Command Sergeant Major Robert H Morris

Robert H. Morris entered the United States Army in October 1942 at San Diego, California and served with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II in Europe. He participated in the parachute invasions of Normandy, France on D-Day June 6, 1944 and Nijmegen, Holland on September 17, 1944 with this Regiment. He also served with the 508th during the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium in the winter of 1944-45. During most of his time with the 508th he was the Machine Gun Platoon Sergeant in Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion. The 508th served as a Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II commanded by Major General Matthew Ridgeway and Major General James Gavin.

Sergeant Morris also served tours of duty as Command Sergeant Major at Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe, the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He also served with the 11th Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Division. In addition to his overseas tours in Europe, Morris served in Vietnam and the Dominican Republic.

Sergeant Major Morris retired from active military service on December 31, 1970. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with V device and three oak leaf clusters, Commendation Medal, Master Parachute Badge, Combat Infantry Badge with star, French Fourragére, Belgian Fourragére, Militaire Orde Degree of Knight from Holland, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal with clasp, American Campaign Medal, Europe-Africa Campaign Medal with 4 battle stars and invasion arrowhead, WWII Victory Medal, WWII Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, US Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Command Sergeant Major Robert Morris passed away in 1992 and is buried in the Post Cemetery at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

(courtesy of Irv Shanley estate)

Robert enlisted in the Army at Shelbyville, IN on 16 October 1942.  As a parachutist volunteer he was assigned to the 508th PIR at Camp Blanding, FL.  Once there he was assigned to the HQ 2nd.

In July 1944 Cpl Morris was appointed to the grade of Staff Sergeant.  He re-enlisted in 1946 as a Technical Sergeant.

Sgt Morris was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge as well as the Bronze Arrowhead Device for action during Normandy, France Campaign, 6 June 1944 to 9 July 1944.