Veterans Way Honorees

Robert J. Hibbs served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966. He was a United States Army officer and received the military’s highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions during the Vietnam War. Robert joined the Army from Des Moines, Iowa, in August 1964. By March 5, 1966, he was serving as a second lieutenant in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. He earned his commission through the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Georgia. On March 5, 1966, during Operation Cocoa Beach at Don Dien Lo Ke in the Republic of Vietnam, Hibbs’ patrol spotted an approaching Viet Cong force. He led his small group in an attack on the enemy and, along with another soldier, volunteered to rescue a wounded comrade. After reaching the injured man, Hibbs stayed behind to provide covering fire and was mortally wounded while assaulting an enemy machine gun emplacement. For his bravery during the battle, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on February 24, 1967. Robert, who was 22 at the time of his death, was buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In honor of 2nd Lieutenant Hibbs, a section of the University of Northern Iowa campus was renamed after him, and a flagpole and monument bearing his name were erected just east of the West Gym. Robert was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on April 24, 1943. As a child, he frequently missed school due to sore tonsils. It was during this time that he developed a passion for creating model military miniatures. He spent countless hours painting these model soldiers and amassed approximately 1,000 miniatures during his short life. When he was still a boy, his family moved to Cedar Rapids and later to Cedar Falls, where Robert attended high school. While at Cedar Falls High School, he participated in the student forum. After graduating high school, Hibbs enrolled at the State Teachers’ College of Iowa, now known as the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in history. He graduated three years later in 1964 with a GPA of 3.2. A few months later, in August 1964, he had the opportunity to pursue his dream of a military career by enlisting in the Army. After completing basic training, Hibbs became a second lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division. He participated in numerous military operations during the war, but none were as memorable as the events of March 5, 1966. Near Don Dien Lo Ke, Hibbs and his 15 men were on ambush patrol when he spotted a company of Viet Cong maneuvering along a road towards them. After radioing his command post, he placed two mines in the enemy’s path. As the Viet Cong approached, he detonated the mines, killing and wounding half of the enemy force. While Hibbs’ men were withdrawing, he remained behind to throw grenades and fire upon the enemy, who still numbered around 50 men. Remarkably, he managed to return to the defense perimeter, only to discover another Viet Cong group attacking his men. He decided to launch a surprise counterattack with the help of his troops. As they neared safety after this attempt, Hibbs noticed that one of his men lay wounded between the two enemy forces. Despite already being wounded in the leg, he took a fellow sergeant and went back to rescue the injured soldier. While the sergeant dragged the wounded soldier to safety, Hibbs provided cover fire. Armed with only an M16 rifle, he charged toward the Viet Cong machine guns. Tragically, it was during this brave act that Robert was mortally wounded.

Patricia served in the US Marines from 1958 to 1960.

Sergeant Richard L. Hofstadter (Army Serial No. 37657506), Coast Artillery Corps. United States Army, for meritorious service in connection with military operations, as Section Chief, Battery “D”, 546th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion (Mobile) , from 14 July 1944 to 8 May 1945. Continually on the move and despite extremely adverse conditions, Sergeant Hofstadter displayed outstanding ability in maintaining a high level of enthusiasm and cooperation among his men and in keeping his section’s equipment in a superior conditions all times. The loyal, untiring devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Hofstadter throughout the entire period increased the efficiency of his unit in sustained operational activities against the enemy.

Richard served in the US Marines from1983 to1987 and earned the rank of Corporal.

