ROCK OF THE YEAR
ROCK OF THE YEAR
FOR 1977
Colonel HYMAN Y. CHASE
U.S. Army, Retired
Colonel Hyman Y. Chase was born in Washington, D.C. on November 24, 1902. He received both a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Zoology from Howard University. In 1934, he earned a Doctorate degree in Zoology from Stanford University. He was the first black upon whom Stanford University. He was the first black upon whom Stanford University conferred a doctorate degree. Dr. Chase taught Zoology at Howard University from 1934 to 1940.
In 1940 Colonel Chase began his military career as a Captain with the 366th Infantry Regiment of the famed 92nd Infantry Division at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. He served in successive, demanding positions. Among the highlights of Colonel Chase’s career were his command of the 1st Battalion, 366th Infantry, in Italy during World War II and the 24th Transportation Truck Battalion in Germany during the Berlin Airlift (1948-2949). He was responsible for ensuring the movement of supplies from distribution centers to the Air Force bases for military airlift into West Berlin.
Colonel Chase was assigned as Professor of Military Science and Tactics to Prairie View A&M College in TX where he remained until 1954. His final military assignment was at Howard University as Professor of Military Science and Tactics from 1957 to 1960.
Following his retirement, Dr. Chase continued his teaching career as an Associate professor of Anatomy at Howard’s College of Medicine. Acknowledged as a distinguished scientist, Dr. Chase shaped and mentored the lives of many distinguished professionals until his retirement from Howard in June 1971.
Colonel Chase’s death on February 5, 1983 ended a life dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.
ROCK OF THE YEAR
FOR 1978
Colonel JOHN THOMAS MARTIN
U.S. Army, Retired
Colonel John T. Martin was born April 29, 1920 in New York, NY, Colonel Martin grew up in Washington, DC, and graduated fro Cardozo High School. In 1940, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University and was commissioned a Infantry Second Lieutenant. The year prior to his entry on active duty there were only five other black officers in the whole Army.
His first duty assignment was with the 366th Infantry Regiment at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. During World War II, Colonel Martin was awarded a Bronze Star while serving with the 366th when it was attached to the 92nd Division in North Africa and Italy.
Stationed in Japan, Korea, and Germany, the Colonel earned an Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star for his valor in Korea. Determined that he would excel no matter what the odds, his sterling service resulted in his promotion to the rank of Colonel at the age of 46. From 1966 to 1976, he served as Director of Selective Service for the District of Columbia and Board 100. Following his retirement from military service, Colonel Martin served in the Office of the Counselor for the Secretary of Defense.
In addition to being a dedicated life member of the ROCKS, Colonel Martin was a member of the Board of Directors of the National Historical Intelligence Museum and the Metropolitan Capitol Corporation in Alexandria, VA. He was regularly consulted as an authority on World War II and served as an advisor for the Chief of Military History, the Center of Military History, the 50th Anniversary of World War II Commemorative Committee, the Howard University Oral History project, and the 92nd Infantry Division World War II Association.
He is survived by his wife, Hestelene Brooks Martin and their 4 children: Joan, Alan, Theresa and Charles.
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