CURRENT RECIPIENTS

Robert Scott
2010 Posthumus Inductee

In the summer of 1943, junior Army officer Robert S. Scott and his men had their first taste of combat in some of the worst terrain of the Pacific campaign, in the jungle-like mountain hillsides of the central Solomon Islands. In the face of enemy rifle and machine-gun fire, Lt. Scott defended his untested men of the 172nd Infantry Regiment by beating back a Japanese counterattack in the battle for an airstrip. Despite being wounded twice, he managed to capture the Munda Point airstrip, which was needed as a base for Marine fighter planes that would escort heavy bombers on their run to the Japanese stronghold of Rabaul. Behind a blasted-out tree stump, Scott hurled over 30 grenades at Japanese dugouts, forcing the enemy to withdraw. "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty…" Robert Sheldon Scott received the highest award for valor that a soldier can receive, the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Born in Washington D.C., Robert moved to New Mexico because of his father's job as New Mexico Public Health Director. At 6'4" Robert lettered in basketball and football at Albuquerque High. His teammates in high school became his lifelong friends: all-time great halfback Abbie Paiz, halfback Bill Brannin, end Alfred Zachman, center Emilio Lopez and famous fullback Guyton Hays.

Scott attended the University of New Mexico and lettered in basketball. He earned a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in French. After graduating from UNM in 1937, he attended the School of Business Administration at the University of Kansas. He entered the U.S. Army and attended Officer Candidate School at the start of World War II. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in September of 1942. Robert was released from active duty in 1945 only to reenlist in 1947, eventually working his way up to the rank of Colonel.

During his military service Robert served as Plans and Training Commander and Advisor to Korea and as the Third Battalion Commander in the 7th Infantry Division, among other leadership roles. Stationed throughout the United States, the Philippines and several posts in Germany, Korea and Japan, Robert and his family saw a good portion of the world. Robert finished out his military career in 1966 as a professor of military science, Army ROTC, at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Throughout his life Robert would return to his beloved New Mexico. He and his wife, Anita, eventually retired in Santa Fe. Robert passed away in 1999. He is survived by his son, James Scott, and three grandsons: Samuel, Galen and Ryan.

Kim Feldman and Jim Hulsman