|
03 Nov 2002
The following documents have been provided by Lieutenant Rice's family.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO San Francisco 96262
23 August 1970
GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER 4369
AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR
TC 439. The following AWARD is announced posthumously:
RICE, ROBERT T JR 273-42-1782 FIRST LIEUTENANT INFANTRY
United States Army, Co B, 2d Bn, 8th Inf, 4th Inf Div
Awarded: Silver Star
Date action: 8 August 1970
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason:
For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, First Lieutenant Rice distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. On August 8, 1970, Company B was set up in a night location when they suddenly began receiving intense hostile mortar fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Rice moved across the perimeter to direct his men to fighting positions. Lieutenant Rice continued to move from position to position, despite enemy rounds impacting all around him, and insured the safety of all his men. While still dangerously exposed, Lieutenant Rice was mortally wounded by shrapnel from one of the hostile rounds. First Lieutenant Rice's personal bravery, outstanding leadership and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918.
FOR THE COMMANDER:
HAROLD D. YOW
Colonel, GS
Chief of Staff
OFFICIAL:
DONALD G. JOSEPH
CPT, AGC
Asst AG
|
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO San Francisco 96262
19 August 1970
GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER 4335
AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL
TC 439. The following AWARD is announced posthumously:
RICE, ROBERT T JR 273-42-1782 FIRST LIEUTENANT INFANTRY
United States Army, Co B, 2d Bn, 8th Inf, 4th Inf Div
Awarded: Bronze Star Medal
Date of service: 27 June 1970 to 8 August 1970
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason:
For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force.
Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962
FOR THE COMMANDER:
HAROLD D. YOW
Colonel, GS
Chief of Staff
OFFICIAL:
DONALD G. JOSEPH
CPT, AGC
Asst AG
|
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO San Francisco 96262
19 August 1970
GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER 4315
AWARD OF THE ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL
TC 439. The following AWARD is announced posthumously:
RICE, ROBERT T JR 273-42-1782 FIRST LIEUTENANT INFANTRY
United States Army, Co B, 2d Bn, 8th Inf, 4th Inf Div
Awarded: Army Commendation Medal
Date of service: 27 June 1970 to 8 August 1970
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason:
For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force.
Authority: By direction of the Secretary of the Army, under the provisions of AR 672-5-1
FOR THE COMMANDER:
HAROLD D. YOW
Colonel, GS
Chief of Staff
OFFICIAL:
DONALD G. JOSEPH
CPT, AGC
Asst AG
|
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
COMPANY B, 2D BATTALION (MECH), 8TH INFANTRY
4TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO San Francisco 96262
28 August 1970
Mr. & Mrs. Robert T. Rice
1502 Ronald Road
Springfield, Ohio 45503
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Rice:
It is with the deepest possible sorrow and sympathy that I write to you at this time. All of the officers and men of our company wish to convey their most heart-felt condolences on the occasion of your tremendous loss.
When Robert first arrived in the battalion he was assigned to Company A; however, due to a temporary shortage of qualified leaders in my company, he took over the 2d Platoon. I am the commanding officer of Company B, 2d Battalion (Mechanized) 8th Infantry of which your son commanded the 2d platoon. On 8 August 1970, we had established a night defensive perimeter on Landing Zone Tarzan, located approximately 25 miles southwest of An Khe. At approximately 6:50 P.M. we were subjected to a sudden mortar attack by the enemy from a concealed position in the moountain range 2,000 meters to our west. Immediately after the morar attack was initiated my company perimeter returned fire at the enemy's firing position. It was at this time, while directing the return fire and insuring the safety of all his personnel, your son Robert fell, mortally wounded. The platoon's Medical Aidmen were at Robert's side just moments after he was wounded. I initiated a call for a medical evacuation helicopter immediately, and the response was instantaneous. However, due to the severity of the wounds in his neck and head, my medical personnel were unable to save his life. He died within a few minutes of receiving his wounds, but the medical aidmen continued to give him aid until the medical evacuetion arrived.
Robert had proven himself to be a man of courage and conviction; a true leader of men. He was well liked by all of us, especialJ.y the members of his platoon. His sacrifice for his convictions of freedoms and the right to pursue it, individually , withhout undue restraint will remain as an inspiration to the men of this company.
We join you in mourning this very great, very personal loss. A Catholic Service was held on 8 August 1970, inside our defensive perimeter just prior to the mortar attack and Robert was granted General Absolution. A Memorial Service was held for Robert the next day by our Company.
Robert's personal property has been gathered and will be forwarded to you just as quickly as possible.
If I may be of assistance to you at any time please do not hesitate to contact me.
