Posted on Jan 16, 2016
Who is your personal favorite General or Admiral of all time that you served with and why?
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Who is your personal favorite General or Admiral of all time that you served with and why?
RP Members tell us about a General or Admiral that you worked with, served under, or were assigned under during your career in the military that really caught your attention. Describe what he/she meant to you and why he/or she is considered you favorite while serving?
Here is mine. His name was Charles W. Dyke (1 Star at the time) and retired as a Lieutenant General
Here is a picture of him running and doing pushups with the 357th Aviation Detachment, Chièvres Air Base, Belgium and his picture as the Deputy SACEUR, SHAPE, Belgium. I'm running right beside in front and I'm the second man from the left doing pushups!
He is my favorite because of his down to earth approach to talking with soldiers and actually getting out and meeting with the soldiers no what rank, and doing PT with the Soldiers. I received to Letter's of Commendation for maxing the Army Physical Fitness Test from BG Dyke two years in a row while stationed with the 357th Aviation Detachment. As an E-5 he made a lasting impression on me and my decision to go to OCS and become a commissioned officer. I consider him a great general working right under GEN Alexander Haig during my tour of duty with the Aviation Detachment.
CHARLES W. DYKE
FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Charles W. ("Bill") Dyke retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant General on September 1, 1988 after more than 34 years of service as a soldier, infantry officer, operations and planning staff officer at the unit, theater and national levels, and in high level political military assignments. He founded ITTA on September 1, 1989 and currently serves as Founder and Chairman Emeritus.
In addition to managing and directing ITTA, Mr. Dyke serves as a member of the board of directors of the George C. Marshall Foundation, Lexington, Virginia and with the Advisory Board of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
Mr. Dyke served extensively in Europe, including tours with operational units as a junior officer, as an Assistant Division Commander and Community Commander, and at SHAPE as Executive to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). In the 1980s, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations and Plans, U.S. Army, Europe and as Commanding General 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized).
In Asia, Mr. Dyke served in Korea as a Company Commander in the early 1960s. His thirty-three months’ service in Vietnam included battalion command and duty as G-3 (Operations and Plans) with the 101st Airborne Division. Mr. Dyke's final assignment was in Asia as Commanding General, U.S. Army, Japan and IX Corps, from 1985 to 1988.
Assignments in the United States included duty as Executive to the Secretary of the Army, Commander of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, and with the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Department of the Army, as head of the Army's cooperative weapons development and production program with NATO allies. This assignment was followed by Joint Staff duty where Mr. Dyke served as the Vice Director, J 3 (Operations), Joint Staff, and subsequently as Vice Director, Joint Staff. During this Joint Staff assignment, he headed the Contingency Review Group, reporting directly to the Chairman, JCS. This planning group was responsible for much of the detailed analysis and staff work required to form the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF) which evolved into the U.S. Central Command, now responsible for the Middle East and Persian Gulf region.
Over an Army career that included 13 years as a General Officer, Mr. Dyke gained substantial experience in the formulation and execution of foreign and national security policy, strategic planning, project management, and the direction of multi-national programs. As a senior commander in both Europe and Japan, Mr. Dyke worked with military, diplomatic, political, and business leaders to enhance understanding of the U.S. military and to promote the rationale for forward deployed units.
Mr. Dyke is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, and holds an MA degree in International Affairs (1968) from the George Washington University (Sino Soviet Institute), a Master of Military Art and Science (MMA) from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (1967), and a BA in History from the University of Southern Mississippi (1963). During his service with the U.S. Army, Mr. Dyke was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal twice, the Silver Star twice, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit four times, the Purple Heart, the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun (2nd Class), and numerous other U.S. and foreign badges and awards.
RP Members tell us about a General or Admiral that you worked with, served under, or were assigned under during your career in the military that really caught your attention. Describe what he/she meant to you and why he/or she is considered you favorite while serving?
Here is mine. His name was Charles W. Dyke (1 Star at the time) and retired as a Lieutenant General
Here is a picture of him running and doing pushups with the 357th Aviation Detachment, Chièvres Air Base, Belgium and his picture as the Deputy SACEUR, SHAPE, Belgium. I'm running right beside in front and I'm the second man from the left doing pushups!
