A Soldier's Soldier

A Soldier's Soldier
Medal of Honor recipient earns USO's Spirit of Hope Award

By Mick Walsh/Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer

FORT BENNING, Ga. (TRADOC News Service, Jan. 30, 2007) -- Bob Nett's path crossed that of comedian Bob Hope several times during his distinguished 33-year Army career.

But the one that stands above the rest came during the waning days of World War II, near Cebu in the Philippines, where the 77th Infantry Division was training for the possible invasion of Japan.

"Frances (his wife, a former Army nurse) and I sat on water cans in a rain storm just to watch the Bob Hope show," recalled Nett, who on Wednesday was presented the USO's highest honor, the Spirit of Hope Award. "I had a chance to meet him then, and in Europe and Vietnam later on, and having my name affiliated with that of Bob Hope is great. He meant a lot to a lot of us. He stepped forward to lift our spirits."

That Nett, then a young lieutenant from Connecticut, should be introduced to Hope, one of Hollywood's biggest stars, shouldn't come as a surprise. Only months before that August 1945 meeting, Nett received the Medal of Honor for heroic actions during hand-to-hand fighting with Japanese soldiers at their heavily fortified stronghold near Ormoc in the Philippines. Though he was wounded three times during the attack, he was later able to rejoin his company and participated in the Okinawa campaign.

It was during that time frame that Nett, 85, met his wife to be.

Frances Nett was at her husband's side Wednesday -- both in wheelchairs -- as Gen. William Wallace, commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, slipped the Hope medal around Bob Nett's neck.

"Fort Benning is fortunate to have a friend like you," said Wallace, who led allied troops during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. "You've made the world a better place."

The Spirit of Hope award is presented several times annually by the USO to individuals, organizations and corporations that epitomize the values of the USO in its efforts to support and enhance the quality of life for military servicemen and women and their families. Past winners include U.S. Sens. Strom Thurmond and Daniel K. Inouye, longtime CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, who have entertained the troops for 20 years.

While the highlights of Nett's career are numerous -- he's considered the "Father of the Officers Candidate School," for example -- Nett selected as his fondest military moment the morning he spoke at his son's graduation from Airborne School in 1973.

"It was the thrill of my Army career," he said, smiling at his son, Dr. Robert Nett Jr. "I'm so proud of him."

Dr. Nett, his wife, Patty, and children Nicholas and Erica made the drive from San Antonio, Texas, where he is in practice after retiring from the Army.

"Honestly, I'm speechless," said the younger Nett when asked about the recognition his father was receiving. "Today's award honors the commitment he's made to Soldiers over the years. He's grateful for all the opportunities he's received to pay back the Army for what it has given him."

The ever humble Nett prefers to deflect praise directed at him toward Fort Benning, which he calls the epitome of Army schools; to OCS, from which he graduated in 1942; and to the Army Nurse Corps.

"Thank God for them," he said, squeezing his wife's hand.

The family was to dine at the Bavarian House following the lunchtime ceremony. "And then I'll tell family lies until they get tired of me," Nett said with a laugh.

Video | Bob Nett speaking at the award ceremony

(Story and photo courtesy of the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer