LeRoy W. Henderson

NO. 17361  •  17 September 1926 - 16 December 2014 17

Died in Houston, TX
Cremated. Inurned.

LeRoy Walter Henderson was born in Augusta, ME. He was the son of Harry and Dorothy Henderson and the brother of Harry and Margaret. He graduated from Coney High School as the valedictorian of his class and spent two years at the University of Maine in Orono, where he played football and baseball while majoring in engineering. Roy entered West Point with the Class of 1950 by appointment from Representative (later Senator) Margaret Chase Smith. At West Point, he earned three stars in academics and was on the Brigade Staff. He was a member of the Choir, and he played a mean trumpet. Roy was sent to France as an ambassador of West Point.

At graduation, he married Nancy Day. Two months later they were stationed in Darmstadt, Germany, where they lived for three years with the 547th Engineering Battalion, which was busy building bridges. His first son, David LeRoy, was born in Virginia in 1954. Shortly thereafter, Roy resigned from the Army and went to work for Vulcan Rail and Construction Company, where he rose to the position of vice president. Two more sons, Andrew Day and Scott Merrill, were born while the family lived on Long Island, NY.

Roy was transferred to the office in Wheeling, WV in 1959, serving as Vice President and Plant Manager of the company. Two years later, their niece Carolyn joined the family. In 1962, Roy accepted a vice president position with Lunn Laminates, a fiberglass company in New York, and the family moved to Lloyd Harbor on Long Island. Roy and the family loved sailing, playing tennis, gardening on a large scale, and camping. He enjoyed leading his sons’ Boy Scout troops and Little League teams. Roy also took pleasure in singing in a barbershop quartet and playing bridge.

In 1968, Roy was transferred to Massachusetts, and the family moved to the town of Concord, where they built a house. They lived there until he took an early retirement in 1984. Roy and Nancy traveled the world in their RVs, seeing 33 countries and all 50 states, visiting many family and friends along the way. On one of their return trips to Germany, they watched the Berlin Wall come down. They stopped traveling in 2013 to settle down in Texas and to enjoy their children and eight grandchildren.

Roy died on December 16, 2014 in Houston, TX. He was given a military funeral. May he rest in peace.

— Nancy Henderson

Thomas D. Scofield

NO. 17684  •  22 Dec 1962

Died in Montgomery, AL
Interred in Peaceful Acres, Opp, AL

Thomas David Scofield grew up in a small town in the heart of Dixie known as Opp, AL and was the only son of John Dewey Scofield and Julia Carroll Tyson Scofield. David was also big brother to sisters Monica, Harriet, and Deborah.

From an early age, David had high aspirations for himself: he planned to attend the United States Military Academy with the ultimate goal of becoming a pilot in the United States Air Force. When the family determined that it would be extremely difficult for him to obtain an appointment to West Point through traditional means, David’s parents moved heaven and earth to send him to Marion Military Institute in order to improve his chances of admission. Following graduation from the accelerated program at Marion, David enrolled in the U.S. Navy V-5 Training Program, jointly run at Emory University and Georgia Tech, while he continued to pursue an appointment to West Point.

While at Emory, David was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. In the summer after his freshman year at Emory, he attended Navy training in both Brooklyn, NY and Great Lakes, IL. When word came of the appointment to West Point, David was overjoyed and more than happy to put his Navy experiences behind him. It was with great joy that he enrolled as a plebe at West Point in the summer of 1946.

David graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point on June 1, 1950 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. He completed pilot training in August of 1951 and was married shortly thereafter to the lovely Barbara Brooks Rushing of Samson, AL, who died in 2014. Three months into their marriage, David was deployed to a duty station in Korea. While in Korea, he shared his billet with best friend and classmate, William Slade.

During his short lifetime, David was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Commendation Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

David particularly enjoyed his assignment to England and RAF Chivener as squadron leader. In addition, General Thomas Gerrity was of significant influence on David and his family. David served as his aide de camp and was with General Gerrity in Oklahoma City, OK when Tinker Air Force Base opened. Following this assignment, David was transferred to Wright Patterson in order to pursue an MBA at Indiana University, Bloomington. During his time there, David began to experience seizures and was initially diagnosed with a seizure disorder. With this diagnosis David lost his flying privileges. This was one of the most difficult aspects of his illness since, other than family, flying was the great love of his life. David persevered through great physical challenges to obtain his MBA in management and to graduate with honors from IU. Shortly thereafter he achieved the rank of major.

