Retired Lt. Gen. Robert Arter (left) and Lt. Gen William M. Steele, commander of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., unveil a plaque commemorating Arter’s induction into the Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame.

In Ohio University alumnus has joined the ranks of such military legends as Gens. Colin Powell, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Robert E. Lee. What retired Lt. Gen. Robert Arter shares with these men is a place in the Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame.

Arter, BSCO ’50, was inducted into the prestigious hall of fame this past fall.

“I have watched other induction ceremonies,” he says, “and the thought never crossed my mind that I would someday be an inductee. I am extremely grateful for the honor.”

The hall of fame recognizes leaders who have served at the Fort Leavenworth, Kan., military base and made significant contributions to the U.S. Army.

The 83rd inductee, Arter is a former deputy commandant of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. In retirement, he’s serving as vice chairman of the board of the U.S. Armed Forces Bank.

Arter’s military service, which spanned more than 35 years, culminated with his assignment as commanding general of the Sixth U.S. Army, which is based in San Francisco. Other military highlights: He served as a rifle platoon leader and company commander in the 35th Regimental Combat Team in Korea during the Korean War; commander of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam; and commanding general of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, D.C.

Symbolizing his achievements are dozens of military awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge with Star.

Arter’s lifelong interest in the military surfaced when he joined Ohio University’s Reserve Officers Training Corps under the leadership of retired Col. Glenn Gardner, COED ’35 and BSED ’44, an ROTC staff member.

“Glenn epitomized all that one looks for in a senior Army leader,” Arter remembers. “He was demanding, smart and rose rapidly through the ranks.”

Despite his ROTC duties, Arter found time to serve as class president in 1950. Even today, he contributes time to his alma mater as a trustee of The Ohio University Foundation and chair of its investment committee.

“At Ohio University I found what I had hoped to find in an educational environment,” Arter says. “The professors challenged me and were readily available. I also made lifelong friends.”

No doubt the best of those is his wife, Lois Sayles Arter, BSED ’50.

Sally Jeffery is a freelance writer living in Athens.