With deepest sympathy,
Marty C. Keef
CPT, INF
Commanding
|
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS, 2D BATTALION (MECH), 8TH INFANTRY
4TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO San Francisco 96262
AVDDB-2-8-CO
28 August 1970
Mr. & Mrs. Robert T. Rice
1502 Ronald Road
Springfield, Ohio 45503
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Rice:
At this time of personal sorrow, I regret the necessity for this letter, but I must express the feeling and sympathy of myself and the officers and men of the 2d Battalion (Mechanized) 8th Infantry.
Robert was initially assigned to Company A in the battalion but upon his arrival was given command of the 2d platoon of Company B. On 8 August 1970, at 7:00 P.M., Company B of this Battalion was occupying a night defensive position on Landing Zone Tarzan, which is approximately 25 miles southwest of An Khe. A sudden and violent enemy mortar attack struck Company B. While directing the firing of his men, Robert was
struck in the head and neck by multiple mortar fragments. He was immediately attended to and comforted by a Medical Aidman. His Company Commander requested helicopter evacuation and received rapid response from the
evacuation pilots. As the result of the severity of Robert's wounds, he died prior to the arrival of the helicopter.
Your son had proven himself as a man and leader. His devotion to duty and personal integrity earned him the respect of all of us who served with him. His supreme sacrifice will always remain in our hearts as a
lasting reminder of what a true American will do, not only for his comrades and his family, but for all families of the world so they may eventually live in peace and harmony.
We mourn the loss of your son, the loss of a comrade, and the nation's loss of a valiant citizen who gave his most precious possession for the cause of freedom.
A Memorial Service was held in memory of Robert at the Battalion Fire Support Base near An Khe. Robert's personal property has been gathered and will be sent to you as soon as possible.
If I may assist you at any time, please contact me so that I may respond.
With deepest sympathy,
John C Gazlay
LTC, Armor
Commanding
|
Memorial Scholarship Honors Former Xavier "Musketeer"
Editor's Note -
(A memorial scholarship honoring Lt. Robert T. Rice, Jr., has been established at Xavier by his family and friends. Lt. Rice, class of '69, died gallantly in Vietnam on August 8, 1970, while leading his men in combat.)
Bob Rice was the Xavier University "Musketeer" during the 1968-69 school year. He was, perhaps, the smallest student ever to be honored with that position at Xavier. His size, however, was no indication of the enthusiasm which he exhibited and imparted to his fellow students, the football and basketball teams, faculty members, and the parents and friends of Xavier. At 5'4" he looked quite out of place when mingling with the "huge" football players and the "lanky" basketball players but he was a friend to all of them and they to him.
Bob's enthusiasm and his desire to inspire his friends did not begin with his selection as the "Musketeer" but was something with which he had grown up. As an altar boy, in his parish church of Saint Teresa, Springfield, Ohio, he inspired others to become servers also. As a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Explorer Scout he earned and was awarded the Ad Altare Dei emblem for service to his Church. His enthusiasm was responsible for attracting other boys to the scouting program. Although possessing a most avid interest in all sports, he never achieved his desire to participate fully in any of them. He did participate in a few baseball, football, and basketball games during his grade school days. His interest followed him into high school at Catholic Central in Springfield, where he was to become manager of the football and basketball teams. His spirit and enthusiasm proved motivational to many of the bigger boys and were probably responsible for some of the victories which they achieved. Bob was always proud of "his" teams.
ROTC Provides Opportunity
This great interest followed him to college where you could always find him in the front row during the sports events. He also participated in the intramural sports program and had the scars to prove it. At Xavier, Bob finally found a field in which he could compete regardless of his size. He became a member of the ROTC. He joined the Pershing Rifles, the Corps' drill team. This offered him something in which to compete at last.
And compete he did. In his freshman year, he was awarded "The Presidents' Trophy" and "The Superior Cadet Decoration." These were awarded in recognition of outstanding leadership and scholastic achievement. The "Superior Cadet Decoration" was awarded to Bob again in his sophomore year. The following two years found him receiving awards for "outstanding proficiency in leadership, drill and the exercise of command." During this period, Bob had become a Squad Leader and a Platoon Leader. His men and he won many awards in Drill Meets around the country. He was proud of his men. He was proud of the great institution which they represented.
His desire to help others also was reflected while at "X", by helping his fellow students and friends whenever his help was needed. He also participated in a program sponsored by the Cincinnati Public Schools. It's purpose was to help slow learners and the underprivileged.
Bob was listed in the 1968-1969 edition of "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges."
