Henry Donald Spielman

NO. 17616  •  

Died 11 September 1975 in New York, New York, aged 47 years
Interment: Knollwood Cemetery, New York, New York


When HANK SPIELMAN returned to West Point for his 25th Reunion in May of 1975, he must have known that he was saying fare­well to his classmates in the Class of 1950. Even then, the cruel malignancy was starting to take its toll on that charismatic person­ality that became so personally involved with West Point.

On the 11th of September of 1975, Henry David Spielman was laid to rest in Knoll­wood Cemetery in his beloved New York City. The sole son of David and Sadye Spielman, he was survived by his mother and sister Audrey, of Falls Church, Virginia.

Hank's life was a paradox. As a cadet, a soldier, and as a businessman, he had to learn to cope with adversity. But he always developed the knack to succeed. He liked to boast that he was first man in his class in French, the last man in Military Topography and Graphics; that he was an All-State basket­ball player and yet had difficulty with the plebe obstacle course. Although he suffered through an unbelievably hard plebe year, he developed an affection and camaraderie for his company mates that was to be his hallmark for twenty-five years.

His home in New York became a hospitality suite to any cadet or graduate. His mother affectionately regaled in her role of "cadet hostess of Manhattan." He served the Army well for three  years after graduation. When the Korean War broke out in 1950, Hank was transferred from Fort Custer, Michigan, to an anti-aircraft artillery battalion in Germany. Having "missed  the war”, family business interests enticed him out of the Army. In 1957 he assumed the presidency of Spielman Chevrolet and Transportation Incorporated, businesses he expanded and consolidated until his untimely death.

Few soldiers or graduates have ever nurtured a deeper love of West Point. Nothing gave him more pride or pleasure than to escort a friend around his alma mater, or to host a young cadet in his New York apartment, or to sponsor an aspiring candidate in his endeavor to become a cadet. His apartment was tastefully decorated with the pic­tures and memorabilia of his cadet days. A visitor might even perceive that Hank Spielman should have never left the Army, let alone West Point.

He gave of his money, time, and talent to many charitable  organizations. But in his characteristic style, he had to play a leading role in his favorite, the  organization to build a new Jewish Chapel at West Point.

Hank ran his automobile business with the same philosophy that he practiced personally. The following principles were extracted from the organization pamphlet which Hank used to govern the conduct of his employees in their dealings with customers.

1. Smile - A smile is a trademark of a friendly person. Everyone likes to do business with a friendly person.

2. Do Small Favors - Big favors take time and are not expected. It is the little acts of courtesy which mean so much to all of us.

3. Know What You Are Talking About. Customers depend upon you for advice. If you don't know the correct answer, don't try to cover up. Admit you don't know and call someone who does. Thus, you will win the respect and confidence of those you serve.

4. Keep Promises – Confidence is the foundation  on which business and friendship are built. Promises should  not be made unless they can be kept. Broken promises  undermine confidence.

5. Be Tactful - Tact is the consideration for the feelings of others. Try to understand the personality of each. Handle customers with care. Embarrass no one. Make it easy for people to deal with you.

6. Say Thank You - No two words create more good will or bring people back more often than a friendly, courteous, thank you.

Perhaps Hank copied these principles out of some field manual at the Command and General Staff College. In any case, it re­flected his philosophy of life, be it in busi­ness, the Army, or his own relationships with his friends.

Theodore Anderson Seely, Jr.

NO. 17579  •  13 August 1928 - 29 March 1978

Died in San Francisco, CA.
Interred in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, CA.


Ted Seely, the son of Ted Sr. and Eugenia Bentley, was born at Tripler Army Hospital in the Territory of Hawaii.  Ted's father, a Regular Army officer, received his commission from the University of California. An "Army Brat," Ted Jr. spent his early years living in such exotic places as the Philippines, Japan, China, Georgia, Minn esota, South Carolina, and Louisiana. When Dad went to war, the family moved to California, where they lived with grandparents in Los Altos.

Ted really found a home there. He attended Mountain View Union High School and did well in his studies. He lettered in track, made many friends, and developed a love of music --- especially swing and jazz. Graduating in 1945, he attended Sullivan Prep School in Washington, DC, and earned a Presidential appointment to West Point, joining the Class of '50 in July 1946.

From all reports, Ted survived Beast Barracks in reasonably good style and made his home in Company F-2. Bill Pogue, Ted's roommate for 3 years, had this to say: "Ted, John O'Brien and I became roommates in F-2 our yearling year. Ted brought to us a certain sophistication and worldly knowledge that an 'Army Brat' brings to cadets from New Hampshire and Alabama. Barracks life came easily to Ted. 'Spoon' was natural for him, and he taught John and me a lot about spit and polish. He was the organizer of our room routine. So barracks life flowed easily for us."

"Academics flowed easily for Ted, too. Although he studied and made good grades, the records don’t reflect his real intellect."

"Music was one of his driving interests. He provided our room with a combination radio/phonograph, including all the latest records. He always knew what was popular and had it.

"Late one afternoon in May 1950, Ted and I walked from the lost ‘50s to one of the iron benches along the edge of the Plain near the Supe's quarters. The Superintendent, MG Bryant E. Moore, was walking home and stopped to chat, 'Thinking it over, are you?’ he asked. We explained that we were roommates, and our cadet days were almost over. He said. 'Savor the moment. There will not be another like it.'

