John Carlysle Col. Speedie

He was born in Tuxpan, Mexico on September 29, 1912 to Scottish father, John Chapman Speedie and American mother, Fay Madelaine Crosthwait.

He grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Texas Military Institute.

He also attended the University of Texas and graduated from the US Army Infantry School and US Army Command and General Staff Collage.

During WW II, Col. Speedie served as Infantry Battalion Commander in the 329th Infantry, 83rd Infantry Division for all five European campaigns.

His most notable battle achievement was the capture of the Citadel of St. Malo, France, which had been ordered held at all costs by Hitler.

After being wounded eight times and being told he would never walk again, he completed jump school at Fort Benning, Ga. and later he commanded the 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.

He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and Purple Heart with four Oak Leaf Clusters, plus other medals.

Just prior to the Vietnam War, Col. Speedie, accompanied by Mrs. Speedie, completed a tour of duty with the Military Assistance Group in Saigon.

After the war ended, the Vietnamese Colonel who had been his counterpart escaped from Vietnam with his family.

The Speedies helped him to get established in San Antonio where he became a successful businessman.

Col. Speedie was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of over 60 years, the former Robbie Lee Carlisle, of San Antonio.

He is survived by two sons, John C. Speedie, Jr. and wife Alicia and Robert Ken Speedie and wife Dorothy. He is also survived by four grandchildren, David Speedie and wife Molly, Lynne Doud and husband Eric, Lora Lee Doremus and husband Bob and Michael Doyle, and seven great-grandchildren, Glen and Karen Tabor, twins Andrew and Daniel Doud, and Diane, Brad and Lindsay Doremus.