[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 150 (Wednesday, September 25, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING CAPTAIN ROBERT NOLEN ROCHELL, USA, RETIRED, WITH A 
                   CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 2024

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired USA Captain 
Robert Nolen Rochell, of Woodway, Texas, by presenting him with a 
Congressional Veteran Commendation. His unwavering commitment to his 
fellow man in some the darkest days of human history make him 
inexplicably worthy of our respect, admiration, and thanks.
  Born in Marlin, Texas, Robert ``Bob'' N. Rochell made the courageous 
decision to leave high school at the age of 17 to enlist in the United 
States Army during World War II. Stationed at Dachau, Germany--site of 
profound historical significance as a former Nazi concentration camp--
he served with distinction as a World War II veteran.
  Bob's commitment to service extended beyond World War II. As the 
Vietnam War loomed and the need for Field Artillery Officers grew, he 
applied to and was accepted into the United States Field Artillery 
Officer Candidate School, graduating 13th out of 125 in Class 8-65. He 
further demonstrated his dedication by attending Airborne School and 
serving a brief assignment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
  Six months later, he began his first tour in Vietnam as a forward 
observer and air observer in the Central Highlands. Near the end of 
this tour, he served as Executive Officer of the 155mm howitzer battery 
airlifted into combat--Battery A, 1st Battalion. 20th Field Artillery--
which became the second most decorated Artillery Battalion of the 
Vietnam War. After returning from his first tour, Bob was assigned to 
Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as an instructor at the Officer Candidate School. 
He was subsequently called back for a second tour in Vietnam, where he 
served as Commanding Officer of Service, Headquarters, and Alpha 
Batteries. Captain Rochell retired from active duty on September 1, 
1975.
  His distinguished military career is reflected in the numerous 
decorations he received: the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, 
the Air Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Good 
Conduct Medal with Clasp (Bronze, four loops), the Army Occupation 
Medal (Germany), the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf 
Cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star and one Bronze 
Star, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation, 
the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Parachutist Badge.
  Captain Rochell's dedication to service continued long after his 
military career. He served as the national president of the Society of 
the Fifth Infantry Division and as president of the Heart of Texas 
Chapter of The Retired Officers Association (TROA), a predecessor of 
the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). He is a life 
member of the 1st Battalion, 30th Field Artillery Association (Hard 
Chargers), where he served on the board as First Vice President. 
Additionally, he is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 
the Fifth Division Association, the U.S. Field Artillery Association, 
and the Disabled American Veterans.
  Robert was married to the late Elizabeth Leggitt for over 40 years, 
sharing a life grounded in mutual support and community service. Today, 
he remains an active member of his community and continues to 
contribute to the Heart of Texas Military Officers Association of 
America.
  It is my honor to award retired USA Captain Robert Nolen Rochell a 
Congressional Veteran Commendation. His lifelong commitment to his 
country and community exemplifies the highest standards of service and 
sacrifice.

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