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Robin Moore Obituary
Moore died Tuesday night at a hospital in southwestern Kentucky, said Dennis Monroe with Lamb Funeral Home.
Moore once said that he moved to the small town in 2005 with his wife, Helen, because it borders Fort Campbell, a sprawling Army post on the Tennessee border that is headquarters to a Green Beret group.
Born Robert L. Moore Jr. on Oct. 31, 1925, in Massachusetts, he wrote his books under the name Robin Moore. Among his best known were "The Green Berets," published in 1965 and "The French Connection," published in 1969. He also helped write "The Happy Hooker," which was published in 1972.
He co-wrote "The Ballad of the Green Berets," which became the signature song of the Special Forces unit.
Maj. Gen. Gary L. Harrell, deputy commander of the Army's Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, called Moore a "devoted advocate" for the Special Forces and said his writings became textbooks for the Army's unconventional forces.
"They were both educational and inspirational and introduced the world to the Green Berets," Harrell said in a statement posted Friday on an Army Special Forces Web site. "He will be missed."
"The Green Berets" was written following Moore's service as a civilian author alongside soldiers with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Vietnam.
"The French Connection," about a New York drug bust, inspired a movie that won five Academy Awards in 1971 including best picture.
In 1986, Moore pleaded guilty to selling fraudulent literary tax shelters. The government charged that Moore published books and sold the royalty rights to promoters and investors at inflated prices based upon arbitrary and unrealistic values.
A complete list of Moore's survivors wasn't available Friday.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
81 Entries
Dr Lawrence G Mallon
February 3, 2023
I knew Robin Moore intimately and visited him many times in Concord MA where he lived and walked the Revolutionary War battlefield with him and our mutual friend William Spector formerly of US Army CIC and New York as part of our Congressional investigation and global drug and arms smuggling beginning with the diversion of arms from Guam to Viet Nam and Passau Germany to the Middle East back in the mid 1970's. He gave me a number of extensively signed books including one based upon the NYPD. I will miss him as a close friend and professional mentor. My favorite story was the personal his mother's ancestor and the founding of Quaker Oats based on his incarceration at the Confederate prison camp in Andersonville the survival of many Union prisoners by eating the horses oats!
Marie Heenan
April 11, 2021
Robin, you are still fondly remembered and sorely missed. Michael and I often speak of you and that twinkle in your eye. You and Mary Olga welcomed us into your home and hearts. Lady Helen was also warm and welcoming when we visited you in Hopkinsville, KY and that wonderful Valentine week! We hold you close always.
LTC(R) "Kaz" Culp
March 10, 2018
My dear Robin- No words can express how much I miss you! You have inspired me to finally write my book. I cry writing this as I think of you and your wonderful friendship. My dear friend, you are always with me mind and spirit.
How you can show support
earl stewart
October 2, 2013
Rest in peace I fondly remember robin as a teacher while I was at concord farm.
You will always be remembered. I will never weep for you cause I will always remember a great man mr.robin moore
Billy Cooper
June 14, 2012
Salutes
March 29, 2010
For Robin...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Kathleen R. "Kaz" Culp
October 20, 2009
Dear Helen,
It has been over a year now, and it is as if Robin is not gone, but close by us always...
Love, Kaz
William Turner
June 17, 2008
RIP Robin, You did much to make Special Forces widely known.
-"Via Con Dios, Mi Amigo"
SFC (R), 20th SFG(A)
Cash McMahon
May 7, 2008
Sir Robin Moore was a true spirit of life that inspired us all to be our best, always! It's my honor to have been able to call this gentleman my friend! Thank you and Helen for being so kind.
Andy McAleer
April 4, 2008
I think what I loved most about Robin was how humble he was and how generous he was with his time. There was--and I mean this--never a time when I called him to see if I could come over for visit that he turned me down. There is a small scene in "It's a Wonderful life" where, in the back of Mr. Bailey's office a sign reads, "The only things you can take with you when you leave this world are the things you gave away." I'd have to say that Robin Moore is the richest man in town.
