Former EUCOM Commander Dies
Release Date: Nov 01, 2008
By European Command Public Affairs
STUTTGART, Germany - Former Commander of U.S. European Command, retired Army Gen. Bernard W. Rogers, died Oct. 27 at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Va. He was 87 years old.
Rogers was appointed Supreme Allied Commander of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Commander, U.S. European Command (EUCOM) in July 1979. He retired from active duty in June 1987.
He served as Commander of U.S. European Command (EUCOM) during a critical period for NATO and EUCOM, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Iranian hostage crisis, the Beirut barracks bombing, Operation Eldorado Canyon against Libya and the controversial deployment of Pershing II and Ground Launched Cruise Missiles.
Rogers spent eight years as Commander of NATO and EUCOM due to his leadership and statesmanship Ã? coupled with his vast knowledge and experiences as a soldier and warrior both organizations became stronger than in any time in its history. Through an alliance of strength, victory of the West was secured in the Cold War during his tenure at EUCOM.
At the conclusion of his service with NATO and EUCOM, his accomplishments were recognized with the presentation of the Defense, Army, Navy and Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, in addition to numerous foreign awards and decorations.
Born in Fairview, Kansas., Rogers entered and later graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1943 as a second lieutenant of infantry. Prior to West Point, he completed a tour as an enlisted man in the Kansas Army National Guard.
Army Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, president of Association of the United States Army's Council of Trustees said, "Today our nation lost a great American soldier, warrior, scholar, statesman and patriot who served his country in uniform with distinction, dedication and honor for 44 years".
Born in Fairview, Kan., after a tour as an enlisted man in the Kansas Army National Guard, Rogers entered and later graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1943 as a second lieutenant of infantry.
He is survived by his wife, Ann E. Rogers, McLean, Va., a son, Michael W., and two daughters, Diane Opperman and Susan Kroetch.
url = http://www.eucom.mil/english/FullStory.asp?art=1875
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