Dick Grube Remembers His Role In National Infantry Museum

The new $91 million National Infantry Museum had its humble beginnings in a group of wooden buildings on post in 1959. In 1972, retired Lieutenant Colonel Dick Grube, took over as director. By 1977, Grube had guided the museum to a new home, the former hospital. It was there that Grube really layed the foundation to what would become the new National Infantry Museum.

Dick Grube put his heart and soul into the National Infantry Museum for a reason. He knows all about soldiers. Afterall he was one. “Once a soldier, always a soldier,“ says Grube.

Grube was honored in the year 2000 with the highest level of the Order of Saint Maurice for his outstanding contributions to the infantry. He flew many missions during the Vietnam War. As a soldier, he wanted to honor his comrades, and the museum was the perfect tribute. He traveled across the country to add to the museum’s historic collection. “Had to go to another museum that you knew had something that they weren’t displaying and talk them out of it.“ He collected so many infantry treasures, they had to find room for them. “We always had enough that we could change from time to time.“ And now those pieces will become part of the new National Infantry Museum for all he world to see. At 76 years old and in failing health, Grube is proud of what the museum has become and wants others to appreciate
it. “I want them to see all the work that’s been done and the effort that’s gone into creating this new destination.“

Dick Grube served as the old museum’s director from 1972 until 1995. His family had him transported by ambulance to today’s grand opening.