History of Redbone

Redbone was discovered almost two and half decades ago at a hot dog stand in Cape Cod during a Calhoun family vacation. Our father, Captain Bill Calhoun, had always had a love and appreciation for Ford’s first release of the F-150 pick-up truck. And on that beautiful Cape Cod summer afternoon, fate seemed to unite them like two old friends having a nice cool glass of iced tea, with nothing but good memories and smiles to pass the time. And, not too long after pulling over and getting acquainted with the 1948 Ford, my twin brother, two sisters, and mother could tell by the look in my father’s eyes “Redbone”, which our father soon named the pick-up, was coming home as the next member of the Calhoun family.

Our father was known as a true Southern gentleman. Widely read, with an ability to bring history to life, he entertained family, friends, and colleagues with facts and perspectives that are only discovered in scholarship. His tales of growing up in south Georgia and his Navy experiences were requested repeatedly to the delight of his audience. CAPT Calhoun was immensely proud of his small, cultured hometown of Thomasville, Georgia. His father was a circuit Judge and the Calhoun family instilled values of Christian faith, loyalty, and patriotism. Another source of great pride was his alma mater, the US Naval Academy, graduating in 1967. The 34th company of midshipmen formed lasting bonds of deep friendship. Continuous gestures of immense generosity by his company mates have enriched the Calhoun family beyond measure. Bill’s military service awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, three single action and 21 Strike/Flight Awards, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and Gold Star, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, Italian Humanitarian Service Medal, and numerous other unit and campaign awards. Highlights of his Naval Career include a tour with HAL-3, a highly decorated attack helicopter squadron, Command of HC-1, Air Boss of the USS Peleliu, and an Ambassadorial Fellowship for Philippine Base Negotiations. He also represented the Naval War College at the Mediterranean and Black Seas Symposium in Venice, Italy.

Vietnam influenced his life forever, not only from a military standpoint, but his health was impacted by repeated exposure to Agent Orange. This exposure created numerous serious health issues the rest of his life. He bore his medical battles with privacy, dignity, and great courage. While on disability leave from the Navy, he attended the University of Georgia Law School and became a member of the Georgia Bar Association. This later contributed to his selection as Dean of Academics at the Naval War College. He retired from Navy active duty service in 1994 as a member of the War College faculty and was pivotal in transitioning the Deanship from an active duty Naval Officer billet to a Civilian position.  After retirement from the Naval War College, Bill's health was again severely impacted. The expertise of doctors at Dana Farber, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Rhode Island Cancer Center enabled a remarkable quality of life. He was a valiant gladiator, fighting his disease for 40 years. He was a loyal friend and mentor with a boundless intellectual curiosity. He loved books of all subjects, but history was his passion. During his faculty years at the War College, he developed a course, “George Washington: Indispensable Man or Indecipherable Monument?” Greatly respected by both students and faculty alike, he continued to teach this class until a month before his passing. His gentle, wise presence will be missed. His courteousness to friends as well as strangers will no longer be his daily habit. But this devoted husband, loving father, and dear friend will always be remembered with love and respect.

We honor him and live our lives, following his lead always. We carry on his love for Redbone and know that he is happy others can enjoy this beautiful piece of history.