Eventually, David was correctly diagnosed with a brain tumor and was retired from active duty in May of 1962 after being assigned to Patrick Air Force Base in Cape Canaveral, FL, where he worked on the Apollo Space Project. David’s hobbies included fly fishing and reading. Also, wherever they were stationed, he and his family were active in the Baptist Church. In his last posting, he enjoyed teaching young boys in the RA Program at Cocoa Baptist Church.

David underwent extensive treatment for his cancer at Walter Reed and Maxwell Air Force Base Hospitals, including surgery, and succumbed to his illness on December 22, 1962 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, AL. He was buried with full military honors at Peaceful Acres in his hometown of Opp, AL on December 24, 1962. He was survived by his three daughters: Bettye Kathryn Scofield, Cynthia Irene Scofield, and Julia Louise Scofield.

David’s legacy of love for Duty, Honor, Country has been a seminal influence in the lives of his daughters to this day.

Joseph Ross Franklin

NO. 17656 •  11 July 1928 – 18 July 2012

Died in Pensacola, FL, aged 84 years

Col. Joseph Ross Franklin, PhD, USA (Ret), 84, of Pensacola, FL, died Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at home. Col. Franklin was born July 11, 1928 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He attended and graduated from U. S. Military Academy at West Point in 1950. Col. Franklin served in Korea, where he was wounded, and three tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart, retiring from the U. S. Army after thirty years of service. Col. Franklin received his PhD in Foreign Relations from the American University. He was a member of the Legion of Valor and an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Franklin of Pensacola; son, Daniel Franklin of Pensacola; daughter, Jennifer Kellen and husband Joel of Corpus Christi, TX; granddaughter, Emmalee Noel Gough and sister, Dianne Payne.

Inurnment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 03, 2012 at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made for Masses at Holy Spirit Catholic Church for our wounded veterans and active duty men and women.

He received the Distinguished Service Cross because of his extraordinary heroism in Korea on the night of 6 July 1952. His platoon, occupying an outpost on a tactically important ridge, was subjected to an intense artillery and mortar bombardment immediately followed by a smashing hostile attack. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Franklin moved from position to position through heavy fire, encouraging his men and directing their efforts as they fought to hold back the charging enemy waves. Learning that the perimeter had been breached and that a number of enemy were in the outpost, he led a bayonet charge against the hostile troops. When the automatic rifles used by one of his men refused to function, he gave his carbine to the automatic rifleman, continuing to engage in the struggle with his pistol and grenades. As he led his men against the enemy, a hostile grenade hit him in the shoulder. Before the missile exploded, he pushed two comrades to the ground, enabling them to escape injury or death. When the first two friendly counterattacks failed to dislodge the foe, Lieutenant Franklin organized and led a third charge. Aggressively continuing to advance, even after the ammunition for his pistol had been expended, he killed three of the enemy with accurately hurled grenades. Under his leadership, his men succeeded in driving the hostile troops from the outpost and retained control of the tactically important position. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Franklin throughout this action reflects great credit on himself and upholds the esteemed traditions of the military service.

During his US Army career he has received 13 individual valor awards from the US Army and 5 from the government of Vietnam. He is the most decorated officer in his West Point class of 1950, receiving every award for valor awarded by the US Army except one. He commanded every unit from a Ranger platoon of 25 men to an airborne brigade of 7,000 men in 48 months of combat in two wars. He was wounded twice. In Vietnam, COL Franklin served as Battalion Commander of the 1/505 PIR 82nd Airborne Division, followed by assignments as 173rd Airborne Brigade Deputy Commander and SOG Deputy Chief. He is airborne and ranger qualified, as well as being a rated Army aviator. He was the deputy of the Peers Commission who investigated the My Lai massacre and was responsible for writing the report that went to the President of the United States and other senior officials.

In the book of Pulitzer Prize winner Seymour Hirsh, COVER UP, about the Peers Commission Hirsh writes that General Peers called Colonel Franklin, “the most qualified officer in the United States Army for the job”, in testimony before a secret sub committee session of Congress. Franklin was given less than 12 hours to leave the Congo (Brazzaville), a communist oriented country, when the Prime Minister complained to the US ambassador about his alleged activities attempting to bring down the government. He is a member of the Legion of Valor, an organization of those who hold one of the two highest US awards for valor. He was a student at the French War College (Ecole Superiure de Guerre) in Paris for two years. This school is essential in the French Army to become a general. He was featured in a newspaper article for a charitable project he worked on in the mid ’80’s.

