Eric Ferdinand Antila

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on August 21, 2004:

Eric Ferdinand Antila Born March 30, 1927 - Died October 5, 2002 Eric Ferdinand Antila was born in Missouri on 30 March 1927 and was appointed to West Point from New Mexico on a Senatorial Appointment. His West Point classmates recall: "A uniform is nothing to Eric. Graduating from the New Mexico Military Institute, and serving with the Army in Korea, Eric was well prepared for the Point. Academics never gave Eric much trouble, and in physical education he stands high on the list. Believe it or not, Eric's main trouble has been too many women. However as always, he is sure that this time it is the real thing." During his cadet days Eric was with the Ski, Art, and Spanish Clubs all four years, serving as Secretary of the latter club, he went out for Track and the Ski Patrol two years, and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Eric went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia served with both the 21st and the 34th Infantry Regiments of the 24th Division in Korea from 1952 to 1954. On completion of this duty Eric was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy, and Commendation Ribbon for distinguished service. In 1961 Eric earned a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Arizona and on completion was assigned to the Air Defense Center where he served until 1964. In 1965 Eric attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and on completion was assigned the 13th Army Missile Detachment in Europe where he served until 1967. Then from 1967 to 1968 Eric was ordered to the 9th Division, Republic of Vietnam. On completion of this duty Eric was decorated with two Silver Stars for distinguished gallantry in action, three additional Bronze Star Medals for valor, for distinguished heroism against an enemy, three Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight, the Purple Heart for wounds in action against an enemy, and three Commendation Medals for distinguished service. On return to stateside Eric was assigned to Office, Chief of Research & Development Aberdeen Proving Ground where he served until 1969 when he retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. On retirement Eric was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. Eric's last known address was 4890 Pipit Pl, Pleasanton, California; however, mail addressed to that address has been returned with the Postal Service notation, "Unable to Forward - No Forwarding Address" From Social Security records the class has learned that Eric died on October 5, 2002 and that the next of kin is Mrs. Marien Antila. As of 5/23/2000 she resided at 1656 Railroad Drive, Carson City, NV 89701-8314. Post Script - (Provided by Joe Sites) "During a radio broadcast on 3 August, General Tommy Franks, stated that he had learned a great deal about leadership from Eric Antila and was indebted to him. Based on this remark, I purchased the General's book and was pleased to see many references to our classmate. Eric was General Frank's Battalion Commander in Viet Nam. The General's references to Eric begin with his meeting with Eric right after Eric took over the Battalion. Obviously, Eric made a great impression during that first meeting. General Franks felt that Eric was genuinely interested in his personnel, was very intellectual (PhD) and a person interested in literature and the arts. This favorable view grew with Eric showing a direct and personal interest in the development of Lt. Franks. The high point of Eric's demonstration of loyalty to his troops and true leadership came after a battle along the Kinh Doi Canal on the south side of Saigon. During the battle, Lt. Franks adjusted lots of artillery fire and called in a number of air strikes. As could be expected, there was collateral damage. Unfortunately, higher headquarters felt that someone would have to pay for this collateral damage and they began an investigation with a JAG officer and a General. The investigative team focused on General (then Lieutenant Franks). Franks was sure that he was going to be court-martialed. While the investigation was going on, Eric appeared on the scene. He told the team that they were asking good questions, but they were asking the wrong person. He said that he was entirely responsible, thereby taking Franks off the hook. This is how Franks states it in his book. "Over the years, I have replayed that drama in my mind thousands of times. And I've learned more about Lt. Colonel Antila since that hot afternoon along the Kinh Doi Canal. He had been slated for retirement following this tour, a combat tour that he had specifically requested from his desk job as a nuclear weapons officer in Europe. He didn?t have to risk his life in Vietnam. And he certainly didn't have to risk a court martial, a dishonorable discharge, and the loss of his pension to take care of an OCS lieutenant." The General also relates other leadership lessons he learned from Eric. Not long before Eric died, he called on General Franks. The account of this meeting is poignant and reveals a great deal of General Franks' gratitude to and respect for Eric. After losing contact with Eric for a number of years, it is especially good to learn more about him; to know the impact he made on our Army. I feel sure that his leadership played a significant role in our Army's defeat of Sadam Hussein's forces. Eric is another classmate in whom we can take great pride."

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