News from Jim Thompson

Karin and I recently returned from Russia on a Viking river boat, beginning in St Petersburg, ending in Moscow. Worth doing before we get too old! Having been to both major cities some years back, we were struck by the greatly increased number of cars on the city streets and by the cleanliness of the cities. Difficult to tell if the people are happy or sad, or just placid, but the impact of sanctions is not readily apparent. The Hermitage is as splendid as ever as is the Kremlin with a great deal of construction activity everywhere. We weren't bothered by any "politicking" anywhere. Viking takes great care of its passengers. All in all, a very enjoyable trip.

Let Us Remember

Big Bill Kellum led a platoon in the 21st Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division, earning the Silver Star. After his capture, Kellum organized resistance to Chinese indoctrination at Camp Five – Ponktong near the Chinese/North Korean border. His punishment was confinement to a special section of the camp hospital (no prisoner left alive), where he died in June 1951.

Grads would walk next to the wire whistling “On Brave Old Army Team” to encourage Bill.

Read Bill's memorial.

Class Bench Update

Bill heard that we are just past the half way mark for the $10K to fund the Class Bench at the new Army National Museum.

Now we need to get the other half, so please join in and send a check, made to The National Army Museum Fund. Write WP50 Bench Fund on the check and sent it to:

The Army Historical Foundation
Attn: Katie Holt
2425 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201

Or donate online at https://armyhistory.givingfuel.com/west-point-class-of-1950-exterior-bench

To make a donation over the phone, our contact Katie can be reached at 703-562-4174.  

The bench will be seen by great crowds when it opens and we will be right there to tell the world of the Class of 1950.

Permanent Class Memorial at National Army Museum

Bill is working with the US Army National Museum to have a permanent memorial to the Class at the Museum in the form of a bench outside of the Museum buildings. Our goal is to raise $10,000.

They have set up an account for the Class in their database so that they can keep track of the donations that come in, much the same as we did for the Korean Memorial in San Francisco. That way the donations would be tax deductible.

Individuals who want to send donations via mail should make checks out to the National Army Museum Fund and write WP50 Bench Fund in the memo line.  Checks can be mailed to:

The Army Historical Foundation
Attn: Katie Holt
2425 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201

If individuals prefer to contribute online, this will be the page that they will use to contribute to the group's donation: https://armyhistory.givingfuel.com/west-point-class-of-1950-exterior-bench

If anyone would like to make a donation over the phone, our contact Katie can be reached at 703-562-4174.  

I hope you will support the effort as you did the Korean Memorial, as another chance to memorialize the Class of 1950. With Memorial Day coming up this would be a fine way to remember.

You can find more information about the National Museum of the United States Army at https://thenmusa.org/

Charlie Kuyk and Frank Borman at the Montana Aviation Conference

Charlie has an update from a recent session he was part of with Frank:
"Frank and I were invited to a MONTANA AVIATION CONFERENCE to tell our Air Force and NASA space personal stories to aviation buffs - ex-military and private flyers. The excellent moderator was a retired Air Force fighter pilot, USAFA 1979. Lots of history and laughs."

The moderator, Pete Bunce, shared a few comments from attendees:

  • Instead of the 90 minutes this program lasted, they would have listened all afternoon.
  • Everyone hoped they would have just a little of the clarity of mind these two gents do.
  • All hoped for a friendship like Charles and Frank have had…70+ years.
  • What an opportunity the nearly 300 people who packed the room to standing room only had.

Frank Borman and Charlie Kuyk with Pete Bunce.

Self-Written Memorial Article Guidelines

Added to this website are some easy to follow guidelines for writing a graduate's memorial article. Getting started on your memorial now will ensure that important details of your life story are included.

Click here to download these guidelines. The form can be downloaded and printed out as a PDF or with Google Docs. 

Your memorial will not be published on the class site or in TAPS without your family's permission. 

Additional suggestions for writing your memorial can be found on the West Point AOG site.

If you have questions or would like help, please reach out through our site's comment form.

Ben Lewis Honored

Congratulations to Ben for being selected as Indian River Colony Club Foundation Honoree of the Year! Indian River Colony Club, a retirement community in Viera, FL, is one of the premier retirement destinations for military officers in Florida. 

70th Reunion Planning Has Begun!

With 2020 on the horizon, planning for our 70th reunion is underway. Be on the lookout for details from Clyde Spence, our Reunion Chairman, as we start planning for May 2020. Cylde will need help in this effort, so if you are interested, please reach out to Clyde. Can't wait to see you there!