Arthur “Robbie”' Robinson, USARA Life Member, died at the age of 84 years at his home October 10, 2012. A military funeral will be conducted this week on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Robbie was a remarkable soldier in his day, with a span of service from the end of WWII in the British Army and then, from 1950, in the Australian Army until 1976 where he was proud to qualify at PTS (then School of Land Air Warfare) in 1953 as a Basic Parachutist and later as PJI #3 on the first PJI course held in Australia. He went on to serve in the Australian Army Training Team - Vietnam where he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1968 and was also recognized for his gallantry by the Americans with the Silver Star and the South Vietnamese with the Cross of Gallantry - each of these being among several other awards. He was inducted as an Honorary Members of the U.S Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 1999, the only foreign soldier to have achieved this honor at that time.
U.S Army Ranger Hall of Fame Citation:
Arthur “Robbie” Robinson is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame as an honorary member for military and civilian service to the Ranger community spanning over thirty years. His amazing career with the Australian Army during Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War included multiple tours of duty alongside the United States units, not the least of which was the defense of Quang Tri City where his service and heroic actions were recognized with numerous awards including the U.S. Silver Star, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Vietnamese Armed Forces Honor of Medal. He later served as an advisor with the Vietnamese Rangers and forged a reputation with fellow U.S. advisors as a tough, dependable, and dedicated member of the team. Since retiring from the Australian Army, he has continued his association with the Ranger community as a member of the United States Army Ranger Association, Allied Forces, and has traveled extensively speaking on behalf of all Rangers and living the Ranger Creed. With deeds, not word, Arthur “Robbie” Robinson has exemplified the true meaning of being a Ranger.
