John R. Byers

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on July 31, 2012:

John Robertson Byers Born August 8, 1926 -- Died July 29, 2012 John Robertson Byers was born in New York on 8 August 1926 and was appointed to West Point from the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana. His West Point classmates recall: "John chose West Point for his Alma Mater at the mature age of eight, finally clinching the deal thirteen years later. He learned about one side of Army life by following his father from one post to another post. The other side presented itself in the form of a hitch with the 1st Cavalry." During his cadet days John was with the Debate Council and the Skeet Club all four years; with the Rifle Team plebe, yearling, and cow years, earning a Minor `A' and Navy Star; with the Ski Club plebe, yearling, and first class years; on the Howitzer Staff plebe and yearling years; with the Model Railroad Club cow and first class years; was a Chapel Usher first class year; and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year serving as Battalion Adjutant. Upon graduation John went in the Armored Corps and after completing the Basic Armored Course at Fort Hood, Texas reported to the 44th Tank Battalion where he served from 1951 to 1952. John's next assignment was to the 9th Infantry Regiment in Korean from 1952 to 1953 and was decorated with the Soldier's Medal for distinguished heroism not involving conflict with an enemy; the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy; the Purple Heart for wounds in action against an enemy; and the Combat Infantryman Badge. From 1953 to 1958 John served with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. In 1961 John earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and was then assigned to the Staff & Faculty at The Armored School, Fort Knox, KY where he served until 1962. From 1962 to 1964 John was assigned to Army Combat Development Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia and was awarded his second Commendation Medal for distinguished service. In 1963 John attended the CGSC, Fort Leavenworth, KS and on completion was appointed Senior Advisor with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam where he served from 1964 to 1965 and was decorated with a second Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy; 3 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; and a second Combat Infantryman Badge. Next John received orders to Office Assistant Chief of Staff Forces Command, Fort McPherson, Georgia; served from 1965 to 1967 and was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. In 1968 John attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania and on completion was named Squadron Commanding Officer with the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment and served as such until 1969 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. Next John reported to Headquarters, United States Army, Europe where he served from 1969 to 1970. John next was named Commanding Officer of the 1st Brigade, 4th Armored Division, Europe and served as such from 1970 to 1972 when he went with the 1st Armored Division from 1972 to 1973 and was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Next John received orders to Office, Joint Chiefs of Staff and served throughout 1973 and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. John's last military assignment was to the Military Personnel Center where he served from 1973 to 1975 and was awarded a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. John retired in 1975 from the United States Army after a distinguished career in the rank of Colonel. John then went back to school and earned an MBA from Central Michigan University in 1975 and went into the Art Business with his wife Peggy. The August 1997 Assembly noted, "John & Peg hosted the '51 DC spring party at their Prince Royal Art Gallery in Old Town Alexandria. John announced that they had decided to retire from the business and were selling the gallery. With background music from the 1940s and 50s, an open bar, and fine food, a lovely time was had by all. The highlight of the art exhibits was the exhibit of Art by Children of Northern Virginia, the results of a community service program sponsored by John for children with learning disabilities." John and Peggy made their home in Alexandria, Virginia.

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