Col Franklin, PhD (doctorate in African studies) lived in a Roman Catholic Monastery for seven years, 1995-2002. His principle duty in the monastery was raising funds through various business ventures for charitable purpose. He professed poverty, obedience and chastity in the monastery. He was a principal in a 60 Minutes documentary TV program where he was a protagonist against a senior officer he had relieved in combat who falsely accused him of war crimes. It was the longest segment produced to that time and won the Emmy award that year. CBS was sued for 60 million USD as a result of this program and Franklin was their principle witness. CBS won the suit, after an evidentiary dispute went to the US Supreme Court.

 

Citations

Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded for actions during the Korean War

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph Ross Franklin (ASN: 0-62893), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Platoon Leader with an Infantry Company of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Franklin distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sangwan-ni, Korea, on 6 July 1952. Late on that night, Lieutenant Franklin’s platoon, occupying an outpost position on a tactically important ridge, was subjected to an intense artillery and mortar bombardment immediately followed by a smashing hostile attack. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Franklin moved from position to position through heavy fire, encouraging his men and directing their efforts as they fought to hold back the charging enemy waves. Learning that the perimeter had been breached and that a number of the enemy were in the outpost, he led a bayonet charge against the hostile troops. When the automatic rifle used by one of his men refused to function, he gave his carbine to the automatic rifleman, continuing to engage in the struggle with his pistol and grenades. As he led his men against the enemy, a hostile grenade hit him in the shoulder. Before the missile exploded, he pushed two comrades to the ground, enabling them to escape injury or death. When the first two friendly counterattacks failed to dislodge the foe, Lieutenant Franklin organized and led a third charge. Aggressively continuing to advance, even after the ammunition for his pistol had been expended, he killed three of the enemy with accurately hurled grenades. Under his leadership, his men succeeded in driving the hostile troops from the outpost and retained control of the tactically important position. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Franklin throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the esteemed traditions of the military service.

General Orders: Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 141 (January 24, 1953)

Action Date: 6-Jul-52
Rank: First Lieutenant
Company: Infantry Company
Regiment: 7th Infantry Regiment
Division: 3d Infantry Division

 

Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Ross Franklin (ASN: 0-62893), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 25 May 1972, while serving as Senior Advisor, 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this date during the campaign to clear Highway 13 to relieve An Loc, Colonel Franklin, on one of his frequent visits to the area of greatest enemy resistance, moved to the 1st Battalion, 32d Regiment. The battalion was the lead element facing two NVA battalions and was under intense automatic weapons, B-40 wire-guided missile, 122-mm. rocket and 120-mm mortar fire when he arrived. A rocket struck ten feet from him wounding the battalion advisor who had been directing air strikes against the enemy. Colonel Franklin without regard for his own safety under fire moved immediately to render first aid to the advisor until an ARVN medic arrived. He then took over direction of Air Strikes, remaining in an exposed position to best observe the nearby enemy fortifications and direct the strikes. After requesting a helicopter to evacuate the wounded advisor, he selected a landing zone and guided the helicopter’s approach. A few seconds after the aircraft touched down an enemy mortar impacted 15 feet from it. Remaining on the landing zone, exposed to the enemy fire, Colonel Franklin attempted to load a stretcher bearing an ARVN soldier onto the helicopter while it was ascending. As the aircraft rose from the landing zone, the helpless wounded ARVN soldier fell from the helicopter and would have been re-injured but Colonel Franklin caught him breaking his fall. He then moved the wounded soldier to a more secure area while intense mortar and rocket fire continued. Colonel Franklin’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

General Orders: Headquarters, III Regional Assistance Command, General Orders No. 120 (June 4, 1972)

Action Date: 25-May-72
Service: Army
Rank: Colonel
Company: Advisory Team 51
Division: IV Corps

 