William Woosley
April 3, 2008
Robin: I knew you all too briefly, but I knew you well. And in our brief time together, I like to believe we had a special relationship. So special was it to me that it reminds me of a character from one of Faulkner’s short story named Two Fathers… so named because no one knew if he was the son of a Choctaw Chief or the son of the Chief’s slave. If I had an Indian name, it would be Many Fathers… so named because when I needed a father to spawn the next birth in my life’s journey, Providence always provided the right one. And in that list of my many fathers, it would list you as my latest father.
I sorely miss you everyday, Dad.
Your loving other son, Bill
William Claudin
March 30, 2008
My Dear close friend Robin. I have stayed in his home for days at a time and communicated about the African scene, as I lived in RSA and Robin Lived in then...Rhodesia..I loved the guy....
Johnny Beauregard
March 30, 2008
May God bless and keep Robin's soul in eternal happiness, no more pain and no more sorrow for him in the hands of God. He was an inspiration and guide for so many of us old SF'ers. We all enjoyed reading and seeing his work here on earth and will join him in his eternal home at some point. We will miss you and your wrintg and storytelling. May Helen have a blessed life here without you until she joins you. Rest in peace our brother and companion.
Peggy Baum
March 29, 2008
Robin, you are a superior man. Working with you has been a fabulous experience. I miss you, and WILL miss you.
Chapter 78 Coin Presented to Helen Moore
March 28, 2008
Jim Duffy with Robin and Mrs. Bob Cierniak
Jim Duffy
March 28, 2008
A true special breed of man. An inspiration in my joining SF. Will treasure my photo with him and the autographed copy of The Green Berets. Felt priviledged to participate in his services on behalf of the members of Chapter 78.
john hlavavacek
March 28, 2008
Robin - we have just returned from jamaica and the blue hole which brought many memories to our family. we all remember our meetings with you and our children will always be grateful for your generosity by teaching them water skiing behind your motor boat. Also, jamaicans remember you well. we lisened to many tales of your long association with san san. john hlavacek family
Kristin Cooley
March 28, 2008
I feel Robin is at peace doing what he always did best - courageously exploring the next biggest adventure of his life. May he always be remembered as a true gentleman, a warrior of the spirit, and a faithful friend. God Bless.
Walt Emerson
March 23, 2008
Robin,
You gave us much inspiration and told the SF Story as only you could do. I am proud to have know you. May you find eternal rest in that great DZ in the sky. Your MACO briefing will be carried out by our best hands.
Helen, rest assured that Robin was one of the best and will be sorely missed in the SF fraternity.
De Oppresso Liber, and a HOOYAH!
Arthur P. D'Agostino
March 21, 2008
As a nineteen year old I was inspired by Robin's "The Green Beret" and am thankful that I served with the 5thSF. Roger was an inspiration to everyone who served, and will never be forgotten. God Bless!
Chapter 54
Frank Antenori
March 21, 2008
Robin,
It was a pleasure and an honor knowing you. Thank you for your service and all you've done for the Special Forces Regiment.
De Oppresso Liber.
Robert Ryncarz
March 20, 2008
Your words were an inspiration when I joined SF in 1968. Wishing you peace.
Roy Hansen
March 20, 2008
You were an inspiration to me during SF Medics training. Now helping people as a chiropractor in Mexico. See you on the other side, you had a very special life's circle.
Leslie and Brittney Carroll
March 20, 2008
Robin was and will always be so very special to us! How blessed we were to have him right across the street! We will always treasure the visits---and the sweet twinkle in those gorgeous blue eyes--most beautiful on the planet! We shared special prayers together--which I will always treasure. We love you, Helen! We are blessed with you and you remain in our prayers always. GOD bless you and much love always! Leslie and Brittney
carl j brewster
March 20, 2008
god bless, an old friend from SEA, thanks
Paul Moody
March 20, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Karl Bundy
March 20, 2008
I am truly honored to have a signed copy of "The Green Berets" given to me by an old SF'er who actually knew Robin Moore. What he did for SF will never be forgotten!
