Joseph Peter Rice

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

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

Joseph Peter Rice Born February 17, 1927 - Died August 14, 1985 Joseph Peter "Joe" Rice was born in Pennsylvania on 17 February 1927 and was appointed to West Point from the Army of the United States. His West Point classmates recall: "Never one to shirk his duty, Joe permitted himself to be drafted. Two years in the Army Ordnance and Stewart's Prep School made it possible for him to get into West Point. He came through the trials of his cadet career with no trouble, finding ample time for extracurricular activities. Joe's easy-going way and bright smile will certainly assure him of a very successful Army career." During his cadet days Joe was with the Ski Club all four years; was with the German, Model Airplane, Handball and Model Railroad Clubs yearling, cow and first class years; went out for Hockey plebe year; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Joe went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 10th Division in 1951 then went to the 40th Division 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. In 1959 Joe was assigned to the Staff & Faculty at The Armored School, Fort Knox, Kentucky; served until 1962 and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. In 1963 Joe attended the Aviation Logistics School and in 1965 earned a Masters degree in Area Studies from American University on completion of which he was assigned as a Foreign Area Specialist Training Program to Columbia, South America. Next Joe went with the Military Mission to Bolivia where he served from 1966 to 1968 and was awarded a second Commendation Medal for distinguished service. From 1968 to 1969 Joe served as a Deputy Senior Advisor, Republic of Vietnam and was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and a second Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1969 Joe attended the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia and on completion was assigned to the Military Mission in Ecuador where he served from 1970 to 1971 and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. In 1972 Joe attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania and then was assigned as Commander of the Military Group in Guatemala, (where the writer served as Science and Technology Advisor from 1979 to 1981 with ROCAP) and served until 1976. Joe's next duty assignment was to Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia where he served from 1976 to 1978. Joe's last military assignment was with the Army Counter Revolutionary Board from 1978 to 1979 and he was awarded a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Joe retired from the United States Army in 1980 as a Colonel. He died in El Paso, Texas on 14 August 1985. Mrs. Martha Jo Rice Cavana (Joe's widow) makes her home in El Paso, Texas. jac; 18362, wc 495

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