A Legacy of Leadership: Honoring Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple

Story by Spc. William Franco Espinosa
Photos by Maj. Jason Sanchez, Spc. William Franco Espinosa
California National Guard Public Affairs

Feb. 1, 2025

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif., On a warm day in the middle of a winter afternoon in California, a group of mourners gathered to say goodbye to a beloved family member, friend, and colleague. All attending looked over at the honor guard as they folded the American flag to honor the general, reflecting over the extraordinary life he has lived. The bugle sang, flags were raised, and four jets flew over with one breaking formation, commemorating the loss of not just a Soldier, but a man who dedicated 43 years of his life in service to his country.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Temple, the 21st Chief of the Army National Guard Bureau, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 96 and was laid to rest on Jan. 24, 2025. His life was a testament to dedication, resilience, and visionary leadership.

Temple began his military career as a private in the California National Guard, assigned to the 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division in Southern California. In 1950, he deployed to the Korean War as a sergeant, earning him the Combat Infantryman Badge. Upon returning to California in 1952, he received a direct commission as a second lieutenant in the 160th Infantry Regiment, embarking on a remarkable career spanning across numerous military operations from the Korean war to Desert Storm, that culminated with his position as Chief of the National Guard Bureau in 1986.

Temple's influence spread throughout the U.S. National Guard. He spearheaded modernization initiatives, improved training, and expanded the Guard’s role in global operations. Under his leadership, he saw the number of Guard members surpass half a million, and ensured readiness was significantly improved as it was his goal after returning from the Korean War, ensuring every Soldier is ready when it is time to mobilize.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Zaira Robinson, 223rd Regional Training Institute, prepares to fold a U.S. flag during Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr. funeral honors at Cathedral City, Calif., Jan. 24, 2025. Lt. Gen. Temple’s career in the U.S. Army spanned 43 years of service, and retired in 1990 after 4 years as Chief of the National Guard Bureau; he passed away on Dec. 9, 2024. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. William Franco Espinosa)

Funeral Services for retired Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr. were held in Cathedral City, California, Jan. 24, 2025. (California Air National Guard photo by Maj. Jason Sanchez)

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple, Jr., former Chief of the National Guard Bureau, talks with Lt. Gen. Daniel Hokanson, director of the Army National Guard, during a change of command ceremony for the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, June 29, 2019, on Los Alamitos Army Airfield at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California. Temple enlisted into the 40th ID after high school and later served in the division as a commissioned officer before moving up to California National Guard headquarters and later as director of the Army National Guard, Hokanson's current role. The historic ceremony marked the first time a female, Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager, has taken command of a U.S. Army infantry division. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)

“Where we are today has a lot to do with who Lt. Gen. Temple was as a leader. But also of his experience in 1950. On more than one occasion General Temple has stated that his defining moment in his career… happened… when he deployed to Korea. During his deployment General Temple gained the experience of seeing the fight through the fighter's eyes… He vowed that if he ever got into a position of influence within the National Guard, that Guard Soldiers would be trained more effectively than Guardsmen of his era. He would never send young soldiers to combat without adequate training. Because of this he left the national guard a much stronger and viable element… and he kept his promise.” said Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs, Director of the Army National Guard.

General Temple’s legacy is also commemorated through institutions that bear his name, such as the Herbert R. Temple Jr. Leadership Training Center at Fort Leavenworth Mission Training Complex. His collection of papers, housed in the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, continues to inspire military leaders. The Herbert R. Temple, Jr. Marksmanship Training Center continues to sharpen marksmanship fundamentals at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in Arkansas.

“I had a vision of the National Guard gaining recognition for what it was achieving and what it could achieve… and I wanted the American people to know that,” Temple once reflected. His words encapsulate a lifelong mission to elevate the Guard’s stature and capabilities.

Temple’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards and decorations. His dedication helped shape the modern National Guard, leaving a permanent mark in the organization and the countless leaders following his path. His legacy of leadership, service, and vision will resonate in the Guard for generations to come.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, Director of the Army National Guard, speaks during Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr. funeral visitation at Cathedral City, Calif., Jan. 24, 2025. Lt. Gen. Temple’s career in the U.S. Army spanned 43 years of service, and retired in 1990 after 4 years as Chief of the National Guard Bureau; he passed away on Dec. 9, 2024. (California Air National Guard photo by Maj. Jason Sanchez, caption by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. William Franco Espinosa)

Funeral service is held for U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr. at Cathedral City, Calif., Jan. 24, 2025. Lt. Gen. Temple’s career in the U.S. Army spanned 43 years of service, and retired in 1990 after 4 years as Chief of the National Guard Bureau; he passed away on Dec. 9, 2024. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. William Franco Espinosa)

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, Director of the Army National Guard, hands over a tri-folded flag to Jeanette Temple during Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr. funeral honors at Cathedral City, Calif., Jan. 24, 2025. Lt. Gen. Temple’s career in the U.S. Army spanned 43 years of service, and retired in 1990 after 4 years as Chief of the National Guard Bureau; he passed away on Dec. 9, 2024. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. William Franco Espinosa)

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