Posted by XXXXXX on May 7, 2008:

William A. Patch ’48 No. 16680 15 Sep 1926 – 1 Aug 2004 Died in Rockville, MD Interred in West Point Post Cemetery, West Point, NY William Ashbrook Patch, an “Army brat,” was born in Columbia, MO, to MG Joseph Dorst Patch and Minerva King Patch. Bill entered West Point in 1944 and was well-liked by his classmates for his sense of humor. His wit helped them endure the rigors of Plebe year. One of his best friends, Jack Osteen, noted, “Bill Patch was one of the wittiest people I have ever known. He had a self-deprecating sense of humor that endeared him to all his friends.” In 1948, shortly after graduation, Bill married Helena Shreve Fletcher. Bill’s first assignment was in Japan, but he soon served gallantly in the Korean War. According to classmate Bill Caldwell: “When the Korean War began, Bill was serving with the 7th Infantry Division in Japan. As GEN MacArthur deployed the 24th Infantry Division, it appeared to Bill that he might miss the fight. Consequently, he fought, successfully, to get to Korea. He joined the 19th Infantry Regiment in early July and was immediately thrown into the fighting in the Pusan Perimeter as the Intelligence and Reconnaissance (I and R) platoon leader. During the breakout of the Pusan Perimeter and the long drive to the Yalu River, Bill’s I and R platoon was a workhorse for the regiment. Subsequently, Bill was awarded the Silver Star, given a battlefield promotion, and, in November 1950, he assumed command of A Company, 19th Infantry. In January 1951, Bill was severely wounded while leading a counterattack and was evacuated to Japan for emergency surgery and recuperation. As expected, Bill connived to return to Korea and the 19th Infantry. He did so and assumed command of a rifle company, which he led with distinction until late 1951. Throughout Bill’s Korean War service and his entire career, he demonstrated raw physical courage, integrity, and true professionalism.” During 1961–64, Bill was the division G-2 in the 82nd Airborne Division, and I was the division G-3. Together we revised the plans for an airborne assault on Cuba and developed contingency plans for other crises of that period. The division commander, GEN John “Rock” Throckmorton, had great confidence in Bill’s judgment and admired his ability to get to the core of any problem quickly. While attending Army War College, Bill volunteered for service in Viet Nam. Shortly after his arrival, Bill was appointed commander of Special Forces Detachment C-2, a battalion command. He was widely respected in the Special Operations community for his great tactical skill and courage. His Green Berets successfully thwarted many enemy infiltration attempts. Bill later volunteered to return to Viet Nam and assumed command of the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division. His feats in the jungle and his personal leadership qualities were legendary. His officers and enlisted men idolized him. In 1974, Bill served as my assistant division commander in Korea. His operational ideas brought to life the close interaction of airpower, the force of infantry and artillery weapons, and the delivery of troops into an objective by helicopter. He was a great trainer and lifted the division to new heights of proficiency and readiness. In Korea, as the reserve force for I Corps US/ROK Group, our immediate commander was LTG Jim Hollingsworth. “Danger 79er” [Hollingsworth] considered Bill to be one of the very best soldiers and leaders that he had ever encountered. We were struck by Bill’s enthusiasm, exuberance, and his invincible confidence and cheerfulness--traits that made him one of our best battle leaders. His charismatic personality made people want to be around him. In late 1975, Bill assumed command of the U.S. Army Training Center and Ft. Dix, NJ. Leroy Suddath ’56, who served under him commented: “I was fortunate to serve under MG Patch on three separate occasions. Firstly, in the fast paced, peacetime 82nd Airborne Division in 1962, then a combat environment in the Big Red One in 1968 and, lastly, in a training environment at Ft. Dix in 1976. Those three assignments could not have been more different, but MG Patch could not have been more consistent. His leadership style was the embodiment of Schofield’s Dictum; his manner, tone of voice, optimism, humor, and humility inspired his officers and men to obey, for they knew that Bill’s orders came straight from his heart. I have never met an officer who loved soldiers more than Bill did or soldiers who loved their commander more than Bill’s did.” Bill commanded every level of Infantry unit, from platoon to brigade, in combat. His aggressiveness, tenacity, and tactical skill provided outstanding examples of combat leadership in Korea and Viet Nam. His indomitable courage was attested to by the award of two Silver Stars and numerous other awards. He also displayed consummate leadership in peacetime. His 30 years of devoted service to the Army represent a West Point graduate at his best and set a standard to which all future West Point graduates can aspire. Bill passed away after a long bout with Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his beloved Hellie and his devoted sons, Alex and Rob. His eldest son, Billy, passed away in 1987. Bill’s memorial service was conducted at the Old Cadet Chapel by his pastor and dear family friend, the Reverend “Billy” Shand. Following the service, military honors were rendered with great precision and dignity. Farewell, “Gundar,” old pal. We who served with you consider ourselves fortunate that you touched our lives. You added luster to the great battlefield reputation of the Class of 1948. Hank Emerson

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