The Saint

Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: News

Walter Gibson

Robert W. Garth

Name: Robert W. Garth
Date of Birth: Feb. 28, 1939
Years at NGCSU: 1958-1961
Began Tour in Vietnam: June 30, 1966
Date of Death: Sept. 23, 1966

Robert W. Garth was born in Madison, Ga. He attended North Georgia College and graduated in 1961 with a BA in History.

While at North Georgia he was part of the NCO club, officers club, Rex Fraternity and Scabbard and Blade society. He also made the Dean's list, and was the Bravo Company commander.

Garth was commissioned as an aviator and he spent four years in the Army where he attained the rank of captain.

His friend William Hook says of him: "Bobby, Coon and I were commissioned the same day in March, 1961, at North Georgia College. We had spent the best part of four years together. He was a wonderful friend, father and husband."

His tour began on Jun 30, 1966 and he was a casualty on Sept. 23, 1966. He died due to hostile fire in South Vietnam and is categorized as an air loss.

Walter Murrah Gibson

Name: Walter Murrah Gibson
Date of Birth: August 07, 1946
Years at NGCSU: 1964-1968
Began Tour in Vietnam: July 18, 1969
Date of Death: October 28, 1969

Walter "Hoot" Gibson was born in Red Oak, Ga., to Eddie and Rebecca Herren Gibson. Gibson graduated from Arlington High School in 1964 then came to North Georgia College where he majored in Business Administration.

Gibson's freshman year he was part of Echo Co., his sophomore year he was transferred to Delta Co., his junior year he was part of Golf Co., and his senior year he was a Platoon Commander in Charlie Co. He was also the junior class treasurer, and the chaplain for the NCO club.

After graduation Gibson immediately began his career in the U.S. Army as an infantry unit commander in the 3rd Battalion, 506th Regiment. He was stationed at Fort Polk, La., for nine months before beginning his tour in Vietnam on July 18, 1969.

Jean R. Emery, Gibson's commanding officer at Fort Polk, wrote: "I had nothing but the highest regard for this outstanding officer. He was extremely competent and well respected by all who knew him - both superior and subordinate. Upon his departure from this unit, I ranked him number one of ten lieutenants whom I rated."

Gibson was killed during a small arms engagement with Viet Cong fighters. He died instantly on Oct. 18, 1969.

Capt. Harry E. Rothmann wrote: "Walter was one of the most outstanding young officers with whom I have been associated. He was a truly dedicated individual, whom we admired and respected. Walter was hardworking and conscientious in all that he did, and his personal courage on the battlefield won him the respect of all the officers and men in the Company."

Prior to death, Gibson was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, and the Expert Badge with automatic rifle bar.

Information about Robert Garth obtained by Adam Farrar
Information about Walter Gibson obtained by David Nichols

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