Soldier’s Medal
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Ross Franklin (ASN: 0-62893), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Colonel Franklin distinguished himself by heroic action on 16 April 1972, while serving as Senior Advisor, Advisory Team 51, United States Military Assistance Command, Republic of Vietnam. On this date, at approximately 1245 hours, an enemy 122-mm. rocket hit the Lai Khe ammunition dump containing seven hundred tons of artillery ammunition resulting in continuous series of up to 80 explosions per minute for several hours of 155-mm. shells which were hurled over 1,000 meters. Realizing the essentiality of preserving the POL point located 100 meters from the ammunition dump and vitally needed for relief of An Loc and support of friendly troops engaged against elements of three North Vietnamese Army divisions, Colonel Franklin voluntarily led a PA&E fire truck to the POL point despite the constantly exploding shells and fragments. Placing himself several feet between 100,000 gallons of POL behind a parapet he watched with fire fighting equipment for burning fragments around the POL. He was continually showered by shell fragments which covered the ground for literally thousands of square feet. Despite the imminent danger of one of the fragments or shells hitting the POL tanks which could have resulted in his being instantly incinerated, Colonel Franklin continued his fire watch until the explosion subsided and he was replaced by ARVN soldiers. Under fire resembling a heavy artillery concentration for several hours, Colonel Franklin’s heroic actions at great risk of loss of his own life helped preserve a vital POL point at a critical time in the battle for An Loc and contributed significantly to the results achieved. Colonel Franklin’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, III Regional Assistance Command, General Orders (July 8, 1972)
Action Date: 16-Apr-72
Service: Army
Rank: Colonel
Company: Advisory Team 51

- This memorial first appeared on the 82nd Airborne Division (Vietnam) Golden Brigade website at http://yorkovich.net/gbc/?p=227

Robert R. Werner

NO. 17426 .  1 Jun 1925 - 6 May2014

Died in Chagrin Falls, Ohio 

 

ROBERT REHM WERNER, age 88, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, died May 6, 2014, after a brief illness. He was born June 1, 1925 to Minerva (Rehm) and Louis Wolf Werner and grew up in Yonkers, New York. He was their only child. His parents lived frugally on his dad's teaching salary so that the family could travel. By the time he graduated high school he had traveled with his parents to all the states (48 at the time), Canada, Mexico and Europe. He kept this love of travel to the final days of his life. In the last two years he traveled with one or another of his children to France, Italy, Scotland, Egypt, Turkey and Central America. Two months before he died he was zip lining in Honduras.

After graduating high school he enlisted in the Army in 1943 and went to Europe with the 86th Infantry Division and was wounded in combat in Germany. He won an appointment to West Point (signed by General Eisenhower). Graduating in 1950, he was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers. He married his high school sweetheart, Leila (Wilson) Werner on June 7 at West Point following graduation. He made the Inchon Landing with the 62nd Engineer Construction Batallion in the Korean War, and later served in Japan, Germany/France, Greenland, and Korea again after the Pueblo Incident. In 1964 he was assigned to the Office of Chief of Engineers and returned for a second tour, focusing on water resources and environmental impact in planning. He held a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A & M, was a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas, and was awarded a PhD in Economics from South Dakota State University.

He retired from the Army as a full Colonel in 1973, and wanting to test some of his ideas in civilian life, joined Dalton Dalton Little and Newport, consulting engineers, to head up their Planning and Environmental Systems Group. In 1982 he left Dalton and founded SEMCOR, Inc. a strategy consulting firm, and later SEMCOR, Europe.

Throughout his life he was a good synthesizer, able to bring multiple disciplines and viewpoints to solve problems. Over his many decades he had a continuing interest in engineering, planning, strategy, peace and religion. His book, Designing Strategy: The Art of Scenario Analysis, 2010, reflected his vision and perspective. He was an avid tennis and Bridge player, and achieved Bronze Life Master in Bridge. After his children were grown, he became the patriarch of the family in the best sense of that word. He kept a far-flung family together through summer reunions, daughter winter getaways, guys' golf, holidays and adventures. Everyone willingly came not only because it was great fun, but because the Colonel said so. The interest, love and acceptance he consistently showed to each member of his large extended family made him a role model for all of us.

He is survived by his loving wife, Leila of 63 years; his adoring children, Jacqueline Werner-Gavrin and her husband, Marc, Robert R. Werner, Jr. and his wife, Teri, Mary C. Smith and her husband, Chris and Judith L. Werner and her husband, Dan Borden; and his devoted grandchildren, Anneka, Elizabeth and Ari Werner-Gavrin; Suzanne Werner; Aaron and Kevin Smith; Paul, Garrett and Ryan Nugent. A Memorial Mass will be held at The Church of the Resurrection in Solon, Ohio on Monday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m. A Full Military Honors Funeral will be held at West Point on Tuesday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. Memorial Gifts may be made to Covenant House, 461 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY, 10001.

