Colonel Robert J. McGarry

Colonel Robert J. McGarry

Group Commander 102nd Cavalry Group 1948 – 1951

President of the Essex Troop Association 1948 – 1955

Colonel McGarry enlisted in the 102nd Cavalry 1 December 1926; he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on 17 June 1935. At the time of federal mobilization in January 1941, Captain McGarry was in command of Troop B in Newark and served as the Captain of the Essex Troop Horse Show team, representing the Essex Troop throughout the Northeast Region.

While at Fort Jackson, SC, Captain McGarry was appointed as Assistant Operations Officer for the Regiment. In September 1942, he was assigned as the Executive Officer for 2nd Squadron and was deployed to North Africa in 1943. It is recorded that Colonel McGarry was meticulous in his dress and a strict disciplinarian. He continued to serve in the 2a Squadron, re-designated the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, throughout the North African Campaign, through Italy, Southern France and until V-E Day in 1945.

Colonel McGarry assumed command of the 102nd Cavalry Group in 1948 and remained in command until 1951. He served as President of the Essex Troop Association from 1948 through 1955.

Colonel McGarry passed away in 1985 at Fort Pierce, Florida.