The full bird colonel

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

Arno Ponder was always a hometown boy. He graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1947 and attended the University of Missouri. After graduation, Arno joined the Army in 1952. He was accepted into the Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was the distinguished graduate of his class. He was later inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame. Arno was trained as an Airborne Ranger and was commissioned as an Infantry Lieutenant.

Lt. Ponder’s first assignment was as a platoon leader in Korea during the later stages of the war. He returned to teach at Kansas State University as a professor of military science for four years. As a major, he was sent to Vietnam. Assigned to the 27th Infantry Regiment he served as the S-3 operations officer and then as the battalion executive officer. Maj. Ponder worked for the Army General Staff at the Pentagon for the next eleven years. He returned to Korea as a lieutenant colonel to command the 1st Battalion of the 38th Infantry Regiment. Arno Ponder was then promoted to the coveted rank of “full bird” colonel. They were called full birds because their rank insignia was a pair of eagles on their shoulder. Colonel Ponder commanded the brigade-sized Division Support Command (DISCOM) for the 25th Infantry Division stationed in Hawaii.

Colonel Ponder retired after 32 years of active service. His postgraduate education included a masters degree, the Army Command and Staff College and the National Defense University. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Legion of Merit, Defense Superior Service Medal, two Bronze Stars (one for Valor) and four Air Medals.

Full bird colonel is a rare rank to achieve. It is one step away from General. Colonel Ponder has a special exhibit in the Hall of Heroes which includes his dress blue uniform. His mementos are also spread throughout Kanell Hall and the Vietnam War exhibit. His “commander’s desk” from the 25th Infantry Division is recreated in the museum. We are proud of Arno and what he has achieved. Thank you for your service.

The Museum is handicap accessible and open free of charge 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.