Robert C. Forbes Explained

Robert C. Forbes
Birth Date:17 July 1917
Birth Place:Camden, New Jersey
Placeofburial:Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance:United States of America
Serviceyears:1938–1973
Rank: Major general
Commands:199th Light Infantry Brigade
Battles:World War II
Vietnam War
Awards:Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star

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.

Early life and education

He attended William Penn High School and then graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1939.

Military service

World War II

He served with the 63rd Infantry Division seeing action in France and Germany.

Post WWII

Forbes was promoted to Brigadier General in July 1966 and appointed assistant division commander of the 9th Infantry Division.[1]

Vietnam War

BG 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

From September 1968 to September 1969 he served as commander of United States Army Security Assistance Command.

He retired from the Army in 1973.

Personal life

He married Anne Catherine Eckenrode in 1942 and they had 3 sons and a daughter.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Tonsetic, Robert. Warriors: An Infantryman's Memoir of Vietnam. Random House Publishing Group. 2010. 9780307434722. 18.
  2. Book: Villard, Erik. United States Army in Vietnam Combat Operations Staying the Course October 1967 to September 1968. Center of Military History United States Army. 2017. 9780160942808. 567.