Robert Edward Haebel

USMC, Retired

Major General Robert Edward Haebel was born in Marcus Hook, PA., 18 July 1927. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 1945, earning his eagle, globe, and anchor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. He attained the rank of sergeant prior to attending and graduating from West Chester State Teachers College, class of 1951. Commissioned a Marine second lieutenant, Major General Haebel next proposed to his college sweetheart, Miss Barbara Louise Shellenberger. They were married on 1 September 1951.

Major General Haebel’s Fleet Marine Force tours include: Platoon Commander, 1st Marine Division during combat operations in the Republic of Korea (1952); Company Commander and G3 Operations Officer, 3d Marine Division (1960-1961); Staff Officer, Force Troops Atlantic (2d Force Service Support Group), Camp Lejeune, NC (1961-1964); Division Operations Officer and Battalion Commander (3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion), 1st Marine Division during combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam (1967-1968); Plans Officer, G3 Operations and Training Officer, and Assistant Chief of Staff G-3, Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, HI (1972-1975); Commanding Officer 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan (1975-1976); Commanding General, Force Troops Atlantic (2d Force Service Support Group), Camp Lejeune, NC (1976-1978); and Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force / 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan (1982-1984).

His multiple tours outside the Fleet Marine Force include: Marine Barracks, Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA (1954-1957); Military Assistance Advisory Group, Taiwan, as an advisor to the Republic of China Marine Corps (1957-1959); Marine Officer Instructor, NROTC Unit, University of New Mexico (1964-1967); G3 for Operations and Training, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC (1970-1971); Director Personnel Management Division (1978-1979) and Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Headquarters Marine Corps (1979-1980); Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC (1980-1982); and Commanding General Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, CA. (1984-1987).

Major General Haebel’s military education includes: The Basic School; Amphibious Warfare School; and the Naval War College. In addition to a B.S. in Education from West Chester State Teachers College, he holds an M.A. degree in Education from the University of New Mexico, and an M.A. degree in International Affairs from George Washington University.

His personal awards and decorations include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and gold star in lieu of a second award; Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V"; Purple Heart Medal with gold star in lieu of a second award; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; World War II Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star; Korean Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation Cross of Gallantry with Frame; United Nations Service Medal; and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

After 42 years in uniform Major General Haebel transitioned to civilian attire and finished his working years with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. His leadership skills were instrumental in facilitating the update and opening of numerous Public Health Centers helping countless staff and patients.

Major General Haebel passed quietly on 25 May 2017. He was preceded in death by his sons William J. Haebel (1960) and Jeffrey C. Haebel (1997). He is survived by Barbara, his bride of 65 years, daughters Deborah L. Haebel, and Lisa Haebel Holden (John), daughter-in-law Mrs. Jeffrey C. Haebel (Kim), eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A service celebrating Major General Haebel’s life will be held at the Marine Memorial Chapel, Camp Pendleton, CA, 30 June 2017.

Major General Haebel will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery on September 13, 2017 at a service beginning at 11:00 AM. Please visit the Arlington National Cemetery website for additional information and instructions. http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Semper Fi Fund.

Arrangements under the direction of Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary, and Crematory, Oceanside, California.