Dan Howard Campbell
Cullum No. 22941
Died 16 October 1988 in Atlanta, Georgia
  Aged 52 years
Interment: Erin, Tennessee 

 On Sunday afternoon of 16 October 1988, Colonel Dan H. Campbell, West Point Class of 1960, died in Atlanta Georgia.

 Dan Campbell was born 13 November 1935 in Palestine, Texas to Charlcye and Burie Campbell.  His early life was spent in Athens, Texas where he excelled in academics and sports.  He attended North Texas State for one year but left to accept an appointment to West Point in June, 1956.  There began an association with the Army spanning 32 years. 

Upon graduation from West Point, Dan Campbell was commissioned in the Infantry and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  It was near there, on the lawn of Greenfields, her family home, that he married Bratschi Dickson on 30 June 1962 after a four year courtship.

In 1962, Lieutenant Campbell was given his first command, an Infantry rifle company in the 101st Airborne Division.  When called to serve in Vietnam, Captain Campbell commanded, in combat, an Infantry company of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.  (Dan Campbell met his task head-on with courage and leadership.)  For his action against a hostile force, he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor, and the Army Commendation medal for valor.

After returning from Vietnam, Dan and Bratschi were sent to Indiana University, where he received his master of arts in English literature.  On 17 May 1968, his daughter, Bratschi Rihs, was born.  Dan was a proud father and adored his daughter. 

Upon graduation from Indiana University, he returned to West Point as assistant professor of English.  He cherished those years at the Academy, teaching future Army leaders. 

In 1972, Major Campbell served his second tour in Vietnam, as the operations officer of the Strategic Technical Directorate Assistance Team 158.  After Vietnam, the Campbells returned to the 101st Airborne Division.  From 1974-76, he served as battalion executive officer and deputy G-3. In 1976, Lieutenant Colonel Campbell was selected to command 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry. 

On his next assignment, he commanded the United States Army, Detroit District, Recruiting Command for 32 months.

From 1982-83, Colonel Campbell was chief of staff, 2nd ROTC Region, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and in 1983, he became chief of staff, 2nd Infantry Division in Korea.

In 1984, he came to Atlanta.  Dan Campbell was assigned as the Senior Army Adviser with the Georgia Army National Guard.  In this capacity, he worked closely with the citizen soldiers of Georgia, forging that vital link between the active component and the Army National Guard.  He also developed several deep, meaningful relationships with the commanders and the staff of the Georgia Guard. 

In May 1987, Colonel Campbell assumed command of Readiness Group Atlanta; in this position, his relationship with the Reserve components grew, encompassing the USAR.  Through his implementation of innovative programs, the Readiness Group and the Reserve components work as one.

Dan Campbell died 16 October 1988.  He was buried on a glorious autumn day in a beautiful old cemetery with other Dickson and Bratschi family members on a hillside topped with ancient cedars in Erin, Tennessee.

Colonel Campbell was a graduate of the Army Officer Advanced Course, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College.  His awards and decorations were earned for bravery in battle and outstanding peacetime performance.  They include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal for valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal for valor, Combat Infantryman, Senior Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

During the memorial service at Fort Gillem, Georgia, Major General Gerald H. Bethke, deputy commanding general, Second US Army, eulogized Colonel Campbell as a professional, caring officer, loving husband and father, and a patriot who served his country doing what he loved – being a soldier. 

On 11 October 1989, Building 900, Headquarters, US Army Readiness Group Atlanta, Fort Gillem, Georgia was named “Campbell Hall.”  The memorial plaque reads:

“Appointed to the United States Military Academy in 1956, he began a distinguished Army career which spanned 32 years and included tours of duty in Vietnam, Taiwan, and Korea. He received the Silver Star for gallantry while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. He served with Second United States Army, Fort Gillem, Georgia, from October 1983 to October 1988 as senior Army adviser to the Georgia Army National Guard and as commander, Readiness Group, Atlanta. Colonel Campbell’s leadership, dedication, loyalty, and patriotism were an inspiration to Readiness Group Atlanta, the Army National Guard, and the Army Reserve throughout the Southeastern United States.”

“Born: Palestine, Texas, 13 November 1935
“Died: Atlanta, Georgia, 16 October 1988
“’ His life was gentle, and the elements so mix’d in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world, ‘this was a man!’” 

While collecting Colonel Campbell’s possessions, the unit came across a handwritten note card which read: “People in uniform are not only part of the defense establishment, they are part of America.  Men and women in uniform who have committed themselves to the security of our country.  By volunteering to serve, they have willingly placed themselves in an environment of service, of challenge, of rigor, and of discipline.  They have also placed themselves in a role that can involve considerable inconvenience and risk – even the risk of life itself.”

This is what he though of the men and women who keep our country free.  It was to them that he dedicated his life's work.  This country and this Army have lost a great man, but his spirit lives in the countless people whose lives he touched.  We are better people because of him.  Our Army is a better place to serve because of Colonel Dan Campbell.

A soldier and friend, who loved God and country with his heart and soul.  A man who always lived the immortal words of the West Point motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.”