Ted was commissioned into the Infantry and went to jump school at Ft. Benning before reporting to the 82d Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg. A rumor circulated that, while on graduation leave, be visited his family in Japan and, when the Korean War broke out in late June, he went over and became one of the first KIA. It was another LT Seely, but when Ted reported to Ft. Benning, several classmates thought they were seeing a ghost!

After serving in the 325th AIR and the 508th AIR at Ft. Bragg and Ft. Benning, Ted went to Korea in 1952 with the 223d Infantry of the 40th Infantry Division as a commo officer and company commander.

Returning to Ft. Bragg, he was a company commander in the 325th AIR and on the division staff as G-3 Air. He attended the Advanced Course in the Infantry School and stayed on as a tactics instructor.

ln 1959, he began an attachment with the Spanish language and all things Latin. After a course in the "mother tongue" at Monterey, he went to Madrid, Spain, to attend the Spanish equivalent of the Command and General Staff College, followed by a tour in Honduras as advisor to the Honduran Military Academy. He returned to his second home, Ft. Bragg -- this time with the Special Warfare Center --- and then back to Latin America, as a member of the U S Military Group in  Costa Rica.

By 1967, Vietnam was beckoning, and he served an extended tour there as G-2 of the Big Red One and with the Support Command in Qui Nhon. Again, be went back to Central America on the staff of the School of the Americas in Panama and as an OAS observer in the hinterlands of El Salvador and Honduras in the aftermath of the 1969 Soccer War between the two countries.  After yet another tour at Ft. Bragg with the Special Warfare Center, he retired in 1971.

Ted went on a tour of the Pacific and the Far East from October 1971 until May 1972, traveling by freighter and other small ships, visiting such ports as Majuro, Ponape, Truk, Saipan, Koror, Guam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Penang, Singapore, Port Kelang, Brisbane, Sydney, Port Kembla, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Freemantle, Perth, Papeete, and Honolulu. He settled in the San Francisco area, remaining there, except for a few trips, until his death.

From 1972 on, Ted led a quiet life with a close circle of friends, including old high school buddies from Mountain View and Los Altos and several USMA classmates. Working for a while as the vice president of a trash compactor distributing company, he was making plans to go to graduate school at San Francisco State. He had a serious heart attack in January 1978 and spent two months recuperating at Letterman Army Hospital. Out of the hospital a week, he appeared to be on the mend, when he had a relapse and died in his sleep at home. Buried at Golden Gate Cemetery, he was joined a few years later by his mom and dad.

Although Ted never married, he was loved by many --- his family and friends. He had a remarkable personality that allowed him to connect with people everywhere. His sense of humor and positive outlook on life were features that everyone always remembered about him.

Ted was dedicated to the Army and to all it stood for, from the day of his birth until he died. He is sorely missed.

- His brother, William B. Seely

Lindsay Craig Rupple

NO. 17862  •  

Died 1 July 1971 at Letterman General Hospital, Presidio of San Francisco, California, aged 44 years.
Interment: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia


OTHERS IN REFLECTING may tell of Lindsay Craig Rupple, 1927‑1971, as cadet, company commander, or combat leader; and it will be a tale well‑told, for Lindsay's was an Infantry officer's life well, though briefly, lived. I knew Lindsay best, however, as friend, family man, and neighbor, a "terrestrial" in Dubos' term, at ease and at home wherever he might be on the globe. It is of this Lindsay that I speak, one who was true to himself in all the plain and polished and complicated facets of his nature.

Had I ever been isolated in a survival situation, with a choice of working companion for the ordeal, Lindsay Rupple would have been the comrade of my choice for whatever period of necessary pioneering effort and for celebrating with, afterwards. Lindsay could reckon with the dangers and the opportunities alike of crises of varying magnitudes ‑ from those, for example, of the dread disease which felled him to those of a more homely, garden variety such as kittens frozen with fear high in backyard tree tops.

Level‑headed and alert, Lindsay was also quietly erudite. He kept himself informed on a variety of subjects and spoke several languages, German among them. His proficiency in the Korean language often led to escort assignments throughout the United States with dignitaries visiting from the Republic of Korea. Lindsay never failed to earn praise for himself and for the unit he might be serving at the time, such as the 22d Battle Group, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington, where he and I were fellow officers and near neighbors (1960 - 1962). The tall, slightly stooped Kansan was equally knowledgeable about things environmental, erotic, classical, controversial, or comical. He sometimes quoted the cartoon character, “Okeechobee Joe.”

Logical and learned, Lindsay possessed a self-sufficiency which allowed him to cope equally well with  exigencies of the Service or with more mundane home emergencies such as power failure in house current or car battery. He managed well at gypsying his family around in required nomadic style. Once, he undertook, to drive cross‑country with Helga, daughters Petra, Renee, and Sylvie, two family cats, and some cherished bibelots for the next residence. He made it smiling and pleasant through such an endurance run.

Courteous, masculine, efficient, Lindsay would indulge his excellent tastes only when he could do so without infringing upon the rights and pleasures of others. In fine foods, he most appreciated wife Helga's gourmet skills, yet he remained almost cadet‑lean and trim. Lindsay enjoyed when he could a good Scotch, a good brandy, a good cigar.

In fact, it was months before I knew that Lindsay always parked any lighted cigar he might be carrying, before he would enter my Arlington home to visit. Only after we found cigar butts lined up on the bannister rail and others fallen into the shrubbery did we think to question Lindsay. Then, he cheerfully admitted that he preferred forsaking the smoke to risking an offense to his host. He continued to park his cigars outside in spite of our demurrers.

