Robert DePugh: The Anticommunist Activist and Founder of the Minutemen

A Legacy of Militant Anti-Communism

Robert DePugh, born on April 15, 1923, was an American anticommunist activist who founded the Minutemen, a militant anti-communist organization, in 1961. Known for his radical stance against communism, DePugh became a prominent figure in the anti-communist movement of the 1960s.

Early Life and Career

DePugh was born in Independence, Missouri, where his father served as deputy sheriff. He enlisted in the United States Army during World War II but was dismissed due to nervousness and depression. DePugh then attended Kansas State University for a few months before dropping out. He went on to found a veterinary drug firm in 1953, which folded in 1956. He later started BioLab, another veterinary drug firm, in Norborne, Missouri, which became more successful.

The Minutemen and Anticommunist Activism

DePugh's involvement with the John Birch Society and the House Un-American Activities Committee deeply influenced his anti-communist views. In 1961, he published a 10-page pamphlet on guerrilla warfare via the Minutemen, which became a manifesto for the organization. The Minutemen's newsletter, On Target, served as a platform for DePugh's ideologies.

Legal Troubles and Controversies

DePugh's radical stance and actions led to several legal troubles. In 1966, he was arrested on federal weapons charges, which were later dismissed. The Minutemen's offices were bombed in 1967, and DePugh resigned from the organization the same year. In 1968, he was indicted by a federal grand jury in Seattle, Washington for conspiracy to commit bank robbery. He was also arrested for violating federal firearms laws and skipped bail, going underground for over a year until his capture in 1969 in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

Prison and Later Life

DePugh was convicted of federal firearm violations in 1970 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was released on parole in May 1973, having served about six years. After his release, DePugh wrote an anticommunist quasi-survivalist manual, Can You Survive, and was briefly associated with the Liberty Lobby.

Legacy and Impact

DePugh's radical anti-communist stance and activities had a significant impact on modern society. His ideologies and writings influenced a generation of anticommunist activists and survivalists. The Minutemen Survival Tabs, a malt-flavored ultra-compact storage food, is still used in survivalist circles today, over 45 years after its introduction.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• April 15, 1923: Robert DePugh was born in Independence, Missouri
• 1961: Founded the Minutemen and published a 10-page pamphlet on guerrilla warfare
• 1966: Arrested on federal weapons charges, which were later dismissed
• 1967: The Minutemen's offices were bombed, and DePugh resigned from the organization
• 1968: Indicted by a federal grand jury in Seattle, Washington for conspiracy to commit bank robbery
• 1969: Captured in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, after skipping bail
• 1970: Convicted of federal firearm violations and sentenced to 10 years in prison
• May 1973: Released on parole after serving about six years in prison
• June 30, 2009: Robert DePugh passed away

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

"The Constitution is not a suicide pact."

Though DePugh's life was marked by controversy and legal troubles, his impact on the anti-communist movement and survivalist community is undeniable. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of conviction and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, no matter the cost.