ROBERT PRENTICE MALLORY, son of LTC Phillip L. and Lillian M. Mallory, was bom 3 November in 1955 in Stuttgart, Germany. He was a warm and caring person with a wonderful sense of humor and a great outlook on life. He touched the lives of many and continues to do so.
He was appointed to West Point upon graduation from Harrison High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. At West Point, he entertained his fellow cadets on the cadet radio station. He graduated in 1978, was commissioned a Quartermaster officer and assigned to Fort Lee, Virginia.
After his father's death, Robert was reassigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, where he met his wife Patricia. His assignments there were platoon leader, A and B Company 4th Supply and Transport Battalion; battalion S-4 and platoon leader, A Company, 304th Support Battalion (Prov).
In 1980, Robert returned to West Point to work in Project Outreach for minority recruitment. He believed West Point could give kids a chance to do something with their lives; a chance they might not otherwise have. During this time son Robert II was born.
Robert and his family went overseas to Torri Station, Okinawa, where he assumed duties as property book officer. After his promotion to captain he took command of the Headquarters and Service Company. During this time he became interested in helicopters and decided to become a pilot. He graduated from Rotary Wing Aviator School, Fort Rucker, Alabama in November 1983. He completed the AH-ls Qualification Course in January of 1984.
Robert’s first assignment as an aviator was to Fort Campbell, Kentucky with C Company, 229th AHB, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT), where he served as Support Platoon leader, Attack Platoon leader and as assistant S-4, 101st Aviation Group. He also earned a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. He later joined the 160th Special Operations Aviation Group (ABN) as assistant S-4 and later as commander of Headquarters and Service Company. It was here that Robert was the happiest. He enjoyed the excitement and challenges the organization offered.
In July 1988, Robert was assigned to the Pentagon in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans. He was promoted to major, and daughter Lauren was born during that assignment.
In 1992, Robert graduated from C&GSC Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and returned to the 160th Special Operations, where he served as the regiment’s S-4. He also celebrated the birth of his third child, Nicholas.
Robert's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; the Army Commendation Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters; the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; the National Defense Service Medal; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He earned the Army Aviator Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault. Badge, Pathfinder Badge and the Army Staff Identification Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Legion of Merit.
Robert was blessed with a personality that made you enjoy being around him. He always had a smile on his face; he could make you laugh no matter how bad the day seemed. Nothing could get him down. He believed in wishing for the moon and reaching for the stars. Anything was possible. There also was a serious side—his work. Robert was always ready to lend a hand to those who needed it. Many times he could be found with the soldiers, encouraging them, counseling them and guiding them. Robert had an indomitable spirit. Nothing could stand in his way. He was persistent and resilient; no job was too hard for him. He could move mountains if he had to. He was a soldier who strived to serve his country through duty and with honor. One of Robert’s hopes was to become a teacher and to help shape the minds of children.
Robert also was a devoted family man. He spent as much time as possible with his children and his wife. He attended many football and soccer games and became a Boy Scout leader. The zoo, museums and fishing were favorite family pastimes. Many days were spent at home, alone, with his family reading stories and playing games.
We will never know what Robert could have accomplished, but we are sure that it would have been great. He will be remembered as a handsome, courageous, dedicated and proud soldier who met the challenges of life with a smile. The 160th will never bury a soldier more proud to serve with them. Being a Nightstalker was the ultimate “high” for Robert. He lived by their motto: “Nightstalkers Don’t Quit.” Robert, you are the wind beneath our wings. We will miss you. We Love You.
Until we meet again...