where he served from 1953 to 1954 and then received orders to Headquarters, 1st Army and served until 1956. In 1960 Ray attended The Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia for the Advanced Infantry Course and was then assigned to the Berlin Command where he served until 1964. In 1965 Ray attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and on completion was assigned to the Tactical Department at the United States Military Academy where he served until 1968 and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. In 1973 Ray retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. Ray died in Springfield, Missouri on 11 March 1988. A granddaughter, Robyn comments, "Hi Andy, I read your post on the Westpoint.org site about my Grandfather , Lt. Col Robert Allen Rachek. It was nice to read a little of his past about his school years and service in the Army. I only knew him as Granpa Bob since he retired the year that I was born. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face while I reflected about the great times I had with him growing up. I still have his funeral flag hanging on my wall." Robyn Rachek Packett

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