Posted by XXXXXX on May 7, 2008:

Robert E. Pater ’48 No. 16731 15 Oct 1925 – 7 Jul 1989 Died in McLean, VA Interred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA Robert Edwin Pater was a courageous, modest, quiet man whose life was characterized by determination to graduate from West Point, love of flying, professional excellence, a variety of interests, and devotion to family. Born in New York City and educated in private schools, Bob entered West Point in 1943 with the three-year Class of 1946. Five years later, despite sustaining three broken legs while playing soccer, he graduated with the four-year Class of 1948 and was commissioned in the Air Force. Bob’s first twelve years in the Air Force were what most young pilots yearn for. After graduating from pilot training in 1950, he spent three exciting years in a jet fighter wing in Germany. These years were enhanced by Bob’s marriage to Nancy Wendrick, of Chicago, in December 1950 and her presence with him in Europe. He flew a variety of jet aircraft and enjoyed the camaraderie of being with other pilots. He also gained an enduring love of flying and learned first-hand how tactical air units work. Next came seven years in flying jobs with increasing responsibilities in the F-100 fighter wing based at England Air Force Base in Alexandria, LA. Bob’s frequent prolonged absences while on squadron deployments to Europe placed heavy responsibility on Nancy, who often was left alone with their four young children. Then came high-level staff work. In 1962, Bob earned an MBA at the University of Pittsburgh, and spent the next four years in the Pentagon in the Air Staff’s Directorate of Operations, at a time when the Air Force was simultaneously deterring Soviet expansion in Europe and deploying units to the war in Southeast Asia. He then attended the National War College before serving for one year in Viet Nam, flying combat missions with an F-100 wing. Next, he was a division chief in Headquarters, Seventh United States Air Force, near Saigon. After an assignment to the faculty of the Air War College, Bob returned to the Pentagon in 1970 to serve in Air Force Plans and Operations, as executive officer to the Air Force’s Vice Chief of Staff , and finally in the Joint Staff's Directorate of Plans and Policy (J-5). Retiring from active duty in 1978, as a colonel, he was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. New vistas emerged for Bob. He spent three years as senior systems analyst with Martin Marietta Corporation, five years with Titan Systems, and several years as consultant to the Defense Department. He also enjoyed rigorous squash matches at the Pentagon Athletic Center and frequent fishing trips to Cape Hatteras with Nancy, sons Bobby and Ben, and the family dog. He continued to be an avid reader and loved to tell stories of his life as an Air Force fighter pilot. His passion for flying never faltered, and he always said that his favorite assignment was to fly — anywhere, anytime. Bob’s love for his family was eloquently expressed in his writing of the “Families” chapter of Perspective 1948–1988, the Class of 1948’s 40th Year Book, published shortly before his death. He wrote a sensitive and insightful appreciation of the significance of family in the lives of men, particularly in the lives of military men. The most meaningful tributes to Bob as husband, father, and grandfather come from Nancy and the four children. Nancy’s tells of “love at first sight,” Bob’s perseverance, and a “brief courtship that ended in a beautiful wedding ceremony.” The children remember their father as “kind... smart... funny... complex... refined... having unmatched morals... understanding of others... best friend anyone could ask for... and a loving and engaged grandfather.” After Bob’s death from cancer on 7 Jul 1989, one daughter wrote: “Even when he became ill, his strength of character prevailed. He never stopped fighting and never gave up hope.” Rest in peace, Bob Pater. You now fly with the angels. Family and Friends

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