William served active duty in the US Army from December 1965 to December 1967, reaching the rank of Specialist E-4. He was discharged in December 1971. William Completed basic infantry training at Fort Dix, N.J., and trained as Administrative Clerk Typist at Fort Knox, Kentucky. William served in administration there before being reassigned to Okinawa. William was stationed there from November 1966 to December 1967, completing several different assignments. William graduated from Loras College with a major in Political Science. He worked at John Deere for 30 years as a supply management specialist at the Dubuque Works and the Waterloo Works. He has been an active volunteer during and after retirement. William is active in the Exchange Club of Waterloo as an acting media specialist and on The Elks Lodge 290 board as the Leading Knight. William plans and facilitates a weekly men’s Bible study at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Richard “Dick” Edwin Richard enlisted in the United States Navy on November 10, 1948. He was in San Diego, CA for Boot Camp – Company 534. He was stationed in Bremerton, Washington after boot camp. They were there for 3 months in dry dock. When they were out to sea on the U.S.S. Stickle, Richard was pushing ammo into one of the guns when the hammer came down on his finger. The doctors wanted to amputate it but he told them to just bandage it. His finger was stiff for a while but he saved it. While overseas he traveled to Hawaii, Guam, Okinawa, Hong Kong, Midway, Korea, the Philippine Islands, and many other places. Richard was a Machinist’s Mate, Third Class-USN and received 5 Battle Stars while serving. He enlisted for 3 years but it was extended to 4 years because of the Korean War. Richard received an Honorable Discharge on November 5, 1952.

Robert joined the Air Force and served from 1952 to 1956, stationed at Eglin AFB as Airman 1st Class on the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team. Born in Archer, Iowa, in 1933, His parents, Ted and Margarite Alberts, moved to Cedar Falls after he graduated from Archer High School. After the service, he met Delores Schipper of Kesley, Iowa, and they were married at First United Methodist Church in Waterloo in 1958. They raised two daughters. The family moved to Burlington, Iowa, and resided there until returning to the area in November 2021. They now reside at Western Homes Wind Cove, at the ages of 92 and 93. Robert’s father worked at the CF Railroad Depot. Their eldest daughter resides in Ankeny, Iowa, and their youngest daughter, Lori, lives in Waterloo as of 2020.

Roger served in the U.S. Army 116th Infantry Division from June 21, 1943, to March 12, 1948, and was recognized for his bravery in action against the enemy. The following report was prepared by Colonel Louis G. Smith, GSC – Chief of Staff: “On February 28, 1945, when his unit’s advance was met with intense fire from enemy machine guns, Staff Sergeant Schaefer moved forward and neutralized the weapons using hand grenades. Fearless in the face of enemy fire, he continued to advance and single-handedly destroyed a second weapon. At this point, a group of riflemen surrendered without further resistance. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Military Service from Iowa.” Roger received the following decorations and citations: – Bronze Star for “Campaign in Northern France” – December 1, 1944 – Bronze Star for “Campaign in Rhineland” – June 25, 1944 – Bronze Star for “Campaign in Central Europe” – June 21, 1945 – Silver Star – April 14, 1945 – EAMET Ribbon – January 1, 1943 – Good Conduct Medal – November 15, 1944 – Combat Infantry Badge – January 18, 1945 – American Theatre Ribbon He was also a qualified sharpshooter with the M-1 Carbine, achieving this status on July 16, 1947. Roger was honorably discharged and then reenlisted in the Regular Army in 1945. Born in Washburn, Iowa, Roger lived in the Cedar Valley and owned the M&M Bottling Plant in Waterloo until it burned down. He later worked at the VFW in Waterloo. After his service, he returned to Iowa and settled in Waterloo.

Rolland served in the U.S. Navy for three years, enlisting at the age of 17 in March 1941. He served as a Seaman 1st Class on the USS Long Island and the USS Card. During his service, he sustained an injury that required him to spend six months in a hospital in San Diego, California. He was honorably discharged in March 1943. Born and raised in LaPorte City, Rolland lived in the Waterloo area for over 65 years. After returning home from the service, Rolland met Frances Kemp, and they were married on May 8, 1943. Together, they raised six children in the Waterloo area. Rolland retired from the Iowa State Highway Commission in 1973. His sons, Ronald and Randy, followed in their father’s footsteps by serving in the Navy as well.