Luling in Caldwell County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Robert "Skip" Rutherford

Four Star General of US Air Force United States Transportation Commander

Photographed by James Hulse, August 21, 2022

1. Robert "Skip" Rutherford Marker

Inscription. "Skip" Rutherford, a native of Luling might not have been a man of many words, but what came from his mouth was "solid oak" according to former colleagues of the 4 Star General. His fascination with airplanes led him to enter the Air Force in 1961 after graduation from Southwest Texas State University. His pilot training came easy and he quickly became a flight instructor at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas. General Rutherford's rise through the ranks included stints as a fighter pilot of 161 combat missions, many of which were over North Vietnam, and as commander of squadrons and Air Force Bases all around the world. He soared through the ranks due to his strong integrity and influential tendencies, and he was well respected by all. His influence and decisiveness helped persuade decision makers at the highest levels of government to purchase more C-17 transport planes in 1990's, which paid off big after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks due to their ability to operate in undeveloped areas and supply war zones during the "War on Terror". General Rutherford, the devout family man retired in 1996 and died of natural causes

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in July of 2013.

Erected by Luling Main Street.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical month for this entry is July 2013.

Location. 29° 40.882′ N, 97° 38.945′ W. Marker is in Luling, Texas, in Caldwell County. It is at the intersection of East Davis Street and Laurel Avenue, on the left when traveling west on East Davis Street. The marker is located in the eastern section of the Rafael Rios Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Luling TX 78648, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country

and in the Austin Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James Raleigh Mackey (here, next to this marker); Emory D. Bellard (here, next to this

Photographed by James Hulse, August 21, 2022

2. Robert "Skip" Rutherford Marker

marker); Sgt. James M. Logan (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Heritage Circle... (here, next to this marker); City of Luling (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Rafael Rios Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Luling (about 400 feet away); The Wright Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Luling.

Also see . . . Robert L. Rutherford. Wikipedia

In 1964, he graduated from the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base. From October 1966 to April 1967, Rutherford was an F-4 Phantom pilot with the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing, at George Air Force Base in California. From April to July 1967, he was an F-4 aircraft commander with the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. From July 1967 to May 1968, he was a Phantom commander with the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. During this time, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he flew 161 combat missions, including 101 over North Vietnam.

(Submitted on August 24, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the Robert "Skip" Rutherford Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 21, 2022

3. The view of the Robert "Skip" Rutherford Marker from the street

The marker is the middle marker next to the clock.

General Robert L. Rutherford image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Air Force Photo

4. General Robert L. Rutherford

Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 382 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 24, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.