Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Richard
Robert
Babbitt

Born:

Hume

, 

New York

Home:

Angola

, 

New York

After serving as an Enlisted Soldier and earning a Silver Star in Vietnam, Richard Babbitt was appointed to and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1973. He retired in 1998 as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    September 1, 1988 – August 31, 1998

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel Richard Robert Babbitt (ASN: RA-11636825), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from 1 September 1988 to 31 August 1998, while serving in positions of great responsibility, culminating as Commander, United States Army Garrison, Fort Drum, New York. Colonel Babbitt has served in combat with distinction and held numerous leadership positions, exhibiting visionary leadership and sincere concern for soldiers and civilians in each. A superior trainer and mentor, he developed highly trained combat teams, fostered cohesion, promoted care and concern for families, and achieved remarkable mission success. Colonel Babbitt’s distinguished performance of duty represents outstanding achievement in the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    327th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    April 17, 1968
    Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division, General Orders No. 6753 (October 2, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class Richard Robert Babbitt (ASN: RA-11636825), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 April 1968. Specialist Fourth Class Babbitt distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company B, 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, near Phu Bai, Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Babbitt was walking in the lead position for his platoon when it encountered effective sniper fire. Without hesitation, he immediately initiated a heavy base of fire. By taking unprotected positions, he drew the enemy fire and discovered one of the sniper’s position. Disregarding his own safety, he assaulted the position, only to be knocked down by the concussion of an enemy grenade. He then provided heavy suppressive fire until his ammunition supply was exhausted. He braved the heavy enemy fire to obtain more ammunition and grenades and assaulted the enemy position again, this time routing the enemy. Specialist Fourth Class Babbitt’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.