Edward V. Maltese was born in Northfield, VT and graduated from Norwich (VT) University in 1942. He is a straight-talking man, with an unmistakable Yankee accent. He concedes he was not the easiest man to get along with at times, but most of those who served under him remember his actions and style, with respect for the leader and amusement for the character.
Colonel (Ret) Edward V. Maltese retired in 1972 after a distinguished career, which included Officer Basic in 1942, jump school at Fort Benning, WWII airborne action with the 505 PIR of the 82nd Airborne into Ste. Mere Englise on D-Day and later in Holland. He also served, and jumped with, the 187th in Korea. He was in the OSS with LTC Aaron Bank, who started the SF, and went to Vietnam for 18 months as Director of Target Acquisition. He talks about the war openly, but not in heroic terms. "I just took it for granted that I was paid to do a job, but never expected the Army to be a career. I just wanted to be a Company Commander." He activated at least five Companies as their first commander, from Special Forces to Armor, "But it was the LRRPs that I really enjoyed. It was the NCOs, they were all outstanding. They never caused me any major problems I couldn't resolve. I'm proud that I never had to reduce any one of them. Not that we didn't have problems, but we handled them."
It is clear Col. Maltese loved the LRRPs, even more than he loved engaging and overcoming the obstacles he encountered during their creation. He formed the Company with the best people he could find or steal, and trained them to be even better. "The VII Corps got most of the recognition," he says. "Maybe it was because I was so obnoxious, but we pretty much got what we wanted."
"I really enjoyed the LRRPs. They were a great bunch."
Those of us who served in the V Corps and VII Corps LRRP Cos. (ABN) owe much to the vision and character of Colonel Edward V. Maltese. While most of us never knew him personally, the spirit of leadership lived on in the Companies, and through it, we became better men.
SEE YOU ON THE DROPZONE, SIR!
AIRBORNE
KHG 7/5/02 |
