CSM Richard F. Gentile
Command Sergeant Major Richard F. Gentile of Kennett Square, PA, passed away on 11 January 2018 at the age of 70 after a hard fought battle with cancer. CSM Gentile entered the Army on 24 June, 1966 and upon completion of AIT and Airborne School was assigned to Special Forces Training Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. He graduated from the Special Forces Medical Course and Special Forces Qualification Course where he earned his Green Beret. Upon graduation, he was assigned to 3rdSFG(A) in N.C. and later reassigned to the 5thSFG(A), Republic of South Vietnam as a MACV Recondo School Instructor and Medical NCOIC Sergeant.
For his Vietnam service he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal w/2-Bronze OLC, Air Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Civil Action Medal, and Gallantry Cross. Other awards include the Special Forces Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Parachutist Badge and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology from Fordham University. Rich was an active member of C/1/11 SFG(A) until its deactivation in 1995. He leaves behind countless family, friends, and SF brothers. Burial is scheduled for Arlington National Cemetery in June 2018.
