Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Robert L. Haga of Cullman died Monday, September 19, 2016 at Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann Veteran’s Home in Huntsville, Alabama.
CSM Haga was born in Aberdeen, Maryland on April 26, 1936, son of Robert Garfield and Nancy Isom Haga. He volunteered for the U.S. Army on June 2, 1953. He retired from the Army on February 29, 1984. He then entered Federal Civil Service as an Army instructor for new recruits at Fort Jackson, SC for another 12 years, giving him a total of 43 years of service to our country and also spanned the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
CSM Haga entered the Army at Camp Breckinridge Kentucky training with the 101st Airborne Division as a heavy weapons infantryman. During his career he served with 8th Infantry Division Fort Jackson, SC, 41st Tank Bn, 5th Regimental Combat team Co. H 2nd Bn. 516 Reg, Korea, 24th Inf. Div, Continental Army Command at Fort Benning, Ga, which was a testing unit for New Weapons, Ammo, Radar, Vehicles, C Rations, etc. 3rd Armored Div, 2nd Med Tank Bn (Germany) returned to Fort Benning as a mortar and Davy Crockett instructor (Davy Crockett was a nuclear weapon), 2nd Inf. Div. 23 Inf on the DMZ in Korea for 2nd time, assigned as Technical Proficiency Inspector, 3rd Inf. Div. Kitzingen Germany, 1st Bn, 15th Inf as Davy Crockett Team Chief then to Bn. Intelligence NCO S-2, 23rd Americal Div HQ CHU Lai, Vietnam, Tet Counter offensive 1st Bn, 52nd Inf. 198th Brigade Inf 1968 – 1969, moved to four different fire bases and served at LZ Stinson, 5th Corps HQ Frankfurt Germany as G-3 SCM, G-Z SGM, and G-1SGM, U.S. Army Training Command, Fort Jackson, SC as Command Sgt. Major 2nd BN and Command Sgt. Major 1st Bde., 2nd Bde 8th Inf. Div. SCM Mannhiem, Germany where he was selected to work for General B.G. Anderson, 2nd Armd Div SCM Osterholz-Sharmbeck Germany, Command Sgt. Major of 3rd Armd Div. Frankfurt, Germany, selected as one of 10 CM in the Army to remain on Active Duty for 35 years, responsible for overseeing 17000 soldiers and civilian workforce and quality of life for 6000 dependents, direct supervision of 65 Sergeant Majors. CSM Haga attended numerous schools and training and wrote the “NCO Creed” that was used throughout the Army. Davy Crockett Crs, NCO Academy, instructor academy Mortar Fire Direction Course, Infantry leaders Course, Battalion Davy Crockett NCO Course, Combat Intelligence NCO Course, Battalion Training Management Course, Executive and Career Management and Development Course.
Decorations and awards include National Defence Svc Medal w/ 1oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with 2nd oak Leaf cluster, Bronze Star w 1oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Meritorious Service Medal w/1 oak leaf cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Purple Heart, Army Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct 10th award, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th award), Army Achievement Medal, NCO Officer Professional Development Ribbon w/2nd DVC, German Army Marksmanship Award, Air Medal (2nd Award) Meritorious Service Medal w/2nd Oak Leaf Cluster.
SCM Haga was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita K. Haga; brothers, Foye “Legard” Haga, Sebert Haga, Wayne Haga, Neal Haga, Arnold ‘John’ Haga, Howard ‘Jack’ Haga; sisters, Shielry Haga Hotchkiss, Clara Haga Akers.
He is survived by a son, Robert C. Haga, of Tylertown, MS; a daughter, Robin Haga, of Lafayette, LA; a grandson, Warren R. Haga and three great-grandchildren, David Haga, Andrew Haga and Daniel Haga of Pine, LA, along with a host of nieces and nephews.
He loved old American cars, Nascar and woodworking. His military life was characterized by courage, dedication and patriotism. CSM Haga was an outstanding Senior Sergeant of the highest caliber. His courage, judgment and superb leadership produced brilliant achievements in combat and garrison units.
A memorial service will be held in his honor at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
