Robert Johnson Flanders 1929 - 1993 Robert Johnson Flanders was born September 27, 1929 at Douglas, Coffee, Georgia to to Joseph "Joe" & Lilli Mar Johnson Flanders. He married Martha Ruth Doyle at Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Ar. His residence was Douglas, Ga. Robert enlisted in the US Army May 28, 1948 and served until 1974 in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. His rank was CSM or Command Sergeant Major. A command sergeant major (CSM) is a non-commissioned rank and position of office in the United States Army. The holder of this rank and position is the most senior enlisted member of a color-bearing Army unit (battalion or higher). The CSM is appointed to serve as a spokesman to address the issues of all soldiers, from enlisted to officers, from warrant officers and lieutenants to the Army's highest positions. As such, they are the senior enlisted advisor to the commander. The exact duties vary depending on the unit commander, including observing training and talking with soldiers and their families. Date Eligible to Return from Overseas 1 May 1969 Date Recommended Award Received 29 Apr 1969 Date Award Forwarded 24 May 1969 Service/Country U.S. Army Command/Staff IV Corps - { It was one of four corps in the ARVN, and it oversaw the Mekong Delta region of the country.} Recommended Award Legion of Merit Approved Award Bronze Star Medal (Service) Robert passed away December 23, 1993. His burial was in the National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Ar. November 20, 1949 Southwest Times Record Fort Smith, Arkansas