Biography

Colonel Robert B. Nett is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Colonel, then First Lieutenant, Nett was commanding Company E, 305th Infantry Regiment in the Philippine Islands. On 14 December 1944, at Cognon, Leyte, Lieutenant Nett led his company in an attack against a reinforced enemy battalion which had held up the American advance for two days. Advancing against heavy enemy machine gun and other automatic weapons fire, 1LT Nett spearheaded the assault against a strongpoint. During the fierce hand-to-hand encounter, he killed seven Japanese soldiers with his rifle and bayonet and, himself seriously wounded, gallantly continued to lead his men forward. Again he was severely wounded, but still unwilling to retire, pressed ahead with his troops to ensure the capture of the objective. Wounded once more in the final assault, he calmly made all arrangements for the resumption of the advance, turned over his command to another officer, and then walked unaided to the rear for medical treatment. For his actions he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

During the Korean War, Colonel Nett served as the Inspector General for the Southwestern Area Command, where he was responsible for conducting classified missions for General MacArthur's Far East Headquarters.

During the Vietnam War, Colonel Nett served as an advisor to the Vietnamese 2nd Infantry Division. He has served several tours with the Ranger Department, in the Platoon Tactics Committee, and as Chairman of the Attack Committee. His last assignment was as Chief of Reserve Affairs for Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa after which he retired in Columbus, Georgia in 1973. Throughout his illustrious career, Colonel Nett's performance of duty has been exemplary and epitomizes the standards embodied in the Ranger Creed.