Lindsay's brand of forethought and care for others would indeed be an asset to look for in the person with whom one might have to face a critical situation, as it was a plus for those who knew him in everyday life. Other qualities as well made him a pleasure to know. He was a positivist, an optimist; his was a "can‑do" spirit. With all his strengths, he was not a stuffy paragon. Lindsay gave way, albeit infrequently, to his moods. He sometimes moped through a "down" day; once in a while, he let the proverbial redhead's temper flare.

Lindsay's life contained a brimming share of hardships and disappointments. Yet, during the decade in which I knew, him, he handled each one as a learning exercise, or as stretching, strengthening calisthenics to prepare one for the good things to come. In 1960 I saw him bowed and almost broken with grief over the loss of an infant daughter. And I watched him then tap inner reserves of iron will and tempered‑steel endurance to guide his surviving family through the sad days and to rally their flagging spirits for new adventures in the next assignment.

My deceased friend, Lindsay Craig Rupple, was a man who in today's vernacular "had it all together."  Yet, he was a study in contrasts. Quiet, soft‑spoken, often employing understatement, he was nonetheless an adept conversationalist, witty without being frenzied. Equanimity was a hallmark of the man. His courage was subdued and low‑key, but abounding in quantities almost beyond measure. Lindsay was practical at the same time that he was idealistic. He was a homebody; he was a cosmopolite. He was reserved in speech, open‑minded in compassion and acceptances. Well‑read, well‑educated, he was acutely aware of new things to be known, and ever ready to tackle the knowing.

Because this man lived and moved where I could for a while get to know him in some of his roles as husband, father, world citizen, officer, and gentleman, my life is enriched. There must be countless others whose lives he touched who share my fond respect for Lindsay with his unobtrusive integrity. I salute him as a capable colleague, an irreplaceable friend, and a full-duty soldier on this spaceship Earth, which is a better place for Lindsay’s having lived, and the poorer for his passing. All my remaining life, I shall continue to remember him warmly and to miss him.

‑Joe Harper Jr.

John Herbert Pigman

NO. 17381  •  21 December 1926 – 21 February 1978

Died 21 February 1978 in Baltimore, Maryland, aged 51 years
Interment:  West Point Cemetery, West Point, New York

 

THE UNTIMELY DEATH of John H. Pigman, Class of 1950, deeply shocked his many friends in both the military and civilian communities. Jack was such a vibrant, active person. At age 51, in the prime of his life, he was struck with leukemia. He battled valiantly, as was his custom, but passed away quickly.

Born on 21 December 1926 and raised in Cloquet, Minnesota, one of his teachers there said of Jack, "He was the most outstanding of the more than 10,000 students I have taught." People often felt that way about Jack, he was indeed outstanding.

In February 1944 Jack enlisted in the Army Specialized Reserve Training Program and trained at Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His leadership ability was quickly recognized with an appointment as cadet segreant. His training program completed, he was sent to Fort Leavenworth as a private, Air Corps Enlisted Reservist. While there, he applied for and won a Congressional appointment to the Military Academy. He reported to West Point in June 1946.

In 1950 he graduated 34th in his class of 669. On active duty, his first assignment was as a platoon leader, Company C, 62d Engineers, Far East Command, Korea. In June 1951 he was made company commander. In 1952 he became tactical officer, The Engieer Officer Candidate School, a position he held for 21 months. In Korea he earned a Bronze Star and a Meritorious Service Medal.

After his return from Korea in 1953, he married Nancy Magee of Berlin, Maryland. They had three children: John H. Pigman Jr., Melissa and Kristen.

In January 1954 Jack resigned his Regular Army commission to take over the management of a family business in Berlin, Maryland. Under his direction, this grew to be one of the major enterprises on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In Berlin, he supported many worthwhile civic ventures. His exceptional talent as a speaker made him much in demand as a master of ceremonies. He was a member of Berlin's Town Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion and was at one time time the president of Berlin's Lions Club. He was a director of The Peninsula Bank. In addition, during his years in the petroleum business he was very active in area dealer affairs. His experience and judgment were valued by customers and competitors alike. Many people called on him for advice and he obliged them all. He knew how things should work‑ and how to fix them when they didn't perform properly.

Jack's love of the Army led him to join the Army Reserve in January 1954. A dedicated Reservist, he attended the Artillery and Missile School's Artillery Career Course; the Chemical Center and Schools' Chemical Officer Career Course (Reserve Component); and in 1973 he completed the Command and General Staff Officer Course, Non­Resident. In 1976 he graduated from the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks.

His ability to lead and inspire his men was evident in the assignments given to him by his superiors. From March 1955 to December 1970, he served in a succession of command and staff positions with the 319th Infantry, the 650th Field Attillery Battilion, 7/6th Field Artillery, 2010th Logistic Command, 489th Chemical Battalion, and finally, as commander of the 275th Supply and Service Battalion. In December 1970 he was made Assistant Chief of Staff of the 97th United States Army Reserve Command (ARCOM), headquartered at Fort Meade, Maryland. In December 1972 Jack became the ARCOM's G4; in May 1976, its Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations and Training. In September 1976 he was selected to be Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Reserve Affairs). In that position, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and became the first Reserve Officer to serve at North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Brussels, as liaison. In Septeniber 1977 Jack returned to the 97th ARCOM as its new commanding general.

In 1972 Jack married Patricia Ann Boyce of New York City. Pat shared much of his Reserve travel schedule, including his stint in Brussels.

