Albert R Hoffman

Albert R. Hoffman was born December 27, 1918 in Auburn Indiana. The son of Darrell and Cleora Hoffman, he was raised in Bryan Ohio and graduated from Bryan High School in 1936. He died March 6, 2014. World War II interrupted his college work and he entered Army service in 1942. He took basic training at Ft. McClellan, AL, and Officer Candidate School at Ft. Belvoir, Va. November 27, 1943 he married Carol Cullis shortly before he was to be deployed to the European front as a commissioned officer in the army. This past November they celebrated their 70th anniversary. During the war, Al served in the 94th Infantry Division in Europe as an Operations Officer, Battalion Executive, and Battalion Commander of the 319th Engineer Combat Battalion. He received a battlefield promotion from General Patton despite his dog beating up "Willie", the General's dog. Among the many events Al participated in were the Battle of the Bulge, the famous Lipizzaner horse rescue, and the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. He remained in Germany after the war in the Occupation Army and was joined by his wife. During this time he commanded a displaced persons camp in Czechoslovakia. Al and Carol evolved into a military family for the first 30 years of their marriage living in many states and Germany and raising their three children. In 1950 Al served in the Korean War commanding the 808th Engineer Battalion engaged in construction of forward airfields. In 1952 he returned to the USA as a Battalion commander, then Group Executive Officer of units engaged in construction of the missile range in the Bahamas Islands. He became interested in the emerging field of computer science, and its potential for solving military problems, many of which he observed in the Korean conflict. His research led to installation of the first overseas computer installation for the US Army, and he is recognized as a pioneer in applying computers on a large scale to military situations. He served as Director of Data Systems for the Defense Supply Agency and from 1969 to 1972 was Deputy Commander of the US Army computer Systems Command. He was responsible for developing and controlling all Army multi-commend systems world-wide, including the Viet Nam combat area. Al retired from the Army in 1972 with the rank of Colonel. He joined the Chrysler Corporation as Manager of Long Range Planning., and stayed in that position until full retirement in 1978. Along the way he managed to complete his university education. He has the unique distinction of receiving a master's degree (George Washington University) before he received his bachelor's from the University of Maryland. Among his military awards and decorations are eight battle stars, two Legions of Merit, three Bronze Stars, and two Army Commendation Medals. He was inducted into the US Army Engineer Hall of Fame as a charter member in 1970. His civilian and retirement life proved as active as his military service. He and Carol returned to Bryan Ohio to be close to family. During that time they also enjoyed their time up at their cottage in Canadian Lakes Michigan where he became interested and active in producing variety shows and, of course, perfecting his golf game. Eventually they moved to Indian River Colony Club in Melbourne, Florida where for twenty years, he wrote, produced and served as master of ceremonies of the "Fogie Follies". He is survived by his wife Carol Cullis, children Andrew, Panama City Florida, Alan (Linda) DeWitt Michigan, and DeeAnn (Brian Beifus) of Fort Wayne, Indiana. His grandchildren are Elizabeth Hoffman, Melissa (Jordan Grauer), Matthew Hoffman, Brian Hoffman, Allyn Hoffman Beifus and Veronica Hoffman Beifus. Also surviving are his sisters Lila Brannan, Lois Bockover, and brother Roy Hoffman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Cleora Hoffman, brother Burnell, sister Ila Shutte and grandson, Andrew Russell Hoffman. Services were held March 9, 2014, at the Indian River Colony Club chapel in Melbourne Florida. Interment will be at a future date in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society, Salvation Army or Red Cross.