He is my favorite because of his down to earth approach to talking with soldiers and actually getting out and meeting with the soldiers no what rank, and doing PT with the Soldiers. I received to Letter's of Commendation for maxing the Army Physical Fitness Test from BG Dyke two years in a row while stationed with the 357th Aviation Detachment. As an E-5 he made a lasting impression on me and my decision to go to OCS and become a commissioned officer. I consider him a great general working right under GEN Alexander Haig during my tour of duty with the Aviation Detachment.
CHARLES W. DYKE
FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Charles W. ("Bill") Dyke retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant General on September 1, 1988 after more than 34 years of service as a soldier, infantry officer, operations and planning staff officer at the unit, theater and national levels, and in high level political military assignments. He founded ITTA on September 1, 1989 and currently serves as Founder and Chairman Emeritus.
In addition to managing and directing ITTA, Mr. Dyke serves as a member of the board of directors of the George C. Marshall Foundation, Lexington, Virginia and with the Advisory Board of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
Mr. Dyke served extensively in Europe, including tours with operational units as a junior officer, as an Assistant Division Commander and Community Commander, and at SHAPE as Executive to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). In the 1980s, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations and Plans, U.S. Army, Europe and as Commanding General 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized).
In Asia, Mr. Dyke served in Korea as a Company Commander in the early 1960s. His thirty-three months’ service in Vietnam included battalion command and duty as G-3 (Operations and Plans) with the 101st Airborne Division. Mr. Dyke's final assignment was in Asia as Commanding General, U.S. Army, Japan and IX Corps, from 1985 to 1988.
Assignments in the United States included duty as Executive to the Secretary of the Army, Commander of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, and with the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Department of the Army, as head of the Army's cooperative weapons development and production program with NATO allies. This assignment was followed by Joint Staff duty where Mr. Dyke served as the Vice Director, J 3 (Operations), Joint Staff, and subsequently as Vice Director, Joint Staff. During this Joint Staff assignment, he headed the Contingency Review Group, reporting directly to the Chairman, JCS. This planning group was responsible for much of the detailed analysis and staff work required to form the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF) which evolved into the U.S. Central Command, now responsible for the Middle East and Persian Gulf region.
Over an Army career that included 13 years as a General Officer, Mr. Dyke gained substantial experience in the formulation and execution of foreign and national security policy, strategic planning, project management, and the direction of multi-national programs. As a senior commander in both Europe and Japan, Mr. Dyke worked with military, diplomatic, political, and business leaders to enhance understanding of the U.S. military and to promote the rationale for forward deployed units.
Mr. Dyke is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, and holds an MA degree in International Affairs (1968) from the George Washington University (Sino Soviet Institute), a Master of Military Art and Science (MMA) from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (1967), and a BA in History from the University of Southern Mississippi (1963). During his service with the U.S. Army, Mr. Dyke was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal twice, the Silver Star twice, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit four times, the Purple Heart, the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun (2nd Class), and numerous other U.S. and foreign badges and awards.
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My uncles served with Patton and they remember a speech he gave in which he said these words; General Patton's ’s last words to us before we left Africa came home with meaning: “No dumb bastard ever won a war by going out and dying for his country. He won it by making some other dumb bastard die for his country.”
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I served with "Big Sam" Leffler when he commanded the 7th Signal Brigade in Germany in the early 80's. Sam was a hands-on leader who was always caring and responsive to soldiers. He seemed to have unlimited energy and was completely committed to excellence. He held himself to an extremely high standard and demanded the same of all he led. He pinned on his first star when he left there and held his promotion ceremony and reception at the Coleman Barracks NCO Club. Every member of the brigade was invited and many hundreds attended. He made every soldier feel like his promotion was their individual achievement!
His most admirable attribute was a complete lack of ego. He strongly believed in a "boots on the ground" leadership approach and demanded the same of his subordinate officers and NCO's. He valued input and feedback from Private to General and gave credit where credit was due. He most often described himself as just "an ol' pig farmer from Iowa."
I was fortunate to reestablish contact with Sam when he retired to his ranch in Falcon, Colorado in 1995. Unfortunately, Sam now suffers from mild dementia. It's truly heartbreaking to see such an amazing and vital individual fight this terrible disease but there are many of us around the country and across the globe that are standing in the door to be there when needed -- any time -- any place -- any cost!