At his funeral service held in Ocean City, Maryland on 24 February 1978, the officiating chaplain summed up Jack’s philosophy quite nicely: “In 1954, I met a young lieutenant. He strode across the room briskly, put out his hand and said, 'Hello, I'm Jack Pigman.' A few months ago I met that same young man but this time he was my commanding general. Again he said, 'Hello, I'm Jack Pigman,' just as he had 24 years ago. There was no pretense, no special favors for him, just plain Jack Pigman."

Three days after his interment at West Point his friends and colleagues in the 97th ARCOM established a memorial fund at West Point to endow an annual award to the outstanding company in Jack's old regiment in the Corps of Cadets. The first John H. Pigman Award was presented at the June 1978 Awards Convocation.

Jack Pigman was a most impressive man. His vitality, wit and grasp of any situation and an almost immediate solution to any problem, marked him for a greatness cut short only by the tragedy of his death.

Many lives were enriched by knowing him. He was a man dedicated to his family and friends, his Alma Mater and his country. I will always cherish the wonderful years with him.

‑his wife

Harold E. McCoy

NO. 17839  •  8 January 1928 - 19 April 1975

Died in Bethesda, MD - Interred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA

 

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS have passed since the death of Harold Eugene "Real" McCoy, ­ husband of Evelyn and father of

Karen, Michael, and Patrick. His eight-year battle with cancer ended at the National Institute ofHealth (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland. Due to the nature of his illness, and considering his assignmentsin Viet Nam, his death was officially attributed to exposure to Agent Orange.

Real was a native of Canton, OH, the son of Harry A. and Karin McCoy. Early on, he demonstrated natural leadership abilities, both in academics and in athletics. In high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society, the band, and the Choral Society, and was a class officer all four years, culminating with his election as president of the senior class. An outstanding athlete for the Canton McKinley Bulldogs, he lettered in football, basketball, and track. His high jump record endured for more than 20 years, but his real love was football. He carried that love with him when he joined the Corps in the summer of 1946.

The’50 Howitzer quotes Real, "I would rather be  bald than red-headed." The truth is, his red hair was   symbolic of the intense competitiveness and determination to succeed that was a driving force in his life. The love ofsports he brought to the Academy included track his Plebe year, golf his Yearling year and, of course, football Yearling and Cow years. Real was proud that he was able                to play against "the greatest team in the nation" every week. Will Henn remembered, "My bond with Real was

B-Squad football. We were a high-spirited bunch of “wannabees,” playing football more for the joy of the game than any glory. We were the scout team, learning new plays and formations every week to prepare the A-Squad for their Saturday opponents. The B-Squad experience  built a very special camaraderie. Real McCoy was a B-Squad player, a teammate warmly remembered."

According to Ross Franklin, Real was the "happiest guy in D-1." His roommate, Walt Vannoy, describes Real    as "consistently cheerful with a positive attitude and an abundance of good humor. He often proclaimed, 'I am the luckiest guy in the world!' He lived that belief in his good fortune, and his optimistic outlook served him well throughout his life. Real was a talented athlete and, befitting his red hair, he was a fiery competitor - ­courageous and loyal - essential elements of character to be a true friend, and that he was. Nevertheless, rumor has it that, despite the fact he was a member of the Cadet Choir all four years, he tried to convince everyone he was Jewish so he could sleep in on Sunday mornings. He did not succeed, but sleeping in on Sundays did became a lifelong goal for Real!

After graduation, Real received pilot training at Perrin AFB, TX, where he met Evelyn, and at Williams AFB, AZ.  After a tour of duty at Tyndall AFB, FL, Real attended Purdue University, where he earned an MS in civil engineering in 1956. He served three years as Base Civil Engineer, Burtonwood, England, then attended CGSC at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. He became Civil Engineer for the DEW Line and then the BMEWS O&M contracts. During 1963-65, he served as Chief of Flight Operations at Stewart AFB, NY, followed by a tour as Assistant Director, Airlift Control Center, Tan Son Nhut AB, Viet Nam.

Real's final Active Duty assignment, during 1966-72, was to the Office of the Director of Civil Engineering, Headquarters, USAF. He retired in 1972, due to disability, as a command pilot with approximately 4,000 hours of flying time.

After retiring, Real worked as a principal staff engineer for Computer Sciences Corporation until a week before his death. During the eight-year course of his illness, he was an outpatient at NIH. Throughout that time, he made many friends among the doctors, nurses, and other patients. He continued to be active, working most of the time and playing golf whenever it was possible.

Real was a very proud man. He was especially proud of his children - Mike, a University of Virginia football player; Patrick, an outstanding swimmer; and Karen, such a loving daughter. He would also have been proud of his grandsons - Silas, Chris, and Jeff Carleton.

Throughout his protracted and pain-filled illness, Real maintained his positive attitude, sense of humor, and smiling, friendly manner. He left us with memories of a man who lived a life devoted to the service of his country and his family. Ross Franklin says the Real he remembers is described in Philippians 2:14-15: "Do everything without questioning or complaining, that you may be blameless in the midst of a crooked and depraved generation among whom you shine like stars in the sky."

Real's star will continue to shine through his children, grandchildren, and all the others whose lives he touched. We can all join in saying to him, "Well done. Be thou at peace.

- Evelyn McCoy Sharp and classmates

Mauro Elasio Maresca

NO. 17757  •  

Died 22 April 1975 at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., aged 50 years
Interment: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia


MAURO, or MARIO as some of us called him, came to West Point the hard way ‑ appointed from the Army. He had had over two years service with the Army Air Force, both in the United States and overseas, prior to his cadet days. More mature, then, than the average cadet, he knew what military life was like; he knew what he wanted; and he set out to attain it.

