University of Richmond Holds Ceremony, Unveils Memorial Honoring UR ROTC Graduate Killed in Vietnam War
Editor's Note: This release has been updated to include Fergusson's graduation year.
The University of Richmond will honor First Lieutenant Robert C. L. Fergusson, a 1966 Business School graduate who was the first UR graduate to be killed in action during the Vietnam War. Fergusson was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by the U.S. Army for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty.
On the anniversary of his death, UR’s Military Science and Leadership Department will hold a ceremony and unveil a permanent display in memory of Lieutenant Fergusson. The ceremony is Nov. 8, 2 p.m., Jepson School of Leadership Studies, Jepson Hall Room 118. Attendees are then invited to view the permanent display in the ground floor lobby of Milhiser Gym at 4 p.m. The memorial display will include memorabilia, quotes, and other items, to honor Fergusson.
Fergusson graduated with a degree in Industrial Management from the Robins School of Business. While at UR, he was designated a “distinguished military student” and served as Cadet Commandant of the ROTC. Since the mid-1990s, scholarships in Fergusson’s name have been awarded to UR ROTC cadets, a testament to his legacy.
Fergusson was known for his heroism. In materials gathered for the ceremony, his late father, R.G. Fergusson, who had served as Major General and U.S. Commander in Berlin, said, “He was proud of being a paratrooper, proud of his unit, and dedicated to his country and the cause for which he died.”
“This ceremony is an opportunity to memorialize a fallen hero and recipient of the nation’s 2nd highest military award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross,” said LTC Cecil Stinnie, chair of the Military Science and Leadership Department.
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Note: Media wishing to cover this event should RSVP to Lindsey Campbell by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6.