CSM GEORGE A. VIDRINE SR.

(1924–2004):

By Ben Rapaport (LTC, U.S. Army, ret.)

This is not a story of heroism, valor, or sacrifice. It’s about a friendship between CSM George Vidrine and me that began in 1963 and lasted 41 years. It’s almost impossible to believe, because I was a Signal Officer and George was an Infantry NCO … even harder to believe that this could happen in “Big Army,” almost one million strong in the early to mid-1960s.

I joined the Army as a second lieutenant in 1959. My first assignment in Special Forces was as Assistant S-2, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, in 1963. (Captain Chargin’ Charlie Beckwith was the Group S-3 at the time.) A Company’s Sergeant Major was George Vidrine. As a newbie Green Beret, I was in awe of these talented, experienced NCOs. When I occasionally saw George in a Class A uniform, I was duly impressed, but we had very little official contact.

My next assignment was as Signal Company Commander, 5th Special Forces Group, Nha Trang, Vietnam (1964-1965). (Charlie Beckwith was commander of B-52/Project Delta.) George was Sergeant Major, A Company (C-1), Da Nang. Now, I got to know him better. I led a team that spent several days at each C Detachment to train the O-5Bs (now MOS 18E) on the Collins KWM-2—the suitcase transceiver, later designated AN/FRC-93—that was replacing the antiquated AN/GRC-109. The plan was that they, in turn, would teach the “A” and “B” Team radio operators. George sat in the first row in our makeshift classroom and asked lots of questions.

As a major, I attended the College of Naval Command and Staff, Newport, Rhode Island, where I befriended the Army contingent’s advisor, Col. John B. Keeley. Upon graduation in 1972, I was assigned to Central Army Group (SHAPE), Mannheim, Germany. In 1973, Col. Keeley invited me to attend his change-of-command ceremony, 2d Brigade, 3rd Armored Division, Gelnhausen. On the parade field, standing next to Col. Keeley was Command Sergeant Major Vidrine. This chance encounter was highly unusual … the Army was much too big for such a coincidence.

My next contact with George was four years later. I was the Communications-Electronics Staff Officer, USAJFKSWCS, Fort Bragg. MG “Iron Mike” Healy is the Commanding General, and Col. Beckwith is the Commandant of the Special Warfare School. (I had met then Major Healy in Vietnam in 1964 as he was departing 5th Special Forces Group [Prov.] to return to the USA. It was like old times, but it would not last, because I would soon leave the Center to command the 426th Signal Battalion, 35th Signal Group, led by Col. Lennart Nils “Swede” Nelson who, much earlier, was the Signal Officer, 1st Special Forces Group, Okinawa, who visited me often when I commanded the Signal Company in Vietnam.

This is where the story gets really weird. I assumed command of the battalion in June 1976, and, at that time, the command sergeant major position was vacant. A few weeks into this 18-month assignment, Col. Nelson called to tell me that a CSM had just arrived at Fort Bragg and was looking for a job … he’s Infantry, not Signal Corps … his name is George Vidrine … do you know him … do you want him? Yes, Sir! George and I worked together like a well-oiled machine for his remaining months on active duty.

In May 1977, I designated George’s last day in uniform as “Vidrine-in-charge” Day. Early that morning, the Battalion’s 851 officers and enlisted men were seated in the multipurpose York Theater as George recounted some of his more memorable military experiences, after which, as commander for a day, proclaimed that it was a training holiday for everyone. The five company first sergeants took him to lunch and gifted him a personalized over-under shotgun. That afternoon, I presented him the Legion of Merit “…for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States.” George was now officially retired after having served in the U.S. Army for 38 years.

I retired in June 1979. When my son attended ROTC Summer Camp at Fort Bragg in 1995, I took him to meet George, who was working for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department. Needless to say, my son was duly impressed with this imposing, larger-than-life individual who regaled him with many stories of Army life, including a few tall tales about me.

In early 2003, I learned from his wife, Ginny, that George was in Womack Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, having been diagnosed with Agent Orange. I visited him in April, and I attended his funeral the next year at Arlington National Cemetery on May 7, 2004.

Of course, others knew him or knew of him. On Instagram @nation
ofpatriots4veterans:

nationofpatriots4veterans Everyone needs a hero… this is one you have probably never heard of – Command Sergeant Major (csm) George A. Vidrine. Unbelievable truly a life dedicated to his https://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/gavidrine.htm

In an interview with the Fayetteville Observer in 1985, Vidrine said he earned 68 service awards, including a Silver Star, six Bronze Stars, 10 Purple Hearts, six air medals, and the Legion of Merit. Thank You November 21, 2024

On the Web, theinfidel.co describes George as “The Biggest Badass You’ve Never Heard Of—CSM George A. Vidrine Sr.”

(https://theinfidel.co/blogs/news/the-biggest-badass-youve-never-heard-of-csm-george-a-vidrine-sr)

He may have given that impression to others. To me, George epitomized all seven Army values. He was a gentle giant who led by example. He was a model soldier, professional, compassionate, caring, loyal, and funny. It was my honor and privilege to have known him for almost a half-century!

George is in “VIP List, 2009” at the National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO (https://www.governmentattic.org/3docs/NPRC_VIP_List_2009.pdf).

Read more about him at:

• findagrave.com: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49331829/george_albert-vidrine)

• x.com: https://x.com/search?q=%22George%20A%20
vidrine%22&src=typed_query&f=top — this link will take you to a page on X which includes posts that relate to George Vedrine.

• Veterans Legacy Memorial: https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov

• wikitree.com: A website for advanced genealogists and casual family historians to collaborate on a global family tree. The following link contains information about George Vidrine —
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Vidrine-491#Biography

• ViperHardy/RG: this link with take you to a thread about Vidrine on X https://x.com/HardyViper/status/1856684619560575453

• vidrinefamily.com: The Vidrine Family website is meant to provide information for those researching the history or roots of the Vidrine Family. The following link will take you to a page dedicated to George Albert Vidrine Sr. https://vidrinefamily.com/rootspersona-tree/george-albert-vidrine-sr/