Trailblazer and Patriot: Remembering Retired US Army Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr.

The National Guard lost a monumental figure with the passing of Retired US Army Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr. on December 28. He was 96.

A visionary leader and dedicated patriot, Temple’s legacy spans more than four decades of service and continues to shape the National Guard into the force it is today.

A Lifetime of Service

Temple’s tenure as the 21st Chief of the National Guard Bureau (CNGB) from 1986 to 1990 marked the culmination of 43 years of military service.

Under his leadership, the National Guard grew to over 550,000 Soldiers and Airmen, and its operational readiness reached new heights.

He spearheaded large-scale training rotations at the National Training Center and drove the construction of the National Guard headquarters in Arlington, Virginia—a building renamed in his honor in 2017.

“Lt. Gen. Temple was a general among generals and a leader among leaders,” remarked US Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, the 30th CNGB, in a statement. “He leaves behind an exceptional, extraordinary legacy, and I am so grateful for his support of the National Guard and his service to our nation.”

NEWS: Army Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr., 21st National Guard Bureau Chief, Dies at 96 https://t.co/N3Gsb377G2

— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) December 30, 2024

Shaping the Modern National Guard

Temple’s leadership was rooted in his personal experiences.

As a young infantryman during the Korean War, he witnessed firsthand the challenges of inadequate training and equipment. Those formative years fueled his commitment to ensuring the Guard’s operational readiness.

“Herb made a commitment to never let Guard members suffer the same experiences from lack of training, readiness, and equipment that he and his fellow Soldiers endured in Korea,” said retired US Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, the 28th CNGB.

Temple’s efforts transitioned the National Guard from a strategic reserve to an operational reserve, integrating it more fully into the Army and Air Force’s global missions.

His contributions set the stage for the Guard’s expanded role in domestic and international operations, a path his successors continue to follow.

A Career of Dedication

Born on February 28, 1928, in Los Angeles, Temple’s military career began when he enlisted in the California Army National Guard in 1947.

He deployed to Korea in 1950, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge during his service. Upon his return, he received a direct commission as a second lieutenant in 1952.

Temple rose through the ranks, holding various command and staff positions before joining the National Guard Bureau in 1975.

By 1982, he was the Director of the Army National Guard, and four years later, he was named CNGB. His retirement in 1990, after over four decades of service, marked the end of a storied career, but his influence remained.

Honoring a Patriot

Shortly before his passing, Temple was honored with a display dedicated to his legacy in the Arlington headquarters bearing his name.

Leaders from across the Guard gathered to celebrate his contributions.

“He was a trailblazer, a real force of nature,” said US Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, the 23rd Director of the Army National Guard. “He set this great organization on a path to future success for which his successors are certainly grateful. I know I am.”

For many who knew him, Temple was more than a leader—he was a mentor and a friend. Retired US Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, the 29th CNGB, reflected on Temple’s enduring impact.

“In his presence, you wanted to stand tall, sit straighter, fully appreciate the honor of serving our nation, and endeavor to do our absolute best,” Hokanson said. “Because with him, you were with a true patriot, someone we could all learn from.”

A Final Tribute

Temple’s humility and dedication to the Guard were evident in his remarks during the 2017 building dedication ceremony.

“If in my last time on Earth, I’m still cognizant and I can still picture things, I believe that I will think of many of you,” he said. “I’ll hear your voices. I’ll remember our times together and in the final moments, it will be the Guard, the Guard, the Guard.”

Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr.’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era, but his legacy as a trailblazer, mentor, and patriot will endure. His life’s work stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to service.