The discipline of cadet life and the rigors of the curriculum were obstacles which, though perhaps not easily overcome, were readily mastered by Mauro. And, as  a young man of many talents,  he was able to to devote time to his other gifts. Often our room looked like an artist's studio as Mauro worked on his oils. Though a city boy from the streets of New York, his western scenes, still lifes, and oils of horses led one to think he came from other roots. And who among us who knew him can forget his singing prowess?  For laughs he could pierce your ears with shrill versions of hits of the day, but he also used his gifted tenor in a serious vein as a member of the glee club and the Catholic choir.

Mauro had something else to sustain him during his four years as a cadet ‑ his love for Robin. Their romance was almost "story book West Point." We never had to ask him who he was taking to the hops. We always knew.

And then in 1950, on graduation, Robin and Mauro were married.

As they moved from station to station their family grew, first with the addition of daughter Gi‑gi and then later with twin sons, John and Robert. I recall visiting with Robin and Mauro at Brookley not long after Gi-gi’s birth. That theirs was a household of love was oh so evident. And then in March of 1975, not long before his death, I visited with Mauro as he returned from a trip to see Bobby. As we reminisced and he brought me  up to date on Robin and the children, it was obvious to me that there was never a more devoted husband and father.

And what of his career? It was a career of a true professional - marked by dedication, selflessness, devotion to duty and  brilliance in performance. Mauro spent just about all his years in a variety of engineering assignments that took him to Alabama, Texas, Georgia, lndiana, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Southeast Asia (twice). His decorations tell us of his performance: the ­Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and a host of commendation medals. Mauro also managed to find time for the Air Tactical School, the Air Command and Staff College, and two masters’ degrees.

Those of us who remain still find it difficult to realize that this outstanding officer, this devoled husband, this loving father, this true friend, is gone. But we were all the richer for having been touched by him.

Be Thou At Peace.

-JFL, Jr.

William Irving MacLachlan

NO. 17645  •  

Died 6 August 1978 at home in Bigfork, Montana, aged 52 years. Cremation


1 July 1946 
Appointed to the United States Military Academy from California

2 June 1950 
Graduation: Second Lieutenant, United States Air Force

17 June 1950 
Marriage to Shirley G. Olson, Kalispell, Montana

7 August 1950 
3565th Training Squadron, James Connally Air Force Base, Texas

14 February 1951 
3525th Pilot Training Wing, Williams Air Force Base, Arizona

23 April 1951 
Son, Kenneth Irving, born

31 August 1951 
196th Fighter Bomber Squadron, Chitose Air Base, Japan

11 February 1952
Promoted to first lieutenant

6 July 1952 
Son, Stephen Gene, born

10 July 1952 
430th Fighter Bomber Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, Korea

16 January 1953 
3510th Tactical Fighter Wing, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas

25 July 1954 
3600th Maintenance and Service Group, Luke Air Force Base, Texas

3 November 1955 
Promoted to captain

15 August 1956 
67th Fighter Bomber Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa

3 December 1956 
Son, Phillip Alan, born

9 January 1959 
354th Tactical Fighter Wing, Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina

23 March 1959
Son, James Henry, born

15 June 1960
Air Officer Commanding, 9th Squadron, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado

15 July 1962
Promoted to Major

29 September 1962 
Daughter, Sandra Claire, born

23 August 1903
Marine Corps Senior School, Quantico, Virginia

1 July 1964
613th Tactical Fighter Squadron, England Air Force Base, Louisiana

12 June 1966
Air Liaison Officer, 11th Infantry Brigade, Schofield Barracks, Ha­waii; 604th Direct Air Support Center, Wheeler Air Force Base, Hawaii

21 November 1966
Promoted to lieutenant colonel

16 July 1969
Professor of Air Science, Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps Detacbment 850, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

June 1971
Promoted to colonel

7 August 1972
Kelly Air Force Base,Texas

31 May 1974
Retired as Base Commander, Kelly Air Force Base, Texas

6 August 1978
Died of cancer

His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 14 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Silver Star.

There are no words to adequately describe the void left in Bill's world by his untimely death. West Point, a loyal alumnus; the Air Force, a staunch supporter; his students at Strand Aviation; Bethany Lutheran Church council; Bigfork Lions Club; Bigfork High School Board; the daily ritual of flying the flag; and, most of all, his honored position as son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend.

My existence has been richly blessed by sharing the life of this quiet, dedicated and affectionate man who has now joined the Long Gray Line.

- His wife

John Frances Loye, Jr.

NO. 17729  •  17 June 1927 – 29 June 1978

Died 29 June 1978 in Morrow, GA
Interred in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lawrence, MA


John Francis Loye, Jr.'s Howitzer entry states, "Jack's radiant smile captivates all, and his love of Irish music always adds a touch of Killarney here at West Point. His bridge­playing fame is only matched by his ability to make friends. Our Irishman's sound thinking and levelheadedness, coupled with a droll sense of humor, make his opinion worth hearing." That was a good evaluation then and would be seconded by  those who met Jack later in his career. During his cadet days, his neighbors eagerly anticipated Jack’s comments after questionable proposals were made at class or company meetings. He would quickly respond with a wry comment that broke through the serious side, putting the meeting on solid ground! An intelligent and independent thinker, he demonstrated his abilities over 26 years in the Air Force and at schools of higher learning.

