Page 114 - The History of Veterans at Highland Springs

SAMUEL D. WILDER, JR
HIGHLAND SPRINGS RESIDENT, ARMY MEMBER, VETERANS AFFAIRS GROUP
Graduated from the US Military Academy in 1961, served in Germany and commanded an armored cavalry platoon and troop, then in Vietnam commanded an armored cavalry troop in the 1st Division, the Big Red One. After completing a master’s degree and a teaching assignment at West Point, returned to Vietnam in 1971 as an advisor to a S. Vietnamese Armored Cavalry Regiment. After the Command and General Staff College, was assigned to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Ft. Monroe, Va. In 1977 assumed command of 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry at Ft. Bliss, Tx. Following graduation from the Army War College in 1980, was assigned as G-3 (Operations) of the 3rd Armored Division in Germany. Following a short staff assignment to Hqs. US Army Europe, took over the Brigade Commanders position of a mechanized brigade in the 1st Infantry Division Forward in Germany. Next, commanded 194th Armored Brigade (Separate), the Army’s largest combat brigade of eight battalions (6.000 soldiers). Took this brigade through two rotations at the National Training Center in the Mojave Desert, CA. His last assignment was on the staff of HQs. Training and Doctrine Command, Ft. Monroe, Va. Awards included Legion of Merit (4 awards), Bronze Star for valor (1), Bronze Star (3), Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal (3). Awarded Presidential Unit Citation for combat in Vietnam with the 1⁄4 Cavalry, 1st Inf Div July-Aug 66. Civilian Employment: Executive Director of the 3rd largest law firm in Va.1990-1998. Veterans Related Organizations: Military Officers Assn of America (MOAA) – Virginia Council President 2010-2011; Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Organizations, Virginia– Council President 2007-08; North Texas Chapter, MOAA – founding member and President , 2015-2018; Assn of US Army – VP for Legislation in Richmond Va. Chapter and N. Tx. Audie Murphy Chapter 2001-2003. Representative to Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations. Awards – Outstanding Leadership/Exceptional Service from Adm Abbott, MOAA Chairman. AUSA Distinguished Service award from Gen. Gordon Sullivan, AUSA Pres.
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