Robert Charles Forbes (1917–2002) was a United States Army major general who served as commander of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War.
Robert C. Forbes | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 17, 1917 Camden, New Jersey |
| Died | March 18, 2002 (aged 84) |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1938–1973 |
| Rank |  Major general |
| Commands | 199th Light Infantry Brigade |
| Battles / wars | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star |
Early life and education
editHe attended William Penn High School and then graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1939.
Military service
editWorld War II
editHe served with the 63rd Infantry Division seeing action in France and Germany.
Post WWII
editForbes was promoted to Brigadier General in July 1966 and appointed assistant division commander of the 9th Infantry Division.[1]
Vietnam War
editBG Forbe deployed to South Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division in December 1966. He was then reassigned to be chief of staff of II Field Force, Vietnam.[1]
In September 1967 when BG John F. Freund was wounded on operations, Forbes was given command of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade and commanded that unit until May 1968.[1]
During the Tet Offensive Forbes led his Brigade in ejecting the Viet Cong from Saigon.[2]
Post Vietnam
editFrom September 1968 to September 1969 he served as commander of United States Army Security Assistance Command.
He retired from the Army in 1973.
Later life
editThis section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (February 2022) |
Personal life
editHe married Anne Catherine Eckenrode in 1942 and they had 3 sons and a daughter.
References
edit
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ^ a b c Tonsetic, Robert (2010). Warriors: An Infantryman's Memoir of Vietnam. Random House Publishing Group. p. 18. ISBN 9780307434722.
- ^ Villard, Erik (2017). United States Army in Vietnam Combat Operations Staying the Course October 1967 to September 1968. Center of Military History United States Army. p. 567. ISBN 9780160942808.