Posted by Brig. Gen. RM Ong (Ret) on May 19, 2016:

Upon his return from Vietnam in November 1966, Jim Hughes was assigned as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of California at Santa Barbara. It was there in September 1967 that he suffered injuries in a highway accident which resulted in his death at Letterman General Hospital, San Francisco, in January 1968. Jim was born in Oakland on 28 September 1941, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold V. Hughes. Throughout his life he had a strong affection for his home State. Wherever he moved through his service career, his mind was never far from the mountains and shores of California. A natural athlete, he participated vigorously in outdoor activities. In July 1959, following his graduation from St. Mary's College High School in Berkeley, he entered West Point. His quick mind easily mastered the academics offered through the four years, and he gave generously of his time to help others who had difficulty. He distinguished himself as a member of the Corps Squad Swimming Team and, in the swimming off-season, was a tremendous asset to the Company F-2 intramural teams. Upon his graduation in 1963, Jim was commissioned in the Infantry and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. Prior to his arrival, he completed the Airborne and Ranger Schools at Fort Benning. His assignment with the 82nd was marked by his constant attention to self-discipline and his unswerving care for his men. He first served in the 82nd as a Rifle Platoon Leader with "A" Company of the 1st Airborne Battle Group, 187th Infantry. He quickly adjusted to the responsibility, training requirements, and rigid discipline of tactical airborne operations, and he became one of the few in the Division to receive the Expert Infantryman Badge. His innate leadership qualities led to his assignment as the Reconnaissance Platoon Leader with the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry. In November 1964, he was assigned as the Assistant S-3 of his Battalion, a position he held for the remainder of his tour. During a portion of this period Jim served as Operations Officer and won the high personal regard of his Battalion Commander, who later wrote that he did an outstanding job, always showing a sense of perception and responsibility beyond his years and experience. As a Staff Officer he was instrumental in providing timely and accurate information and recommendations for all airborne drops. It was in this capacity that he served his Battalion well as it moved into combat on 30 April 1965 in the Dominican Republic. In this, the ultimate test of a unit's readiness, Jim's efficient efforts continued to produce the outstanding results essential for successful combat operations. He was recognized for his outstanding performance by the award of the Bronze Star Medal. Upon his departure from the 82nd in 1965, he received the Army Commendation Medal. Even though he had recently returned from a combat zone, his sincere desire to serve led him to volunteer for a tour in Vietnam. Late in November 1965, he arrived in the Republic of Vietnam and was assigned to the 35th ARVN Ranger Battalion as the Assistant Battalion Advisor in the III Corps Area. A few months later he was reassigned as Senior Advisor to the 31st ARVN Ranger Battalion. Throughout his one-year tour in Vietnam, he worked diligently with the ARVN Rangers to create more effective and capable units. His continual efforts and advice in civic action and combat operations were deeply admired by the Vietnamese, and a firm mutual respect developed between him and his counterparts. He was awarded the Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star. Jim was greatly admired by all who knew him. He possessed the quality which can best be described as easy-going yet enthusiastic and energetic. This combination is difficult fto equal and provided him with a satisfying career. He had a wonderful zest for life. He was a great friend to everyone, a greater classmate, and an outstanding Army Officer. We sincerely miss him. -- A Friend and Classmate

admin