Posted by Dick Roberts on October 26, 2007:

As a young USMA grad and fresh from IOBC/Abd/Rgr schools , I reported to 1st Bn (Abn), 502nd Inf at Fort Campbell in early 1964. The Bn Cdr was LTC Walter Root. Now there were some mighty fine professional soldiers in that paratroop bn, but none was a match for LTC Root. While my contact with LTC Root was limited, it was indeed profound as he made a huge and lasting impression on me (and my peers)-- one that I appreciated then but not nearly so much as years later when I had gained some experience and perspective. Colonel Root was tactically savy, mild in temperment and always fair and balanced in his dealings with his subordinates. Beyond that he was a joyful man and set a superbly optimistic, upbeat command climate. The difference was quickly felt batallion-wide when LTC Root departed in early 1965. Never again did I know anyone who came close to Walt Root as a leader of soldiers. Over the years I have seen many who served not only with him in the 1 Bn(Abn), 502nd, but with many commanders, and they all felt the same about him-- so you see it was tremendous honor to have known and served with Walter Root and to have been impacted by a man of such great integrity and professional competence. Thank you sir and it can easily be said "WELL DONE!"

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