Colonel Rome O. Stephens was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School on 4 September 1943, Class Number 923. His first duty assignment was at Training Officer, Fort McClennen, Alabama. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Platoon Leader, 82nd Airborne Division, Parachute Packing Officer, 557 QM Air Delivery, Germany; Airborne Electronics Brd, Fort Bragg, NC; Airborne Tec Advisor, Vietnam Airborne Unit; QM General Office, Washington, D.C; Headquarters, USAEUR; Battalion Commander, 199th Infantry Brigade, Vietnam; Deputy Assistant Commander, 82nd Airborne; Commander, Support Command, 82nd Airborne; G-4, 82nd Airborne; Dir Supply, Fort Bragg; Dir Storage, Okinawa; Deputy Chief MAG Officer, Log Officer, Thailand. | His awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit w/2 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge. | Military schools attended include: QM Advance Course, Command and General Staff College.