The climax of his four years at Xavier came on June 4, 1969, when he received his Bachelor of Science Degree and was awarded a regular commission in the United States Army Infantry. The regular commission was awarded on the basis of his graduating as a Distinguished Military Student. Bob was very proud of that day. He had achieved two long sought goals. He had always believed that each able bodied man owed a debt to this great country for having the God given privilege of living in it. He was ready to play his part.
Felled By Mortar Shell
At 6:30 P.M. (Vietnam time), August 8, 1970, First Lieutenant Robert Thomas Rice, Jr. was killed in action by an enemy mortar shell. The "little" fellow whom all who had come in contact with him knew as a "big" man had paid the supreme price. Again, his friends, his men had been uppermost in his mind, as borne out by citations to be received by his parents at a later date.
Posthumous awards for Bob's deeds were presented, recently, to his parents and his brothers and sisters. The awards included the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart, in addition to Vietnam Service Medals and various awards previously presented to him.
Again, Bob would have been proud of his men. They had followed his commands well and there were no casualties among them. There was, however, one other man killed alongside Bob. He was a South Vietnamese Scout assigned to Bob's outfit. The two of them had become very close friends during Bob's short seven weeks in Vietnam.
Died As He Had Lived
Bob died as he had lived, with friends surrounding him. His death has had a profound effect on those who had known him during his short but full life. A listing of these would be too lengthy to ask anyone to print. Suffice it to say that these friends, consisting of fellow soldiers, schoolmates, faculty members, the slow learners, etc., have spoken of their being inspired and touched by their association with him.
He was granted the privilege of attending Xavier University through a scholarship. Bob's desire to help others as he had been helped will be perpetuated through the scholarship fund established in his memory at Xavier. It is hoped that this fund will allow deserving young men to obtain the same fine education as that received by Bob.
From the Xavier COMMUNIQUE, March 12, 1971
|
XAVIER UNIVERSITY
Military Science Department
20 June 1989
Mr. & Mrs. Robert T. Rice
1373 Wiliwile Circle
Wheeler AFB, HI 96786
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Rice:
As you know I have been working with Xavier's administration and have been thinking of an appropriate memorial for Bob which would be symbolic of his time spent at Xavier, in ROTC, and in the Army. I have talked with Father DiUlio and with Paul Lindsay and we have decided to dedicate the grass knoll between St. Barbara Hall and the Armory -The Lieutenant Robert T. Rice Jr. Memorial Park. We will landscape the area, implace a granite marker and remove the brass honor plaque from the Armory wall and afix it to the granite marker. I feel this is a fitting tribute to Bob and it preserves some history for the Military Science Department and the university. The Xavier University Pershing Rifles "Battery G" will be responsible for perpetual care.
With your approval and coordination with Father DiUlio I would like to have a dedication ceremony during the third week of September 1989 at around 2:00 p.m. All of your family and friends would be invited and the university administration and Corps of Cadets would participate.
I will plan a short ceremony with myself and Father DiUlio speaking along with your remarks if you so desire. Please contact me at 1-800-344-4698 ext. 3646 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
ADRIAN A. SCHIESS
Lieutenant Colonel, U. S. Army
Professor of Military Science
|
UNITED STATES ARMY
RESERVE OFFICER'S TRAINING CORPS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY, "ALL FOR ONE" BATTALION
3904 WINDING WAY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45229-1999
PROCLAMATION
BE IT PROCLAIMED TO: BATTERY G, 11TH REGIMENT PERSHING RIFLES AND ALL OTHERS THAT
WHEREAS,
BATTERY G, 11TH REGIMENT, PERSHING RIFLES DID CONFER ONTO CADET ROBERT T. RICE, JR., ALL HONORS AS A MEMBER OF THE PERSHING RIFLES FROM SEPTEMBER 1965 TO JUNE 1969, AND
WHEREAS,
CADET ROBERT T. RICE, JR., WAS COMMISSIONED AS A SECOND LIEUTENANT FROM THE XAVIER UNIVERSITY RESERVE OFFICER'S TRAINING CORPS PROGRAM ON 4 JUNE 1969 AND,
WHEREAS,
FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERT T. RICE, JR., DID FALL ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE GIVING HIS LIFE TO DEFEND THIS
NATION AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, AND
WHEREAS,
IN MEMORY OF THIS ULTIMATE SACRIFICE THAT IT IS OUR HONOR TO DEDICATE THIS LAND TO HIS MEMORY AS THE
"FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERT T. RICE, JR., PARK".
NOW, THEREFORE,
I, ADRIAN A. SCHIESS, LIEUTENANT COLONEL, COMMANDER, "ALL FOR ONE" BATTALION, DO HEREBY CHARGE THE COMMANDER AND BATTERY G, 11TH REGIMENT, PERSHING RIFLES TO CARE AND MAINTAIN THIS PARK PERPETUALLY. I FURTHER CHARGE BATTERY G TO USE THIS PARK IN FIRST LIEUTENANT RICE'S MEMORY AS PART OF ITS RITES OF MEMBERSHIP FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PERSliNG RIFLES.
