COL (USA-Ret.) Terrence Robert Byrne

Colonel Terrence Robert (TR) Byrne, 84, of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024. At the time of his passing he was a resident of the Angelique House at The Village at Incarnate Word. COL Byrne was born in Superior, Wisconsin to Noreen and John Byrne on March 28, 1939. Upon graduation from East High School in 1957 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a dental assistant on the USS Oriskany. He returned to Superior earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from Wisconsin State University and later earned a Master of Science Degree in Public Administration. COL Byrne received a direct commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Medical Service Corps in July 1965. COL Byrne is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the US Army War College and proudly served in the U.S. Army for 30 years.

COL Byrne is survived by his daughter, Shannon Burns (Martin) of San Antonio, Texas; his son, Shawn Byrne (Anna) of Keatchie, Louisiana; two grandchildren, AnnMarie Grace Burns and Martin Glynn Burns III both of Houston, Texas. He is further survived by his sister Kathleen Cohen of Duluth, Minnesota; sister-in-law Rosemarie Birch (Philip) of Superior, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Ann Ruthgeerts Byrne, mother Noreen Byrne, father John Byrne, brother Michael John Byrne, and sister Maureen Tostrud.

COL Byrne played football in high school and college, enjoyed golf and was an avid handball and racquetball player. He maintained lifelong friendships. During his military career COL Byrne trained and mentored hundreds if not thousands of junior officers. As an Army instructor he gained a reputation for emphasizing critical information by standing on desks to make sure everyone got the message. As a commander he mastered the ability to take care of the soldiers and officers that worked for him and as a result they worked extra hard for him. COL Byrne’s concluding comment in any conversation was “For The Country.” Above all, he treasured his married life of 49 years with his beloved wife Barbara Ann who he met at a high school dance when they were both in the 9th grade. They were married at St. Anthony in 1959 in Superior, Wisconsin. COL Byrne and Barbara were well known for their gracious hospitality and opening their home to friends and military families during military relocations. He was a devoted husband, father, and Guppie to AnnMarie and Glynn. His children and grandchildren were the treasures of his life. He was Roman Catholic and attended daily video mass at the Angelique House until his passing.

A funeral service for COL Byrne will be held on Monday, February 5 at 11:00 am in the Garden Chapel at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, 825 E. Basse Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209 followed by a reception at the church and burial at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in honor of COL Terrence Robert Byrne to the AMEDD Museum Foundation, PO Box 8294, San Antonio, TX 78208 or to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

A note of gratitude to the staff and management of the Angelique House, with special thanks to Devona Council, Assisted Living Manager, for their respect and compassionate care given to the Colonel.

Military assignments:

1994 Dean/Commandant, Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam Houston, TX

1992 Chief of Staff, 7th Medical Command, USAREUR, FRG

1989 Chief, Military Science Division, AHS, Fort Sam Houston, TX

1987 Deputy DCSRM, Health Services Command, Fort Sam Houston, TX

1986 Resident Student, USAWC, Carlisle Barracks, PA

1985 Chief of Staff, 44th Medical Brigade, Fort Bragg, NC

1984 Commander 7th Medical Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Fort Ord, CA

1983 Commander, 1st Forward Support Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Fort Ord, CA

1980 IG, Health Services Command, Fort Sam Houston, TX

1979 Resident Student, CGSC, Fort Leavenworth, KS

1977 Instructor, Military Sciences Division, AHS, Fort Sam Houston, TX

1976 Commander, 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea

1973 Chief Medical Team, USAR Readiness Group, Ft. Snelling, MN

1969 Instructor, Military Science Division, AHS, Fort Sam Houston, TX

1968 Medical Platoon Leader, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry, Americal Division, Vietnam

1967 Commander, Medical Company, 45th Medical Battalion, 3rd Armored Division, FR

1965 Commander, Medical Detachment, 12th Field Hospital, Fort Leonard Wood, MD

Military awards and recognitions:

• Legion of Merit (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster)

• Bronze Star Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster)

• Meritorious Service Medal (6th Oak Leaf Cluster)

• Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster)

• Army Achievement Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster)

• Navy Good Conduct Medal

• Honorary Colonel of the AMEDD Regiment (February 1997 to January 2001)