Robert M. Shoemaker

Robert M. Shoemaker was a highly decorated senior officer in the United States Army who attained the rank of General. His distinguished career spanned over three decades, including significant command roles during the Vietnam War and leadership of major Army formations. Shoemaker later became a prominent civic leader in Texas, where a major military installation, Fort Cavazos, was renamed in his honor.

Early life and education

Born in 1924, he grew up in Michigan before receiving an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1946, receiving a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. His early military education was later supplemented by attendance at the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and the National War College in Washington, D.C..

Military career

Shoemaker's operational career began with service in the Korean War. He later served multiple tours in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, where he commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division. His leadership during the conflict earned him several valor awards. Following his service in Vietnam, he held key staff positions, including on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He subsequently commanded the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, later rising to command III Corps. His final active-duty assignment was as Commander of United States Army Forces Command at Fort McPherson, overseeing the readiness of all stateside Army Reserve and Army National Guard forces.

Post-military life and death

Upon his retirement from the United States Army in 1982, Shoemaker settled in Copperas Cove, Texas. He became deeply involved in regional civic and economic development, serving on numerous boards including the Heart of Texas Council of Governments and the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He was a strong advocate for the Central Texas College and supported the growth of the Texas A&M University–Central Texas campus. General Shoemaker died in 2017 at the age of 93 and was interred at the United States Military Academy Cemetery.

Awards and decorations

His military honors include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star for gallantry in action, and the Legion of Merit. For his actions in aerial flight during combat, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His service was also recognized with the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal with multiple award devices, and the Army Commendation Medal. He was authorized to wear the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Master Army Aviator Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

Legacy

General Shoemaker's legacy is firmly entrenched in both military and community spheres. In 2023, the United States Department of the Army redesignated Fort Hood as Fort Cavazos in honor of General Richard E. Cavazos, but the installation's main airfield was concurrently named Shoemaker Army Airfield. His name also graces Shoemaker Road on the post and the Robert M. Shoemaker High School in the Killeen Independent School District. His lifelong dedication to soldier welfare and regional partnership in Central Texas is commemorated by these enduring tributes.

Category:United States Army generals Category:American military personnel of the Vietnam War Category:American military personnel of the Korean War Category:1924 births Category:2017 deaths