Sergeamt Major Robert John "Goose" Caldwell The son of George and Ora Booth Caldwell, Robert John Caldwell was born on December 2, 1926, in Carrollton, Kentucky. "Goose" as he will always be remembered was a fifth generation descendant of Kentucky pioneer Squire Boone, brother of Daniel Boone.
Growing up in Carrollton he attended local schools and graduated from Carroll County High School in 1948.
During World War II, he was inducted into the U.S. Army on April 6, 1945. Following training he was assigned to Battery A, 674th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion and sent to the Pacific Theatre of Operations. At this late point in the war he saw no action. He became part of the Army of Occupation in Japan, being honorably discharged from the Regular Army in March 1950.
On September 22, 1953, Corporal "Goose" Caldwell joined Company A, 201st Engineer Battalion of the Kentucky National Guard in Carrollton, this was the start of a close relationship with his hometown unit that would continue over the next 44 years. "Goose" was the unit's full-time Admin and Supply Tech. In the early 1960's the Carrollton unit changed from being an Engineer Company to a Field Artillery Battery, Battery A, 2nd Battalion 138th Field Artillery. In May 1968, the battalion was activated for Federal Service in the Vietnam War. "Goose" and the unit would spend a little over a year on active duty in Vietnam. Following his tour of duty "Goose" returned to Carrollton and his duties with the Kentucky National Guard.
During his military service he became qualified as an Infantryman, Field Artillery Senior Sergeant, Administrative Specialist, Unit Supply Specialist, and parachutist. He was a graduate of the Senior Leadership School at the Kentucky Military Academy, Fort Knox, Kentucky. In 1950, he received his private pilot's license.
May 2, 1986, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major and assigned to the Adjutant General's Office in Frankfort as an Administrative Sergeant Major.
On November 12, 1986, "Goose" retired from the Kentucky National Guard after 38 years, 2 months and 2 days of military service to his state and country.
Although he had retired from the Guard, "Goose" was a permanent fixture at the Carrollton Armory stopping in on an almost daily basis to see how things were going at the unit and providing his valuable assistance to the full-time personnel.
On March 27, 1997, following several months of illness, "Goose" died at the V.A. Medical Center in Louisville. He was buried in the Carrollton I.O.O.F. Cemetery with full military honors by members of the Kentucky National Guard and Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, the unit he had honorably served for so many years.
"Goose" married Terri Lewis on December 31, 1957, in Carrollton, of this union 3 daughters were born. During his lifetime "Goose" had been a member of a number of organizations, the local American Legion Post, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a long-time member of the Carrollton United Methodist Church.
The following is an excerpt from a letter to the Editor of the News Democrat written by "Goose" soon after his return from duty in Vietnam. It speaks volumes of who "Goose" Caldwell was and his ideals.
"One is never quite prepared for the day when life, bestowed to us by the Divine Creator is taken. It is perhaps even more of a shock, and greater tragedy when it occurs on the other side of the world in a strange land. But, even from these depths of tragedy rises a source of inner solace. A man, a Kentuckian, an American, a father has lived valiantly and died bravely. He has suffered in a trial of bitter sacrifice for a measure of political and social freedom as has many other Americans. A burden of responsibility was placed upon his shoulders, as a leader and as a Defender of Justice; he was called upon to perform a duty for his country. He gave his life in defense of all the principles upon which this country was founded; principles upon which this country will continue to thrive and principles, which are ageless and limitless today as in tomorrow. I ask - Were you as loyal as he? Were you as true as he? How would you stand under the burden? Probe your heart for an answer. I think most would find a sorry one. You may be called upon to make this decision one day. Each of us must someday cross the Rubicon to insure that our children, our heritage, our country, will be preserved. A sacrifice is given in faith - Faith that the things in life we cherish shall endure as long as time itself.
A universal hope is emblazoned in our hearts - That through sacrifice today is made in return for a semblance of freedom and justice for all."
If man is judged by his words and deeds, then "Goose" Caldwell will be judged by his own words, he was "A Man, A Kentuckian, an American."
Military Awards and Decorations:
Federal - Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Occupation Medal-Japan; Army Commendation Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device 1960; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm; Army Good Conduct Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NCODP Ribbon-4.
Badges - Parachutist Badge; Driver's Badge w/Wheel; M16 Rifle Qualification Badge.
State - Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal; Kentucky State Active Duty Ribbon w/1SLC; Kentucky Commendation Ribbon w/2OLC; Kentucky Service Ribbon. Also awarded the Kentucky 20 and 30 Year Faithful Service Plaques.
NOTE: The Carrollton National Guard Armory was named after SGM Robert John "Goose" Caldwell December 14, 2002.
[Submitted by SFC John Trowbridge December 17, 2003]