SIGNED, UNDER MY HAND, THIS DATE, 13 SEPTEMBER 1989,
ADRIAN A. SCHIESS
LIEUTENANT COLONEL, U.S. ARMY
PROFESSOR OF MILITARY SCIENCE
|
| An exerpt from a letter received from one of Bobby's men who called us around Thanksgiving 1995,
25 years after the fatal day in the jungle of Vietnam. |
May 7, 1996
Hialeah, FL
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Rice:
I received your letters of last December and the one from April...
Your letter from December affected me in a great way. In this letter you tell about the Lieutenant's last letter where he thought that he had not been properly briefed. He never told us this but we knew something was wrong. Now I know that the Lieutenant suspected this but never told us.
In your letter from April you mention the speech that the retired General gave. He mentioned that the greatest award for an officer would be the respect of his men. We always had a great respect for Lt. Rice, but that respect has grown much more since I have received your last two letters. What happened that afternoon should tell you what kind of a leader your son was. We had been left for two days deep in enemy territory on a small hill in the open, surrounded by mountains (a small group of men). On the second day, getting late in the afternoon, one last chopper was coming out with supplies. A radio message came telling Lt. Rice to get into the chopper and back into base camp for a new assignment and to leave the Sergeant in charge of the platoon. Lt. Rice refused to do so, stating that he would not go back to base camp unless his men went in with him. The chopper came in and brought out our Kit Carson who was not supposed to come out until the next day but had decided to join us out in the field rather than stay one more night in base camp (this was the kind of comradeship that we had). Lt. Rice knew by this time that something was up and still he chose to be with his men. That's a leader. Now you know why I have great respect for Lt. Rice.
I and my family would like to make a contribution to the Lt. Rice Scholarship Fund. It was an honor to have served under Lt. Rice. There is also a Camillus House in the Miami area which helps the homeless. A lot of these homeless people are veterans, so we are also making a donation in the same amount to Camillus House in Lt. Rice's name ($1,300.00).
The only thing left to say in this letter is to have a happy Mother's Day.
Sincerely yours,
Wilfredo Bermudez
|
The Lt. Robert T. Rice, Jr.
Scholarship Fund
of
Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio
To help others
as he was helped
XAVIER
UNIVERSITY
Dear Friends:
On August 8, 1970, a mortar shell burst in the Vietnam jungle taking the life of our eldest son, Robert T. Rice. Jr.
He gave his life in the service of our nation just 14 months after his graduation from Xavier University. We are ensuring that his memory, his love of Xavier and his helping of others live on for generations to come.
We are asking your support of the Lt. Robert T. Rice, Jr., Memorial Scholarship Fund at Xavier University, Bob's alma mater. This is an endowed fund - the principal is held in perpetuity and the annual earnings are used to provide financial aid to young men and women in need of such support.
Bob gave his all for his friends and his Country. We believe this memorial is the best way to continue his concern for others. Bob was able to attend Xavier through a scholarship. You can help extend that same opportunity to the youth of today and tomorrow.
Xavier's scholarship committee selects candidates on the basis of academic achievement, rank in class and college test scores. Financial need is also considered.
Since the death of our son, we have sent appeals to many thousands of individuals, corporations and organizations. We are pleased to report that the fund now totals more than $61,000, thanks to the generosity of many. Contributions have ranged from $1.00 from some of the people Bob worked with in Xavier's cafeteria to grants of over $5,000. Our family has contributed about 40% of the total.
In addition, books personally autographed in memory of Bobby have been contributed to the Xavier Library. Contributors include Presidents and First Ladies from Mrs. Bess Truman through President Bush.
While the fund bears the name of our son, we feel it honors all those fine men and women who have served when called upon. It is a tribute to all who have made the supreme sacrifice and to those who must bear the wounds of their service for the rest of their lives.
Through the 2001/2002 academic year at Xavier, a total of 45 grants have been awarded to qualified and deserving students. Current grants are in the amount of $2,500 each. We are delighted that our efforts are helping some fine young men and women obtain a Xavier education that might not otherwise be possible.
We beg your earnest consideration of our appeal. Our prayer is that God will guide you in your deliberation and that He will bless you for any time spent in reviewing this material.
If policy or circumstances prohibit a gift to this fund, perhaps a gift in honor of all who have served America can be made to the college of your choice.
Thank you for your consideration.
Very sincerely,
/s/ Mr. & Mrs. Robert T. Rice, Sr.
|
|
