WWII, Korea, Vietnam veteran retired Lt. Col. Robert E. Chisolm dies at age 96

El Paso World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran retired Lt. Col. Robert E. Chisolm died at his home on Tuesday, according to a statement released by El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego.

"Col. Chisolm was a remarkable man who fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam," Samaniego said. "He was wounded in all 3 wars, yet demonstrated exceptional courage as he continued to serve our great Nation. Our Country will forever be indebted to Col. Chisolm for the heroic sacrifices he made so that we can live in peace."

During World War II, Chisolm, of Anthony, New Mexico, was a paratrooper in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France; jumped at Operation Market Garden, which was the invasion of Holland; and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

More: World War II Veteran Lt. Col. Bob Chisolm Remembers D-Day

He is one of only 325 soldiers in Army history to be a recipient of the Triple Combat Infantryman Badge for having seen combat in three different wars: World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

His medals include the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts for being wounded in action.

In 2012, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor for his role in the Normandy invasion.

“El Paso lost a true American hero and patriot,” U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, said on Twitter. “Lieutenant Colonel Bob Chisolm exemplified the best of America and El Paso. I was fortunate to know him and even more fortunate to have his friendship.”

More: Bob Chisolm honored to serve country at D-Day, other historic battles

In 2019, on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Chisolm was honored with a monument by the Benavidez-Patterson All-Airborne Chapter 82nd Airborne Division Association at Chisolm Park. The polished granite monument indicates that the park is dedicated to Chisolm while giving details on Chisolm's war history. Samaniego and Escobar spoke at the ceremony.

In 2013, Chisolm was recognized as the 82nd Airborne Division Association's Man of the Year during the group's national convention in Indianapolis.

Of the honor, Chisolm said: "I think this is the greatest honor I've ever received in my lifetime, even more than the French Legion of Honor. It's a very selective process and there are an awful lot of people they could have picked. It blows my mind. Who would have thought in 1942 when I went to parachute school as a private, that I'd be singled out for an honor such as this?"

What made the award stand out was that he was picked by his peers, Chisolm said.

In 1985, Chisolm helped start the El Paso chapter of the airborne group, the Benavidez-Patterson "All-Airborne" Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association. Chisolm, one of the chapter's charter members, served in every leadership position within it.

More: Borderland veterans gave selflessly, say they received life lessons in return

His family — his wife Margaret and daughter Dawn Doyle, both now deceased — were instrumental in starting the chapter's college scholarship fund, which gives out about $5,000 each year to the children or grandchildren of paratroopers.

He also was active in getting the chapter to purchase its own property and clubhouse — one of only two chapters in the national organization to do so.

Chisolm and the chapter supported soldiers at Fort Bliss and reached out to elementary and middle schools to teach students about World War II, Vietnam and airborne history.

Chisolm was born in Dallas on June 23, 1925. He settled in El Paso in 1974 to start a business with a relative. He moved to Anthony in 1991.

No information was available on services.

Trish Long may be reached at tlong@elpasotimes.com.

Aaron Martinez may be reached at 546-6249; aamartinez@elpasotimes.com; @AMartinezEPT on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: WWII, Korea, Vietnam veteran retired Lt. Col. Robert E. Chisolm dies