Born in Lawrence, MA, he went from Andover Junior High to Philips Andover Academy, graduating in May 1945. His first military experience was a year in the Navy (1945-46), during which he attended Marquette University. On 1 July 1946, he dropped from Seaman, First Class to Cadet, Fourth Class. Experienced enough to avoid most of the pitfalls of Beast Barracks and Plebe year, as an upperclassman, Jack handled the academic load and social requirements without slighting either. Renowned for skill at cards and for inducing involuntary laughter with his unofficial wit, he belonged to the Dialectic Society, the Radio Club, the Art Club, and the Spanish Club. He experimented with angle shots in the Handball Club, with weighty matters in the Weight Lifting Club, and was an acolyte at the Catholic Chapel.

Upon commissioning, Jack joined the Air Force and was an early participant in electronic warfare. During the Korean Conflict, he was awarded two Air Medals while flying 30 combat missions over Korea. Next, he went to Keesler AFB in Mississippi.

Jack married Jane A. McKallaghat on 4 Nov 1953 at St. Laurence's Church in Lawrence, MA. John Jr. was born in 1954 at Barksdale AFB, LA. Daughter Mary was born in 1956 at Griffis AFB in Upstate New York. In 1958, Jack earned an MBA and a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Syracuse University. From 1958-62 he was a crew member on B­52 bombers with the 45th Air Division, Loring AFB, ME. His crew was selected as a "Stanboard Crew," and participated in many bombing competitions. There, daughter Tamara Jayne joined the family.

While at Air Command and Staff School at Maxwell AFB, AL, Jack earned a master's in public administration from George Washington University. Next, Jack joined the faculty of the Air University at Maxwell as an instructor at the Squadron Officer School. Eventually an assistant department head in the Academic Instructor School, in 1968, he studied at Florida State University earning, in 1970, a doctorate in educational administration, while investigating the effects of "interactional analysis training' on teachers of adults.

Next, he went to Headquarters, Seventh Air Force, in Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam, where he was deputy for Project CHECO, Contemporary Historical Evaluation of Combat Operations, that documented the war as events occurred. He wrote 3 reports dealing with specific campaigns and supervised research for 25 other special reports prepared by the historical group.

Jack was Professor of Aerospace Studies and Head of the Department of Air Force Aerospace studies at Iowa State University, Ames, IA, in 1971. His department provided instruction for more than 200 students. Jack developed a special Honors seminar for University-wide application that was probably a delicate undertaking in that period of U.S. history. In 1974, Jack was Director of Curricula and Instruction at the Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL, developing curricula and instructional techniques for all professional and technical departments, covering 225 faculty members and 8,000 students.

One of his proudest moments was commissioning his son as an ensign in the U.S. Navy at Iowa State University in June 1976. Assuring his replacement in the service of the United States, Jack retired1 Oct 1976. Next, he served at Clayton State College as Head of the Business Department. Killed in an automobile accident two years after retiring from the Air Force, he was buried with full military honors after a funeral mass in the church where he and Jane were married. Funds and scholarships were contributed to the college in his memory.  His wife Jane currently resides in Riverdale, GA. Daughter Cathy resides in Raleigh, NC, managing a Stein Mart Store in the town of Cary. Daughter Tami is a corporate attorney for People Soft and lives in Norcross, GA. Son John E Loye Jr., Captain, USN, has stayed on the rolling main and is stationed in Naples, Italy, as Operations Officer, Submarine Group 8.

Jack was a devoted husband and proud father, active in civic affairs, Boy Scouts, church activities, and public speaking in all the communities in which he lived. His love for Irish music and card playing followed him throughout his life.

His absence from Class of '50 reunions is regretted by company mates and classmates to whom he has given a "good laugh" over the years. We look forward to hearing his Massachusetts accent when the Long Gray Line re-forms in the future. Jack strove diligently for truth, fairness to all concerned, goodwill, and meaningful friendships. His family has suffered a great loss, yet the memories of a loving husband and father are lodged in their hearts.

-Family and classmates

Arnold Anthony Galiffa

NO. 17979  •  

Died 5 September 1978 in Glenview, Illinois, aged 51 years. 
Interment: Mon-Valley Memorial Cemetery, Donora, Pennsylvania.


ARNOLD ANTHONY CALIFFA was a gifted athlete, a leader of men and a truly nice guy. He hailed from the smoky valley of Donora, Pennsylvania, near the plants of the United States Steel Corporation. His athletic ability in high school, where he won 12 varsity letters and was named to two all-Pennsylvania teams, attracted the attention of Red Blaik, and Arnold joined the Class of 1950 on 2 July 1946 as a football prospect. He did not disappoint the coach.

At West Point, he earned 11 major varsity letters in football, baseball and basketball. This achievement had been bettered by only by one graduate and equaled by only one other. He was the quarterback of the football team and captain of the basketball team. In his first class year, he led a football team with a 9-0 record, ranking 4th in the nation. While some believe the game against Michigan in 1949 (Army won in an upset, 21-7) was his finest hour as a quarterback, he showed his leadership best in the Pennsylvania game in 1948. No one will ever forget the final quarter. Army was behind 20-19 on their own 26-yard line with three minutes to play when Galiffa engineered a masterful drive. Army advanced to the Pennsylvania 15-yard line in six plays, with Galiffa completing several passes in succession. With time running out, he threw a pass to John Trent in the end zone for a touchdown and an Army victory of 26-20.

