Robert Allison Hyatt – Colonel, United States Army

Robert A. Hyatt, Colonel
Born June 3, 1927 – Died December 25, 1995

Robert Allison “Bob” Hyatt was born in California on 3 June 1927 and was appointed to West Point as a Qualified Alternate.

His West Point classmates recall: “Bob made the grade to West Point on his third try: Later, going into plebe WGR’s, he was ten units `D.’ He is still with us and has shown that he can accomplish whatever he sets his mind to do. An ardent tennis enthusiast, Bob was always to be found on the courts trying to make `A’ Squad. From a Navy family, Bob has come ashore with sights on the Infantry, Smooth sailing with the troops, Bob!” During his cadet days Bob went out for Tennis all four years and earned a Monogram and was on the Chapel Choir all four years as well; went out for Football plebe year; was with the Skeet Club cow and first class years; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year.

Upon graduation Bob went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 8th Division where he served from 1951 to 1952 then he went to Berlin with the 6th Infantry Regiment and served there until 1955. Bob’s next assignment was as Advisor with the United States Military Training Mission in Saudi Arabia where he served from 1958 to 1959, then he went with the 82nd Airborne Division and served until 1963. He then served, first as Company Commander and later as S3 of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Division until 1965.

During 1966 Bob attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and then was appointed S4 of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

In late 1966 Bob was ordered to the 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division in the Republic of Vietnam where he served as Battalion Commander until 1967 and was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action; the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services; 5 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

From 1967 to 1968 Bob was assigned to Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Department of the Army and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. In 1969 Bob attended the National War College, Fort Lesley McNair, Washington, D.C., and earned a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs from George Washington University as well. On completion he went with the Office, Joint Chiefs of Staff where he served until 1971 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation.

Then from 1971 to 1972 Bob was named a Senior Advisor with the Airborne Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam and was decorated with a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services; and the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy. Next Bob was named Executive Officer of DOMS where he served from 1972 to 1973 and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal and a second Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. Then from 1973 to 1975 Bob was appointed Commanding Officer of the 10th Special Forces Group and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service.

From 1975 to 1977 Bob served as Senior Advisor with the 94th Armament Command and then Bob took his last military assignment as Inspector General, Army Intelligence and Security Command where he served until 1980 when he retired from the United States Army after a distinguished career as a Colonel. The September 1991 Assembly noted; “Bob and Tinky Hyatt have moved from their plantation home in Virginia to their beautiful family home in Bethesda, Maryland. Bob continues his great service as host of our Class luncheons each month at the Army Navy Country Club.”

Bob died in Bethesda, Maryland on 25 December 1995 where his widow Tinky makes her home.

Cullum 36620 Class of 1979 is Robert Allison Hyatt, Jr.

José Andrés Chacón
Cullum 18250

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard