Harvey Fields Sr.

Obituary for Harvey Fields Sr.

Colonel (Ret.) Harvey R. Fields, Sr.

Augusta, Georgia—Colonel (Ret.) Harvey R. Fields, Sr. was called into active duty on March 22, 1936 in Appling, GA and fulfilled his tour of duty on Sunday, June 7, 2020 at his home in Augusta, GA. Colonel Fields grew up in Augusta, GA and was educated in the Richmond County School System, graduating from the historic Lucy Craft Laney High School in 1954.

After graduation from Laney, Harvey Fields attended South Carolina State University where he earned a bachelor of science degree in biology and chemistry in 1958 and served as Cadet Colonel in his senior year. Upon graduation, Harvey was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Infantry in the United States Army via ROTC from South Carolina State University.

Harvey continued his education during his military service, and he was a graduate of both the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. Harvey also earned a master's degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg, PA. A consummate military professional, Harvey would become qualified as Ranger, Airborne, Special Forces/Green Beret, Counter-Insurgency, Pathfinder and Intelligence, and he would complete the Infantry Officer Advanced Course and the Inspector General Course, among others.

In August, 1967, Harvey commenced a memorable and highly successful tour as Battalion S-3 (Operations Officer) for Task Force 1/22, 4th Infantry Division, South Vietnam. This tour was highlighted by his leadership role in the Tet offensive of January 1968. As Battalion S-3, Harvey planned a highly successful four-day operation which resulted in his battalion's recapture of the provincial capital of Kontum and destruction of the North Vietnamese regiment which occupied it. In addition to his planning role, Harvey personally participated in the air assault on the city. Harvey was highly regarded for his leadership of troops in the field. His West Point trained first officer, Major (Ret.) Fred Bothwell, recently stated, "…I remember the events of 30 Jan 1968, and I am proud to have served under your command on that occasion. The leadership ability you demonstrated then, and during all of our service together, was an inspiration to me and to all of those who served with you." Harvey was awarded the Bronze Star with "V", device for valor, for his performance during the Kontum Operation.

Harvey's Infantry career included his assignment in 1972 as Battalion Commander for the First Battalion, 48th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, Third Armor Division, Federal Republic of Germany. At the end of his tour, the Battalion was designated the number 1 Infantry Battalion in the division.

When not leading troops in the field, Harvey held a variety of staff positions in Korea, Germany and the continental United States, including Instructor, Special Warfare Center, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; Plans Officer, 18th Airborne Corps, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; Readiness Officer, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, the Pentagon; Plans Officer, J-3 U.S. Forces, Korea; Senior Army Advisor, 79th Army Command, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania; and Command Center Operations Chief, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Other military awards and accomplishments include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Combat Infantry Badge, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Citation and the Combat Infantryman Badge, among others. Harvey was inducted into South Carolina State University's ROTC Hall of Fame and into the Lucy Craft Laney High School Hall of Fame. Harvey had a groundbreaking military career. In 1958, Harvey was one of five Black officers, including General (Ret.) Colin Powell, admitted into historic Ranger Class 4 – the first class in which Black officers were allowed to participate in Ranger training. Harvey successfully completed the Ranger course and continued to be actively connected to, and engaged with, Ranger Class 4 activities and reunions. Harvey retired from active military duty in 1988 with the rank of "Full Bird" Colonel.

After retirement, Harvey returned to Augusta, GA to commence his transition into civilian life. Harvey successfully completed the training to be certified at the Sales I, II and III levels in Real Estate. Harvey maintained membership, in good standing, with the Greater Augusta Association of REALTORS and maintained his license with the State of Georgia Real Estate Commission. Harvey worked for Jim Courson Realty for many years. Harvey continued to excel and earned the achievements of being named top sales agent and top listing agent during his time with Jim Courson Realty. Harvey was an avid supporter of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive, and championed this effort for Jim Courson Realty. Later, Harvey would establish his own independent real estate practice providing essential services to the community. Harvey was a long-term member of the Mount Vernon Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon; as Superintendent of Sunday School, in this role also coordinating and directing Vacation Bible School; and as Midday Bible Study Teacher. Harvey's in-depth bible study preparation, teaching methodology and delivery style was of such reputation that not only did members of Mount Vernon attend, several members of other CSRA churches attended, as well. Harvey was sought out as a speaker for church and community programs observing Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Flag Day. Harvey was involved with several veterans' service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Veterans (AMVETS) organizations. Harvey continued to be active in his church and community until his health started to decline. Ultimately, Harvey answered the call of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and entered into rest.

Harvey was an only child and was preceded in death by his mother, Mrs. Sarah (nee Lamkin) Fields, and father, Ruben Fields, both of Appling, GA (Columbia County). Harvey was also preceded in death by his daughters Sharolyn and Ronda. Harvey leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Catherine of Bear, DE; his children, Dr. Mark Fields of New Haven, CT, Christopher Fields of Augusta, GA, Angela (Laydell) Davis of Augusta, GA, Dr. Harvey Fields, Jr. (Valerie) of St. Louis, MO, and Stanley Faison of Augusta, GA; grandchildren, Antonio Fields of Washington, D.C., Dr. Jordan Fields of San Antonio, TX, Alana Fields of Pittsburgh, PA, Brittany Fields of Los Angeles, CA, Vernon Marshall of Warwick, NY, Roderick Marshall of Raleigh, NC, Shaaron Faison of Augusta, GA, and Stacey Faison of Augusta, GA; great granddaughter Eliana Faison; other family members and friends; and a host of military veterans with whom he served.

Services for Colonel Fields have been entrusted to W. H. Mays Mortuary. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 23, 2020 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at W. H. Mays Mortuary Chapel. Harvey will lie in repose on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Harvey's funeral service will start at 1:00 PM at Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church and can be viewed on Mount Vernon's Facebook live stream. Reverend Andre Clanton, Pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, will officiate and Reverend Robert Donaldson, Assistant Pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, will deliver the eulogy. Social distancing protocols will be strictly followed.

Colonel Fields will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. The ceremony at Arlington will be recorded. Soon afterwards, the family will host an on-line Memorial Service which will include a viewing of the Arlington internment ceremony. Please contact Dr. Mark A. Fields (mark.fields@me.com) or Dr. Harvey R. Fields, Jr. (hrfields@wustl.edu), for additional information about the on-line Memorial Service.

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