Arnold was named to five All-American teams for 1949, including the Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Look magazine and others. At graduation, he was presented with three Army Athletic Association trophies: one as the cadet who rendered the most valuable service to athletics while at West Point; one as the most outgoing basketball captain; and one as the most valuable football player of 1949. He also played in the East-West game in San Francisco in 1950. In 1983, Arnold was inducted into the National Football Hall of Fame, and in March 1990 he was inducted into the National Italian Sports Hall of Fame, Pittsburgh Chapter.

Arnold graduated in June 1950 and married his long-time girlfriend, Peggy Perdock. As Arnold's roommates knew very well, he had a habit of humming "Peg Of My Heart." But the honeymoon was cut short, as Arnold and many of the Class of 1950 went to the war in Korea. Arnold was assigned as a platoon leader in the 3rd Infantry Division. He received a Bronze Star and was mentioned in the press for throwing a hand grenade a record distance of 75 yards in combat. After completing his tour on the line, Arnold was reassigned to Tokyo as aide de camp to Generals Ridgway and Mark Clark while they were supreme commanders.

In 1953 Arnold resigned from the Army to enter civilian life. He was contacted by Vince Lombardi, who was then backfield coach for the New York Giants. Arnold played four years of professional football - a year with the New York Giants, another with the San Francisco Forty-Niners, and two years in the Canadian Football League. Injuries plagued him the entire four years.

Arnold and Peggy returned to Pennsylvania in 1955. For the next 23 years, Arnold worked for United States Steel. As an industrial engineer, Arnold was promoted to supervisor of safety and supervised the demolition of the whole plant in Donora. The land which ran along most of the whole town and along the Monongahela River was then donated to the town of Donora to be used as an industrial park. The whole street, from one end of the town to the other, is named Galiffa Drive in his honor. Arnold moved to Chicago in 1964 in the law department of United States Steel. In 1975, he was named the United States Steel Public Affairs representative for the Central Midwest Area.

During his years with United States Steel, Arnold was active in numerous civic and charitable activities. He served as a member of the Donora Borough Council for seven years and as president for a year. He was a member of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry and the Indiana Manufacturer's Association. He served on the Indiana Governor's Committee to study solid waste problems. He was a director of the Union League Club of Chicago and was active on the Union League Foundation for the Boys' Club. He was president of the Chicago chapter of the Association of the United States Army and a member of the national advisory board. Later, his sport was golf, and he became an avid and excellent player.

In March 1978, Arnold was found to have colon cancer. After a six-rnonth illness, he died in September 1978 and was buried in Pennsylvania. Peggy and daughter Joanie, a medical assistant, now live in Delray Beach, Florida. His oldest daughter, Deborah Fliehman, is president of a marketing and communications firm in Chicago, happily married, and the mother of Arnold's two granddaughters, Sara and Lauren; Thomas is a sales representative for a wire supply company in Indianapolis.

Arnold was a good father, and his death has left a void in his family that never can be filled. Everyone who knew Arnold Galiffa liked him. He was a happy person and a great sport. He loved his family and his life. We all miss him, but his family misses him the most. Peggy lost her partner, and the children lost their best friend.

- His daughter Deborah G. Fliehman and Classmate John R. Brinkerhoff

David A. Campbell

NO. 17906  •  14 Feb 1928 - 25 Jun 1978

Died in Indianapolis, IN
Inurned in All Saints Episcopal Church Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN


After graduating from West Point, David Anderson Campbell and I were not likely to cross paths during our careers. He had donned Air Force blue, and I Army green. But our paths did cross, and I am honored to write this memorial. David, a native of San Rafael, CA, was born to Mr. and Mrs. James CampbelL He was appointed to the Military Academy by Representative Clarence F. Lea from the First Congressional District of California, and joined the Class of 1950. Before entering the Academy, Dave had served in the Army from January to June 1946.

As a cadet, he belonged to the Portuguese Club, sang in the Cadet Chapel Choir, and participated in the 100th Nite Show. Assigned to Company M-2, he volunteered to be the company clerk, but in a company of flankers, the duty could not have been too taxing. During summer training as a yearling at Camp Buckner, he was in 9th Company, noted for its collection of class wits. Dave recalled his cadet years as "rather quiet." His company mates described him as an unflappable, agreeable cadet with a sense of humor.

Dave chose the Air Force and, after graduation, entered pilot training at Connally AFB, TX, but did not complete the training because he did not meet the vision requirements. He went on to serve as the supply officer for the 84th Fighter Squadron at Hamilton AFB, CA, from 1951 to 1953, and then he was posted to Korea with the 58th Motor Vehicle Squadron.

In 1951, Dave married Shirley Ross while he was stationed at Hamilton AFB, CA. They had six children: James Ross and Bruce Madsen, born, respectively, at Hamilton AFB in 1952 and 1953; Catherine Anne, born in Austin, TX, in 1955; Karen Jean, adopted in Korea in 1958; Peter Scott, born at Ft. Campbell, KY, in 1960; and Amy Dawn, born in Indianapolis, IN, in 1970.

In 1954, Dave resigned from the Air Force to study at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Austin, TX. In 1957, after completing his ministry studies, he re?entered active service as a chaplain in the Army. From 1957 to 1958, he was assigned as a chaplain with the 61st Armor Battalion at Ft. Hood, TX. Later, in 1958, he was assigned to Headquarters, Division Artillery, 7th Infantry Division in Korea as the division artillery chaplain. It was during this assignment that I became closely associated with Dave Campbell. When he was detailed to the 7th Division Artillery, I commanded D Battery, 1st Battalion, 31st Artillery. My battery location was used by the division artillery to house its athletic teams in season, and I was pleasantly surprised to find Dave frequently visiting my battery, which had a large number of nonchurch-going personnel with whom to work. He organized services and a choir, and he was absolutely great in providing pastoral services, particularly to my flock. He initiated three-day religious retreats to Seoul, which were popular with the teams and the battalion. He was particularly helpful to soldiers with personal problems. Anyone who commanded in Korea in those days could attest that those problems abounded.

