Military Branch: Army

Years Served: -

Rank: Colonel

Honors: Army Overseas Service Ribbon (With Numeral 3), Bronze Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal (With V Device for Valor), Combat Infantryman Badge, UTA Distinguished Alumni Award, UTA Military Science Hall of Honor, Vietnam Service Medal

Conflicts: Vietnam War

Biography:

Colonel (R) Joel H. Ward began his military career as a cadet at Arlington State College (now UTA). He was a member of the nationally acclaimed Sam Houston Rifle drill team and ultimately was the corps commander of 600 ROTC cadets. He was one of the 14 cadets who completed the 160 mile march to Fort Hood in 1960 as part of the first class to attend advance camp. In 1963 he was a UTA distinguished military graduate, and is the only graduate to later return to UTA as the Professor of Military Science. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from UTA and a Master of Arts degree in Business from Central Michigan University.

In 1963 he received a regular army commission in the U.S. Army. He served two tours in Vietnam (Mekong Delta) as an advisor to Vietnamese forces in 1965-66 and 1969-70. While there he earned three bronze stars, one with V device for valor, the air medal, two Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

He also served in many other assignments such as Operations Officer for the Army Component of North American Defense Command (NORAD), Office of the Inspector General (Pentagon), Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (Pentagon), Commander, 2d Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, and Special Assistant to the Deputy Commander in Chief, US Army Europe (Nuclear, Pershing II and Air Defense Artillery Matters).

Throughout his military career he has been cited for his ability to accomplish difficult tasks by believing in and supporting his troops. In 1993 he was inducted into UTA’s Military Science Hall of Honor and in 1995 he became the first president of the Cadet Corps Alumni Chapter. In 2006 he was honored to become a UTA Distinguished Alumnus.

Interview Clips

Interview Date: April 26, 2013

Summary:

Mr. Ward graduated from Arlington State College, and he recounts his time being both a student and working, along with participating in ROTC events, including the 1960 march by cadets from Arlington to Fort Hood. He also talks about his tours of duty in Vietnam, including a story about meeting the actress Martha Raye and coming under combat fire.