Robert W. Black

Soldier, world traveler, historian, and author, COL Robert W. Black distinguished himself throughout his military career rising through the ranks of recruit to colonel and serving in ground combat during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. COL Black saw combat actions in eight campaigns. Twice awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, he holds the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars (two for valor), the Legion of Merit, the Air Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Vietnam Cross of Honor. COL Black is the foremost historian of the American Ranger. His research and writings have proven Ranger accomplishments from the 1600's to the 20th century. He is the author of eight Ranger histories including "The Battalion," "The Ranger Force," "Rangers in Korea," and "Rangers in World War II." These and other publications informed the public of Ranger contributions to our national development and security. Best selling author David Brinkley called Black "The dean of Ranger historians." Thirty years after the Korean War, COL Black, a member of the 8th Airborne Ranger Company in the Korean War, led the successful effort by Rangers associations to retrieve Ranger lineage and battle honors that were given to Special Forces. He secured official recognition of the 8th Army Ranger Company and the award of the Ranger Tab to the men who served in that unit in Korea. His research resulted in Rangers and their units receiving decorations and awards earned, but not received. He developed programs that resulted in Ranger monuments, the Ranger Regimental Bowl and grave markers. He was the founder of the Ranger Research Collection at the United States Military History Institute which includes the largest collection of Ranger photographs in existence. COL Black was the Founding President of the Association of the Ranger Infantry Companies (Airborne) of the Korean War. His civilian career has included hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles on his world travels and eight published histories of the exploits of the American Ranger.