Dave was patient and perceptive, and he gave far more than he received. I never saw him flustered, but many times he would come into my office frustrated with the many problems he faced with the troops. I had been heavily involved with the kinds of issues with which he was dealing, so we had a mutually supportive friendship. Our paths did not cross again after I returned to the U.S., and he transferred to the Headquarters of the 2nd Battle Group of the 34th Infantry in the 7th Division. After leaving Korea, Dave was assigned to the Headquarters of the 502d Infantry in the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY. He resigned his commission as a captain in 1960.

He immediately joined the Army National Guard and served with the 47th Division of the Minnesota Army National Guard. During this time, Dave was also the assistant pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin, MN. From 1962 to 1965, he was the pastor of the Woodland Presbyterian Church in Babbitt, MN. From 1965 to 1967, Dave was in training programs, preparing for a position as an institutional pastor. He studied at State Hospital Number One in Fulton, MO, and then at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN. In 1967, he was named chaplain of the Central State Hospital in Indianapolis.

Dave never lost his interest in, nor his ties to, the military. In 1966, he transferred to the 38th Infantry Division, Indiana Army National Guard. He served as the assistant division chaplain in the grade of major. The Register of Graduates lists him as a lieutenant colonel in the Indiana Army National Guard.

Dave's first marriage ended in divorce; however, on 27 May 1978, he married Mary Lockwood Campbell. Sadly, this marriage was short-lived, as Dave died of heart problems on 25 Jun 1978. His memorial service was held two days later at St. Francis Episcopal Church, Zionsville, IN.

Recalling our days in Korea, I remember Dave as a fascinating conversationalist. It was a different Army in those days, and Dave was extraordinary. He not only met his secular obligations to the Army, but also his religious obligations. I was proud to know him as a friend and a classmate; his classmates should know that he served with great dignity and a true concern for soldiers. His family may be assured that the class remembers Dave as a devoted citizen, soldier, minister, classmate, and friend.

- Classmate Richard G. Trefry

Charles L. Butler

NO. 17764  •  3 September 1927 – 21 June 1972

Killed in Action June 21, 1972 in An Loc, Viet Nam, aged 44 Years.


THE DAILY BULLETIN of 3 July 1972: Headquarters, USMA, announced that funeral services for LTC Charles Lewis Butler '50 would be conducted in the Old Cadet Chapel on 5 July. Interment in the Post Cemetery would follow. It came as no surprise to any classmate that West Point would be Chuck’s final resting place - much as he revered the Academy. Yet we realize, too, that when killed in action in Viet Nam on 21 Jun 1972, Chuck was only 44 years old, never destined to grow older, and never to tread on the Plain again. No more seeing the family to which he had grown so devoted.

Chuck was born in 1927, a product of Grand Rapids, MI, where he attended grammar school. Grand Rapids Central High School, and even a junior college. As soon as Chuck entered USMA on 1 Jul 1946 as a member of the Class of '50, it was obvious that he had attained a long-sought goal. Though it would perhaps be an exaggeration to claim Chuck was fond of Beast Barracks, he willingly embraced all that was in store - much to the amazement of his classmates!

On the quiet side as a cadet, Chuck worked diligently and mainly enjoyed swimming and water polo. A member of the camera club for several years, he was active in the production of The Pointer and, in First Class year, was an associate editor.

It is interesting to note that the '50 Howitzer predicted Chuck would truly be an asset to the Army. How time proved the accuracy of that foresight! To be sure, the military career of this private and intense cadet undermines any notion that heroism is the only province of the bombastic.

Upon graduation, Chuck married Joan "Jo" Haskell at West Point on 11 Jun 1950. Commissioned into the Infantry, he initially was assigned to Ft. Devens, MA. Like so many of his classmates, however, Chuck soon found himself in Korea serving as a platoon leader in the 7th Infantry Division. His fledgling days in combat were few; after only a couple of weeks, Chuck was wounded in action and evacuated to Japan. In that brief period of time, however, Chuck distinguished himself with monumental valor. As a combat infantryman, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross as well as the Bronze Star. Few can rival that recognition at all, much less in so short a period of time.

Once recovered from his wounds, Chuck returned to the Infantry School at Ft. Benning as a student and then was retained on the school staff and faculty. Later assignments included company command in the 37th Armored Infantry Battalion in Germany and the 3rd Armored Division.

Following a tour at the University of Mississippi, Chuck found his way back to combat duty, this time in Viet Nam. On 21 Jun 1972, Chuck was killed in action while serving with the forward-most regiment seeking to relieve the siege of An Loc, Viet Nam - surely, one small war in the overall history of the human race, but in no way insignificant for this classmate.

If anyone exemplified that "Duty, Honor, Country" has been - and will continue to be - the noblest calling, it was Chuck Butler. Some solace comes from the knowledge that, to the end of time, Chuck will remain at peace where he most wanted to be - at West Point. And in the everlasting annals of the Infantry, this is one officer with an outstanding combat record who deserves special recognition and profound appreciation. He has mine.