Robert Hunt
March 20, 2008
Robin, we miss you from SFA Chapter 54, your original home in Boston. You have always been an inspiration to us, and your comradeship with us will always be honored. We will be there at Sleepy Hollow when you return to your home. DOL & CIDG, Bob Hunt, SFA Chap 54 President
Don Haase
March 19, 2008
I met Robin personally at the SOA reunions and the forces of Heaven are getting stronger now that such a great friend of Special Forces has joined thier realm. The drive to go to Iraq and Afghanistan at his age and health to tell the stories of our younger warrior brothers as he told ours.This is what happens to you when you hang around the Green Berets. What a warrior and his wepon of choice was a pen, telling the story of the greatest warriors and peace makers of all time. Rest in peace my friend I'll see you again in Gods time.
Don Haase
195th. AHC
Dan Pierelli
March 19, 2008
My condolences to Mrs. Moore and the family. What Robin Moore has done for Special Forces is great. May God keep him close.
Timothy Rogers
March 19, 2008
We have lost a real icon. He has set a high standard of first accompishing the mission then talking about the others. We will never forget his accomplishments and contributions to our community.
Jerry Mac Manus
March 19, 2008
Robin was one of a kind, he truly was. I was involved with him on some literary projects. While I was a veteran of two armies, Ranger etc,and a homicide detective, I expected to find a writer with no dirt on his hands, I was wrong! If Robin wrote about a subject, he went out and lived that life, what a guy!! I know that he deeply appreciated the friendship of the Green Berets. So my hat's off to Robin and all his friends. May Birdy and Lady Helen stay strong in our hearts.
Doug Oftedahl, Jr.
March 19, 2008
My condolences to Helen and Robin's extended family.
I suspect we'll be seeing a book about Heaven fairly soon.
Robin will be in excellent company in Heaven, as he was here, what with Col. Bank, Maggy, Frenchy and all of our dear SF KIA who have gone ahead. RIP old friend.
Doug Oftedahl, Jr. C54 SFA-L
Thomas & Dale Crowley
March 19, 2008
Robin was the Scribe of Special Forces and will be missed by us all. We had the luxury of many evenings together with Robin at Chapter Meetings. You could always depend on Robin at to show up where ever Special Forces were conducting operations. He passed through Baghdad while I was there and it was a great pleasure to see a familiar face. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family. Robin has taken point for the rest of us on his last mission. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten.
Tom Regan
March 19, 2008
RIP Robin Moore
SFA Chapter XVI
D-3562 (L)
Dick Nazzaro
March 19, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Helen and family. Robin will be sadly missed from our ranks.
Joe Waskas
March 19, 2008
Only those of us who were honored by knowing you will understand the loss to our community. RIP brother and hold a spot in the stick for me.
Fred Callahan
March 19, 2008
Unlike so many today who attempt to tell what something is like, Robin Moore had to experience it before he wrote about it. Thanks Robin for sharing yourself with us and us with the world.
Tom Marzullo
March 19, 2008
A few years back I got to meet Robin at a SOA reunion where the topic of how I felt about his GB book came up. Robin told me that some who went SF back then were angry because they thought their experiences ruined their lives, but I disagreed with that sentiment because to my way of thinking we all make our own choices and live with them. My experiences of SF during Vietnam were for the most part very positive and if anything, set my personal standards for both myself and others considerably higher than is the norm. I also had the opportunity to stand in some mighty big shoes... not a bad way to model a life.
Thanks Robin.
Bruce Mallick
March 19, 2008
You always will be remembered by your Brothers In Arms.Thanks for everything you did for Green Berets (Special Forces) .
Bill & Robin '05
Bill Fanaras
March 19, 2008
I first met Robin in June of ’63. We were shaking out chutes on Fryer DZ after one of our jump school jumps. His fatigues were almost sterile, only a name tag, no rank, no unit patch. I asked him who he “was with” and he said “no one, I’m going to write a book about this.” I told he was full of it because civilian didn’t go to jump school and he was probably working for “the company”.
When The Green Berets was published it opened with a scene from jump school that we had both witnessed on the day I met him. That was the first time I realized he was the guy from Boston I had met on the DZ.