Published in The Plain Dealer on May 14, 2014

James F. Workman

NO. 17477  .  15 Dec 1927 - 30 Oct 1995

Died in Fredericksburg, VA 
Inurned in West Point Post Cemetery, West Point, NY


James Frederick Workman's lifelong dream was to be a West Point graduate just like his father, James Henry (Harry) Workman, who graduated in the Class of 1923. Jim's dream materialized in 1946 when he received a presidential appointment to the Academy, and it was fully realized when he graduated in 1950. The same year, he met, fell in love with, and married Ellen Clyburn, daughter of Army COL and Mrs. James Clyburn (Class of 1924), making 1950 a double milestone year.

Jim's first assignment took him to Ft. Sill, OK where he had been born when his dad was stationed there. In 1951, at Ft. Sill, Jim and Ellen were blessed with the arrival of their first child, Martha Lynn. Daughter number two, Ann Louise, was born one year later, while Ellen was in Chicago. Jim had already moved to Stuttgart, Germany, where he was setting up the household for his growing family. The family soon followed, and by the time the young couple returned to the States, their little family had doubled in size to include daughters Ellen Susan and Nancy Jean. Back at Ft. Sill in 1956, daughter number five, Barbara Kay, arrived.

The next three years found the Workman clan back at Jim's beloved West Point, where he taught algebra geometry, trigonometry, and calculus as an assistant professor in the Math Department. From there, Jim went back to school himself, earning a master of science in electrical engineering as a "ramblin' wreck" from Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Daughter number six, Mary Catherine, made her appearance at this time. Jim referred to her as his little "Georgia peach."

From July 1961 to July 1964, Jim used his newly acquired electrical engineering skills as a test officer on the Nike Zeus anti-missile system program at the White Sands Missile Range, just north of Ft. Bliss, TX. It was an assignment that he enjoyed immensely.

While at the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, Jim's seventh and last (finally!) daughter, Kim Jannette, was born. He never expressed any regrets about not having a son; he loved his little harem!

From October 1965 to October 1966, Jim served as an advisor to the social services department of the Republic of South Viet Nam Armed Forces. He was extremely proud of the work he and others were doing to build schools, hospitals, and orphanages for the people of Viet Nam.

He spent the remaining five years of his military service working once again with missile defense systems, first at the Pentagon, then back in Germany, and finally at Ft. Bliss, TX. Jim retired in 1971 after 25 years of faithful service.

Jim Workman had two great loves in his life: the Army and his family. He spent the remaining years of his life concentrating on his family. He cared for his aging parents until they passed away and then was kept busy with 14 grandchildren. After a paralyzing stroke in 1989, Jim moved in with his daughter Susan, her husband, and five children near Fredericksburg, VA. It was there he passed away quietly in his sleep in the fall of 1995.

At the foot of his bed was a large picture of the Academy at West Point, and it may have been the final thing he saw before he closed his eyes for the last time. Jim Workman was a dedicated soldier, faithful husband, loving father, and a genuinely honorable man. He leaves behind seven daughters, fourteen grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

- Ellen S. Peppers

Stuart Wood, Jr.

NO. 17620  •  3 February 1929 – 17 June 1997

Died 17 June 1997 in Lake Wylie, SC.
Cremated, ashes scattered in the Atlantic Ocean

 

STUART WOOD, JR., was born at Ft. Bragg, NC, on his father's birthday. He traveled with his father, Stuart '27, and mother Mary, as they were posted from Ft. Bragg to Hawaii, where a brother (ex-'56) joined the family, before the family went on to move to various other military stations.

As a youngster, a potential military career was nearly cut short at Ft. Sill when a dud exploded, shattering five-year ­old Stuart's right arm. His arm was shortened by an inch, with extensive ligament damage, creating a lifelong problem in maintaining a proper saluting posture with his right hand. Even with his injured arm, Stuart was presented with the opportunity to attend West Point, in part as a result of his father being a Japanese POW during WW II. He chose to do so, and took a short sojourn from Fishburne Military School to attend Sullies to prepare for the entrance exam. He was successful, and entered West Point with the Class of ‘50 in 1946.

