The legacy of Robert D. Booker, a hero from Callaway, Nebraska, was recently honored in a special ceremony in Aberdeen, Maryland on April 18, 2024.
The event brought together fifteen of Booker’s relatives, including his only surviving sibling, Rose Hirsch, 91, of Broken Bow, all the way from Nebraska to pay tribute to his bravery.
Pvt. Robert Booker, a World War II veteran who was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, now has a new honor in his name. The U.S. Army introduced their latest combat vehicle, the M10 Booker, named after him.
According to the U.S. Army website, the M10 Booker represents a new, modernized capability for the Army, allowing light maneuver forces to overmatch adversaries. It has a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour and is equipped with a 105mm M35 Primary Weapon, a 7.62 Coax weapon, a 0.50 M2 commander’s weapon, and the Abrams primary weapon sight. The 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Liberty will be the first unit to initially operate and test the M10 Booker.
The vehicle was christened with a bottle of champagne by Mike Booker of Broken Bow, a nephew of Robert. The U.S. Army’s new vehicle honors both Pvt. Robert D. Booker and Staff Sgt. Stevon Booker, two soldiers who fought and died for their country in different wars.
Staff Sgt. Stevon Booker, of Pennsylvania, is another decorated soldier who died in combat from injuries sustained in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“It was quite the honor for my family and I,” said Mike Booker, reflecting on the ceremony. “We were treated like royalty throughout the trip. It was quite the deal for our family.”
The M10 Booker, while resembling a tank, holds a special significance as a tribute to the courage and dedication of both Pvt. Robert D. Booker and Staff Sgt. Stevon Booker.
Their names will forever be honored through the legacy of this combat vehicle, symbolizing the enduring heroism of these two soldiers who bravely fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