When Chapter 54 needed a guest speaker in 1995 I called him at home and introduced myself by asking, “do you remember where you were on June 26, 1963?” he responded, “I was in Jump School at Fort Benning”. Does anyone ever forget when they were in jump school? He was active with our Chapter for the next 10 years.
He was a friend of SF everywhere and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Sincere best wishes to his bride Helen.
Bill Fanaras
C-54
Boston
Tom Walles
March 19, 2008
One of the Finest has left us.
John Blevins
March 19, 2008
Thanks Robin for being part of us. Through your writings, you have led many young men to chose the path that lead them to seek the Coveted Green Beret. As long as Special Forces exists, you will never be forgotten, but you will be missed.
Ron Piper
March 19, 2008
It was great to have known you Robin, God Bless
S. Craig
March 19, 2008
Rest In Peace Brother...You were an inspiration to many of us. God bless you and your family.
Mike Taylor
March 19, 2008
Robin, a Great American Patriot, was a pioneer in the media field and opened history for all to read and learn about. Let's hope there is someone that can follow the large path he has created.
William Snider
March 19, 2008
God Bless Robin Moore!
I met him at the 2002 SFA Convention and he kept asking me to play the "Ballad of the Green Berets" on my harmonica.
Robin, I will remember you every time I play it. Chapter 9, Secretary and Harmonica Player
Leamon Ratterree
March 18, 2008
Kind Sir. I was priviledged to know ye.
May you rest in peace. You have left a legacy of honor.
Michael Rhode
March 18, 2008
There were 2 occasions that I will always hold dear. I first met Robin at the SOARConvention in Las Vegas 4 or 5 years ago. I had a newspaper article about him with me that was from the Honolulu Star Bulletin circa 1979. He autographed it and spent some time with me and others as well. The 2nd time was several years ago. I had taken my youngest with me from Oregon to Boston to show my roots. While at Boston we met with Bill Coombs and were told that Robin needed some assistance as his vehicle was broken down. We went to his aide and not only was I fortunate to spend some more time with Robin and Helen but my son was able to meet this legendary character. These were 2 great days.
L.T. PACE - ROB - BRUCE BOND 2002 (5Oth) CONVENTION
LEWIS PACE
March 18, 2008
I remember Rob with wonder, joy and humor. In a letter from him (5 Dec. 2000), he said, "When I jumped into Uwarrie National Forest in 1963 I carried a couple of plastic bottles of burbon with me in anticipation of a long stay and perhaps some material to bribe the friendly Gs awaiting us below. To this day they tell the legend of the civilian who dropped in with a load of booze, the amount carried in my ruck gets bigger with the succeeding years."
Rob was just as much "Mr. Unconventional" as any of the SFrs that I served with ---- and his "Legend" still stands!
De Oppresso Liber
Lewis T. Pace, Jr.
7th SFGA, 1962-64
aka "Cargo Drop" Sends!
Bill Coombs
March 18, 2008
Robin will be remembered by members of the Special Forces family as a result not only of his books about THE GREEN BERETS but the support he provided to many Special Forces soldiers over the years. Special Forces soldiers respected Robin because in order to know and write about Special Forces, he actually took the Special Forces qualification courses when he was near age 40. His books on Special Forces taught people about unconventional warfare. Many men have told him that their reading of THE GREEN BERETS caused them to volunteer for Special Forces. He was a good friend and I will miss him.
P. Bennett
March 8, 2008
Thanks for all the good memories in Jamaica :-)
Bennett Family
Bob McDowell
March 5, 2008
God bless our departed brother and his bride Helen. Also the members of SFA 38 who was always there for them.
SFA 64
Richard Dick" Turner
February 27, 2008
A Special Forces Icon has left us and we are saddened by it.
Joseph M Bossi
February 26, 2008
Great Man and Great Member of the Green Beret,family
Tim Ghianni
February 25, 2008
It was my great honor to have had the opportunity to spend a day with Robin after he and Helen moved to Hopkinsville, Ky., so that he could be around his family -- the Fifth Special Forces (Green Berets).
I was there as a newspaper reporter. And it turned out to be Robin's final long interview, so it has become even more meaningful to me in recent days as I think about this great man and his wonderful wife.
