The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP4 Robert Earl Cole, who died in the service of his country on March 30th, 1968 in Kontum Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Multi-Frag. At the time of his death Robert was 26 years of age. He was from Carthage, Texas. Robert is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 47E, Line 9.
The decorations earned by SP4 Robert Earl Cole include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Robert is buried in Bethlehem Cemetery, Deadwood, TX
"Robert was a serious soldier. He was a squad leader that had the respect of his squad. He should not have been the one on point that day but that was Robert." Adrain Gwen Jones
Bronze Star for Merit
For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed, hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Cole distinguished himself while serving as a Rifleman and Fire Team Leader with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry during the period August 1967 to March 1968. Throughout his service with the company, he demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of professionalism, proficiency, and dedication to duty. As a rifleman, he always performed his job in an aggressive manner. He could always be depended upon as a point man or at a listening post at night. When Specialist Four Cole became a Fire Team Leader, he continued to perform in an enthusiastic manner. He also demonstrated a great talent for supervising the men in his Fire Team. Displaying outstanding leadership abilities, he was able to maintain the complete respect and confidence of both his subordinates and his superiors. Specialist Four Cole demanded the highest performance from his men and in return gave them positive leadership of outstanding quality. On 30 March 1967, Specialist Four Cole was mortally wounded during a search and destroy operation near Polei Kleng. His outstanding achievements, personal integrity, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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