General Robert L. Rutherford
General Robert L. Rutherford, USAF Retired, went on his final flight on July 4, 2013. He was born in Luling, Texas to James and Elizabeth Rutherford on December 11, 1938. He was an outstanding athlete at Luling High School graduating in 1957 and went on to Southwest Texas State University and met and married his college sweetheart Kita Hyatt. They were happily married for more than 50 years. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration and as a Distinguished Graduate from ROTC. He attended Pilot training at Reese AFB, Texas and was subsequently assigned as an Instructor Pilot for T-37/T-33/T-38. In 1967 he was assigned to Udon Royal AB, Thailand and flew the F-4 Phantom. He completed 161 Combat Missions with 101 being flown over North Vietnam. He attended service schools and held numerous staff and command positions. In 1978 he attended Air War College as well as receiving an MBA from Auburn University. In 1980 he was selected as Commander of the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing.
In 1981 he was promoted to Brigadier General and subsequently commanded the Air Force Recruiting Service in San Antonio. He continued to move up through the ranks, excelling during each assignment. Highlights include: the Deputy Director of Operations for the European Air Combat Operations Staff, Headquarters USAF in Europe; Commander 17th Air Force, Sembach Air Base, West Germany; the deputy chief of staff for Programs and Resources at HQ of the USAF. In 1993 he received his 4th star and became Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base Hawaii. In 1994, he became the Commander in Chief of the US Transportation Command and Commander of Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base Illinois. In 1996, he retired with the rank of four-star general.
During his career he earned the following medals and honors: Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with 11 oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with two service stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Distinguished Alumni from Southwest Texas University and Outstanding Opa from his grandchildren.
After leaving the service he was very active in both mentoring future leaders of the US Military through the Capstone program as well as providing input and guidance to the leadership of the USAF.
He was also extremely active in Spring Creek United Methodist Church in Boerne TX as a member, Chairman of the Church’s first Capital Campaign, as well as being the Church Treasurer. A fisherman who loved Port O’Connor, he acquired his Port O’Connor property while still a young officer.
He was preceded in death by his father James Rutherford. He is survived by wife of 51 years Kita, Mother Elizabeth Rutherford, Sons, Jim and his wife Linda, Greg and his wife Lisa, Grandchildren Robert, Nick, Ryan, Brooke, and Chase, Sister Linda Prosk and husband Paul.
General Rutherford was buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston on July 15, 2013.
