Robert Charles Forbes, Sr. – Major General, United States Army

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Thanks to Clay Crowder for reminding us about General Forbes:

The following is from the program for the Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors In Memory of Major General (Retired) Robert Charles Forbes, Sr., United States  Army.

July 17, 1917 – March 18, 2002
Memorial Chapel
Fort Meyer, Virginia
April 18, 2002

Robert Charles Forbes, Sr. Born in Camden, New Jersey in 1917, the son of Charles Forbes, a civilian engineer, and Caroline Shay, grew up in central Pennsylvania graduated from William Penn High School in Harrisburg and entered the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a B.A. degree with honors in 1939. In 1942 he married Anne Catherine Eckenrode. Their family grew with four children: John, Robert Jr., Elizabeth and Michael.

For 33 years Bob Forbes pursued a career in the U.S. Army. Moves were frequent to various posts in he U.S. as well as abroad in England, Germany, Korea and Vietnam. His most frequent posting – four times – was to Washington D.C.

Bob Forbes performed all assignments he received to the best of his ability, which was considerable. Demonstrating his strongest leadership during the command of troops, he saw combat in Germany and Vietnam, receiving decorations for valor during service with the 63d Infantry Division and the 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

Retiring in 1973, Bob and Anne settled in Atlanta. He joined the Lions Club, was elected president of the Atlanta chapter, and enjoyed regular games of golf and travel to distant countries. Later they moved to his last home in Catonsville, Maryland.

Those who loved him will remember him for his many roles in life as son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grand father, lover, confidant, pal, soldier, actor, director, pipe-smoker, golfer, student, teacher, leader, follower, card player, father-in-law, churchgoer, uncle, cousin, comrade-in-arms, joke-teller, matchmaker, friend humanitarian, traveler, tourist and lover of music – among others.

Note: Major General Forbes was fittingly buried with honors by a detachment of the 3d Infantry, The Old Guard. He had commanded the 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry (Old Guard), 199th Light Infantry Brigade (Separate), in the Vietnam War in 1968-1969. I am still working on the awards that he received while in service. I will be doing a honor page for him as I did for the other Generals that were assigned to the 199th Infantry Brigade in Vietnam as they pass away however I am getting a little older.  I retired a week ago Friday 26 April 2002 from Fort Rucker, Alabama.  General Forbes always smoked a pipe as long as I have known him for Vietnam to 2 years ago in D.C. for our reunion always on Memorial Day Weekend. I will be in DC in 3 weeks.

Take care Clay

Robert Charles Forbes, Sr. Born in Camden, New Jersey in 1917, son of Charles Forbes, a civilian engineer, and Caroline Shay, grew up in central Pennsylvania graduated from William Penn High School in Harrisburg and entered the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a B.A. degree with honors in 1939. In 1942 he married Anne Catherine Eckenrode. Their family grew with four children: John, Robert Jr., Elizabeth and Michael.

For 33 years Bob Forbes pursued a career in the U.S. Army. Moves were frequent to various posts in he U.S. as well as abroad in England, Germany, Korea and Vietnam. His most frequent posting – four times – was to Washington D.C. Bob Forbes performed all assignments he received to the best of his ability, which was considerable. Demonstrating his strongest leadership during the command of troops, he saw combat in Germany and Vietnam, receiving decorations for valor during service with the 63d Infantry Division and the 199th Light Infantry Brigade.

Retiring in 1973, Bob and Anne settled in Atlanta. He joined the Lions Club, was elected president of the Atlanta chapter, and enjoyed regular games of golf and travel to distant countries. Later they moved to his last home in Catonsville, Maryland.

Those who loved him will remember him for his many roles I life as son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grand father, lover, confidant, pal, soldier, actor, director, pipe-smoker, golfer, student, teacher, leader, follower, card player,
father-in-law, churchgoer, uncle, cousin, comrade-in-arms, joke-teller, matchmaker, friend humanitarian, traveler, tourist and lover of music—among others.

Note: Major General Forbes was fittingly buried with honors by a detachment of the 3d Infantry, The Old Guard. He had commanded the 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry (Old Guard), 199th Light Infantry Brigade (Separate) , in The Vietnam War in 1968-1969.

Respectfully submitted
William J. Carr, Jr.
Sergeant Major, USAR, Retired
C/2/3/199th LIB, RVN, 1966-1967

Major General Robert C. Forbes

Major General Robert C. Forbes, Commanding General of the 199th from September 1967 until May 1968 received his final orders at 1015 EST, March 18, 2002. Like any good soldier, he faithfully carried out those orders and precisely on time – as was his habit – he proceeded to his final port of embarkation and peacefully boarded his transport to his final duty station.

General Forbes will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on 18 April with the full military honors he requested and that he deserves. Those attending the 1245 funeral mass at the Memorial Chapel need to arrive by 1130. In place of flowers, contributions in his name can be made to Parkinson Disease Association, 601 N. Caroline St., Suite 5064, Baltimore, Maryland 21287.

Mrs. Forbes and the family wish to thank all of you for your prayers and warm, caring thoughts.”

Here is the official list of awards and decorations from MG Forbes DD 214.

Distinguished Service Medal ( w/OLC)
Silver Star ( w/OLC)
Legion of Merit ( w/OLC)
Bronze Star ( w/ 2 OLC)
Air Medal ( w/ 13 OLC)
Army Commendation Medal ( w/OLC)
Combat Infantryman  Badge
Valorous Unit  Award
National Military Order, 5th Class (Vietnam)
Army Distinguished Service Order (Vietnam)
Cross of Gallantry (with Palm) (Vietnam)
National Police Medal, 1st Class ( Vietnam)
Ranger Badge ( Vietnam)
Civil Actions Honor Medal ( Vietnam)

The above are from his bio.  Additionally, his DD-214 indicates that he also was awarded the following:

EAME   (European-African Middle East Campaign Medal )
AOM (G)  (Army Occupation Medal  )
WW II VM   (WWII Victory Medal  )
ADCM w/ Bz Star (American Defense Service Medal)
ACM (American Campaign Medal )
NDSM w/ 1 OLC  (National Defense Service Medal)
VSM (Vietnam Service Medal)
GS Ident Badge
JCS Ident Badge
RVNCM

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