Every individual service member deserves to serve with a man like "Big Sam" at least once in their career. It's truly a life changing experience and I'm a better man for it.
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MAJOR GENERAL SAMUEL LEFFLER
Major General Samuel A. Leffler was named Platoon Leader of Company A upon graduation of the U.S. Army Signal School in 1962. He served the 142d Signal Battalion, 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas (1964).
He served as Commander, 16th Aviation Detachment, 516th Signal Group, U.S. Army Europe, Germany (1967); Signal Officer 223d Combat Support Aviation Battalion, U.S. Army, Vietnam (1968); Executive Officer, 36th Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade, U.S. Army, Vietnam (1970); Commander, 124th Signal Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Carson, Colorado (1977).
He served in numerous positions in the U.S. Army in Washington D.C. (1978 - 83); Commander, 7th Signal Brigade, Germany (1984); Commanding General/Deputy Chief of Staff for Information management, 5th Signal Command, Germany (1989). He then returned to Washington D.C. from 1991-92. He completed his career as the Commanding General, U.S. Army Systems Command, Fort Huachuca, Arizona (1992-95).
His U.S. awards include the Legion of Merit (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal with V Device (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (One Oak Leaf Cluster), Air medals, Army Commendation Medal, Parachutist Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge.
He retired from the Army August 31, 1995.
His most admirable attribute was a complete lack of ego. He strongly believed in a "boots on the ground" leadership approach and demanded the same of his subordinate officers and NCO's. He valued input and feedback from Private to General and gave credit where credit was due. He most often described himself as just "an ol' pig farmer from Iowa."
I was fortunate to reestablish contact with Sam when he retired to his ranch in Falcon, Colorado in 1995. Unfortunately, Sam now suffers from mild dementia. It's truly heartbreaking to see such an amazing and vital individual fight this terrible disease but there are many of us around the country and across the globe that are standing in the door to be there when needed -- any time -- any place -- any cost!
Every individual service member deserves to serve with a man like "Big Sam" at least once in their career. It's truly a life changing experience and I'm a better man for it.
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MAJOR GENERAL SAMUEL LEFFLER
Major General Samuel A. Leffler was named Platoon Leader of Company A upon graduation of the U.S. Army Signal School in 1962. He served the 142d Signal Battalion, 2d Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas (1964).
He served as Commander, 16th Aviation Detachment, 516th Signal Group, U.S. Army Europe, Germany (1967); Signal Officer 223d Combat Support Aviation Battalion, U.S. Army, Vietnam (1968); Executive Officer, 36th Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade, U.S. Army, Vietnam (1970); Commander, 124th Signal Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Carson, Colorado (1977).
He served in numerous positions in the U.S. Army in Washington D.C. (1978 - 83); Commander, 7th Signal Brigade, Germany (1984); Commanding General/Deputy Chief of Staff for Information management, 5th Signal Command, Germany (1989). He then returned to Washington D.C. from 1991-92. He completed his career as the Commanding General, U.S. Army Systems Command, Fort Huachuca, Arizona (1992-95).
His U.S. awards include the Legion of Merit (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal with V Device (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Meritorious Service Medal (One Oak Leaf Cluster), Air medals, Army Commendation Medal, Parachutist Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge.
He retired from the Army August 31, 1995.
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My favorite General to serve under was BG Sidney Shachnow, Commander of the Berlin Brigade, 15 Dec 1989 - 14 Aug 1991. I again served under him while serving with 12th SFG(A).
He was always leading by example, cared for those he served with. He had quite an upcoming in life and the military. During my years of serving, I had the pleasure of receiving 2 BC coins from him and he personally gave me my ETS Pin.He was always someone to look up to and strive to be like militarily.
(Below taken from the Berlin Brigade 6941st gdbn.com webpage)
Retired in 1994, after 40 years of active service. Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, he was imprisoned for three years during World War II in a German concentration camp. In 1950, he immigrated to the United States. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and later entered Officer Candidate School as a Sergeant First Class. In 1960, Gen. Shachnow was commissioned in the Infantry.
