Nelson Whitney Tobey

Having lived a full life of 92 years, Nelson Whitney Tobey passed away the evening of Feb. 17, 2009. He was born on Oct. 7, 1916 in Melrose, Mass., and was raised in Hampton, NH, the youngest of five children of Sarah Burgoyne Tobey and Herbert Lester Tobey. After graduating from Virginia Military Institute, he married his childhood sweetheart, Beryl Crockford in 1939.
Called to duty in World War II, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a lieutenant and captain in the 7th Field Artillery Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division. He participated in the combat operations of eight campaigns, including amphibious invasions of North Africa, Sicily and Normandy as well as the Battle of the Bulge and on into Germany.
Following the War, he taught at Virginia Military Institute for a year before rejoining the Army. He earned his master's degree in engineering, studying rocket science at the University of Southern California. His military career included commands of the 867th Battalion of 75 mm air defense weapons in Alaska, the 9th Missile Group, and Deputy Commander III Corps Artillery, with one overseas tour in Saudi Arabia. He served two assignments in the office, Chief of research and development on the army staff at the Pentagon, and he had other assignments in the testing of rockets and missiles including serving as the chief project officer for the Pershing missile tests. His last assignment was as the director, Army Missile Tests and Evaluations at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. He retired from the Army in 1971 with the rank of colonel after serving his country for over 32 years.
His military awards include the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Bronze Star for heroic action in combat, the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, three Legion of Merit awards for exceptional meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding service, two Army Commendation medals, and letters of commendation from the chief of research and development for his military presentations to congressional committees. His unit received the Presidential Unit Citation for action on D-Day June 6, 1944 and the National Defense Service Medal for distinguished service in North Africa.
Col. Tobey and his wife, Beryl, built their retirement home and settled in Las Cruces, N.M., where they enjoyed the beauty of the dessert and the ever-changing views of the Organ Mountains. They traveled extensively, including a trip around the world, and enjoyed studying their families' genealogies. An avid outdoorsman, Col. Tobey's interests included photography, sailing, camping and horseback riding.
Col. Tobey was wagon master of the Southern Wagon Train, one of five national wagon trains that crossed the country and converged on Valley Forge, Pa., in celebration of our nation's bicentennial in 1976. His resounding command, given to the horse-drawn wagon drivers and riders each morning signaling the start of the day's journey, "Wagooons Ho-OOOO!" delighted spectators and became the trademark of the Southern Wagon Train.
He is the author of the book "Never Broken by Hardship or Battle, the Memoirs of World War II Colonel Nelson W. Tobey" and numerous writings including "Growing Up in Blakeville," and "The History of the 7th Field Artillery Battalion, World War II."
He supported his children's every interest and actively participated in their education. He will be remembered for his sense of honor, gustiness, unflagging optimism, sharp wit and temper.
He is survived by his sister, Margaret Barry of Hampton, NH, his three children, Nelson Whitney Tobey Jr. of San Ysidro, N.M., Dr. Marilyn Tobey of Lecanto, Fla., and Patricia Tobey Chelberg of Aiken, S.C., as well as two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years and will join her when he, too, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.