"Deeds Not Words:" Lessons Learned from a Thirty-Year Army Career
Taylor, Sam
Taylor, Sam
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2025-05-19
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Abstract
This project situates the thirty-year Army career of the author's Great-Grandfather, Colonel Richard H. Verheul into the broader historical contexts through which he served. Episode one examines Col. Verheul's experience during World War II at The Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia and with the 92nd "Buffalo" Infantry Division. This episode explores race relations within the US military at the time, while also considering interactions between the US military and civilians. The second episode focuses upon Col. Verheul's time in Peru, Korea, and Japan, as well as his stint at Michigan State University as a Professor of Military Science. The episode delves into Col. Verheul's work with nuclear weapons development at Fort Monroe, Virginia. This episode focuses on US foreign policy in Latin America, the impact of ROTC programs during the Korean War, the role of military intelligence in East Asia, and the development of the Davy Crockett recoilless rifle. The third episode follows Col. Verheul to Germany with the 24th Infantry Division before his return to the US and subsequent work advising the Arkansas Army National Guard with the 39th Infantry Division. This episode focuses upon the Army's nuclear weapons strategy and reorganization during the Cold War, and what it meant for US deterrence efforts. The episode concludes by highlighting the service of National Guardsmen during the Vietnam War. Throughout the season, the author is joined by several professors who are experts on the given topic.