His past assignments have been as commander or staff officer with Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, Airmobile, Airborne and Special Forces units. Gen. Shachnow's most recent assignments include: Commanding General, John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Airborne, Fort Bragg; Commanding General, United States Army Special Forces Command, Airborne, Fort Bragg; Commanding General, U.S. Army-Berlin; Director, Washington Office, United States Special Operations Command, Airborne; Deputy Commanding General, 1st Special Operations of Command, Airborne, Fort Bragg; and Chief of Staff, 1st Special Operations Command, Airborne, Fort Bragg.
Gen. Shachnow is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters and "V" device, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, the Air Medal with the numeral "12", the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters and "V" device, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
He was always leading by example, cared for those he served with. He had quite an upcoming in life and the military. During my years of serving, I had the pleasure of receiving 2 BC coins from him and he personally gave me my ETS Pin.He was always someone to look up to and strive to be like militarily.
(Below taken from the Berlin Brigade 6941st gdbn.com webpage)
Retired in 1994, after 40 years of active service. Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, he was imprisoned for three years during World War II in a German concentration camp. In 1950, he immigrated to the United States. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and later entered Officer Candidate School as a Sergeant First Class. In 1960, Gen. Shachnow was commissioned in the Infantry.
His past assignments have been as commander or staff officer with Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, Airmobile, Airborne and Special Forces units. Gen. Shachnow's most recent assignments include: Commanding General, John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Airborne, Fort Bragg; Commanding General, United States Army Special Forces Command, Airborne, Fort Bragg; Commanding General, U.S. Army-Berlin; Director, Washington Office, United States Special Operations Command, Airborne; Deputy Commanding General, 1st Special Operations of Command, Airborne, Fort Bragg; and Chief of Staff, 1st Special Operations Command, Airborne, Fort Bragg.
Gen. Shachnow is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters and "V" device, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, the Air Medal with the numeral "12", the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters and "V" device, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
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For a General, it would be JCS Peter Pace. I was on a deployment (as anE4), and he gave us a 10 minute speech about the importance of our mission, presence, etc. It was a Saturday, and I decided to goto sleep early that night because i didnt have watch. At about midnight, i get woken up by an MM1, saying that his (the Flag Staff personal) refrigerator was not working. So I get dressed, get my multimeter and other tools, and get up there with a quickness. Of course, the general is standing there watching us work. I checked fuses and they were fine, then i checked the fans, and it looked like it didnt have power. As I was about to ask the dumb question, the MM1 told me to go back to sleep. The cord was unplugged. General Pace said, "So, my staff woke you up for that? Come back here at 1000, and lunch will be taken care of." Lunch wasnt anything fancy: pasta and cheese bread, but both MM1 and i got an apology from one of the Maj he was with.
As for Admiral, well, I worked for Capt O'Hanlon while on the TR, and he was the most down to earth man I had met. I remember the announcement over the 1MC of his promotion to 1 star, but didnt hear much after he went to Hawaii.
As for Admiral, well, I worked for Capt O'Hanlon while on the TR, and he was the most down to earth man I had met. I remember the announcement over the 1MC of his promotion to 1 star, but didnt hear much after he went to Hawaii.
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If I had served under Patton or Halsey in WW2 it would have been them. They were tough old warriors who gave the enemy no quarters. Marine General Al Gray in the mid-80's was a true warrior who transformed the Marine Corp into a premier force of maneuver warfare. In 1988 I heard him speak in Long Beach at a commemoration ceremony for a new Tarawa Battle Monument that replaced one that was destroyed. I was one of the honor guards for the monument.
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All the Generals I've served under were Stalwart men that looked after the Airmen
That served in their command, so they were all favorites ...
That served in their command, so they were all favorites ...
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1stSgt Nelson Kerr
I wish I could sday that about all, I severed under one that was an utter ass though. Perhaps too many tours an HQs made my experience different than yours.
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My grandfather was a marine and avid reader. He introduced me to Chester Puller. I liked Chesty's story he started out a private and made his way to general.
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Wow. That list of accomplishments almost make Colin Powels look tame. Though I never served under Powel of course he is the General I have admired most. But this man of whom you speak did it all. Thanks for sharing Sir. I have learned a great deal about you this morning as well.
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General Mattis. He's a living legend. I'm not saying the others aren't. And not because he's SecDef (that's a bonus tho, we definitely needed that). But he my personal favorite.
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