And sharing the sadness are the proud soldiers who wore the Green Beret. There are those whose Vietnam stories he told. And there are those who have worn that beret into battle in wars since.
Whether or not one supports a war, he or she should always support the warrior.
And thanks to Robin, I not only got to learn of his life, but he introduced me to many of his "children" from the brotherhood of the Green Berets.
I salute you, Robin. And you, of course, would want me to salute your family as well, the fellows who wear that special headgear.
Thank you, my friend.
Doug and Linda Morse
February 25, 2008
You will always be remembered by your Special Forces brothers.
Author Debbie Ludwig-Galich
February 25, 2008
Robin was an extremely brilliant writer and a highly respected human being.
God bless him and his family!
www.authordebbieludwig-galich.com
[email protected]
Paul Campbell
February 24, 2008
Robin Moore will always be remembered within the ranks of the United States Army Special Forces
" The Green Berets".
Paul F. Campbell
Net Controller
Special Forces Worldwide Message Service
[email protected]
Dutch Alexander
February 24, 2008
On behalf of all Green Berets everywhere, Rest In Peace brother. "DE OPPRESSO LIBER" 5th Group
David J. Bhaltazhar Esq.
February 24, 2008
My favorite was Hogans Heroes,
Thanks Rob.
Rob Dollar
February 23, 2008
Robin Moore was a great American and a great human being who lived a remarkable life. He blessed the citizens of Hopkinsville, Ky., with his presence in our city the past three years, receiving the Key to the City and other high honors. As a former aide in the Mayor's Office, it was a privilege to get to know him and his wife, Helen. Condolences to the family during this difficult time. Farewell, Robin. You will be sorely missed.
Jim & Lucia Stanford
February 23, 2008
Robin, Our thoughts and prayers go with you. You will be deeply missed within the Special Forces Family. We thank you for all you did for us. You will always be remembered.
W Daniels
February 23, 2008
My heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Moore. May you find comfort in your loving memories and the comfort of the "God of all comfort" .
2 Cor 1:3,4
Harry Simpson
February 23, 2008
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Mark & Rebekah Vargas
February 23, 2008
It was an honor and privilege to know Robin personally. Robin’s dedication and contribution to Special Forces, soldiers and the literary world was extraordinary and prominent – his works will live on forever in our hearts and minds! For the past 5 years, Robin’s untiring willingness to be alongside Special Forces units engaged in the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan or Iraq, was not only remarkable but inspirational. His compassion for bringing us the real and dynamic stories while behind the scene is a story in itself. Robin, you will be missed by all of us whose lives you have touched and blessed by your works. Farewell My Brother! To Dear Lady Helen, please know that we are here for you always. May God Bless you and comfort you during this difficult time.
David Wesneski, 1SG, US Army, Retired
February 23, 2008
Thank you for your inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
CH(LTC) Wylie Johnson
February 23, 2008
Robin, Thank you for all you've done for the SF community, your continual kindness, and your unflagging love. We will sorely miss you.
Frank Wisniewski
February 23, 2008
Robin, will be missed here in the Ft Campbell area as well as around the world. He was truley a brother here with the 5th Legion and the Special Force Soldiers young, old and seasoned looked at Robin with a gleem in thier eyes everytime they saw or talked to him. Robin never missed an opportunity to be with these "Green Beret Warriors" let it be in combat or here back in the States.
Our prayers here at Chapter 38 Special Forces Association and the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Ft. Campbell Kentucky goes out to his lovely wife Helen and to the rest of the family in this trying times.
Robin is with the Great Jumpmaster lighting up the drop zone for the rest of us
President
Chapter 38 SFA
Friend / Brother
Mary Smith
February 23, 2008
My sincere sympathy to the family of Robin Moore. Mr. Moore wrote books that influenced many people. His talent for literature will be missed. At this time of sorrow, look to the future. God has promised that death, tears, and pain will be no more. Please read Revelation 21:4. His words bring us comfort and give us hope.
R T
February 22, 2008
"I-I myself am the one that is comforting you people."-Isaiah 51:12
May God grant you a measure of comfort and the strength to endure in this time of sorrow.
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