Academics at West Point were challenging, but Stu, as he was known, managed to graduate in the top third of his class. While a cadet, he was a four-year member of the swim team, played lacrosse, was on the track team, and was in the 100th Night Show.

Stu's first assignment was with a tank battalion in Germany. After two years, he transfered to the Corps of Engineers, his desired branch. A year's service as aide-de-­camp in Stuttgart brought him back to Ft. Bragg and the 82d Airborne Division, where he earned his airborne wings before heading for Korea. Serving two years combined as a company commander in the 82d Division in Korea was among the top assignments of Stu’s career.

Upon return stateside, Stu  met the love of his life. Four months after reporting to Ft. Belvoir, he married Patricia Meredith, whom he had met at Ft. Bragg. They lived and loved for 40 years with four great children to complete their family.

Advance coursework led to Stu earning a masters degree at Texas A&M,  where his first child was born. This was followed by a three-year tour in Alaska, where Stu was able to pursue several of his favorite pastimes - hunting, fishing, bowling, and skiing. A second child joined the family in Alaska. His next assignment brought the family back to Ft. Bragg, XVIII Airborne Corps, for two years, where a third child joined the family at Ft. Bragg before they headed overseas to Europe for three years. Working with NATO construction for that tour was very satisfying for Stu. His fourth child joined the family in Heidelberg, Germany.

Upon returning stateside once again, he brought the family to Colorado, where Stu taught civil engineering to USAF cadets. The family loved that assignment, and anchored in Colorado Springs.­

Stu had two tours in southeast Asia, one as Commander, 27th Engineer Battalion, and the other as Chief of Operations, 18th Engineer Brigade. Upon his return to the U.S., Stu joined his family in Colorado Springs, where he became the NORAD Engineer, monitoring the expansion of the underground headquarters at Cheyenne Mountain. He became more closely involved when he was assigned as the Area Engineer responsible for the actual construction of that project.

In addition to his military attributes, Stu was a gregarious host. One was always welcomed by his "bear hug" greeting.  While stationed at the Air Force Academy, Stu and Pat formed a gourmet club. Friends and classmates enjoyed many memorable evenings enhanced by his culinary efforts. While in Viet Nam, he hosted numerous dinner parties for fellow officers in his quarters. On one such occasion, a classmate visited him to renew their friendship, catch up on families and friends, and enjoy Stu’s cooking.  Unfortunately, the enemy began shelling the compound. Dinner and drinks continued, however, while both huddled under Stu’s trailer.

Stu and Pat sailed with friends, classmates, and relatives in many parts of the world. He was at home in the galley, as well as on deck. Once, when  he was short of butter for an evening meal he was preparing, Stu swam  to a near-by anchored cruise.  He got the butter and swam the side stroke back-holding the prize high-and-dry to the cheers of the cruiseship passengers and the delight of the shipmates.

Retirement in 1975 meant changing the color of the clothes he wore to work, as Stu moved immediatelv into the construction field. Construction took him all over the west before finally settling him in North Carolina. After nine years of following large-scale construction, Stu moved to a community college where he was a professor heading the Civil Engineering and Surveying Department. He enjoyed working with young people tremendously before his health forced his retirement in 1994. Back fusion, a knee replacement, and prostate and bone cancer rather limited his activities.

His military service was, recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including two Legions of Merit, a Bronze Star, a Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medals, Army and Air Force Commendation Medals, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.  During his limited spare time, he authored two civil engineering texts, and edited his father’s memoirs of Japanese prison camp for publication.

Besides writing, Stu’s activities took him from SCUBA diving and sailing to golf and tennis, while his health still enabled him to participate. As a sideline, he oversaw the construction of numerous personal real estate projects.

After fighting cancer for more than four years, Stu - ever the officer and gentleman - joined his father and brother in the Long Gray Line. 

Gail Francis Wilson

NO. 17807  •  21 May 1928 – 3 September 1967

Died 3 September 1967 in Vietnam, aged 39 years.
Interment: Forest Park West Cemetery, Houston, Texas


WEST OF PLEIKU near the Cambodian border, a helicopter crash on 1 September 1967 resulted in  the death of Lieutenant Colonel Gail Francis Wilson. Gail had been in Vietnam less than a  month on his second tour when the accident occurred. As his brigade commander wrote: "When I reached him (after the crash), he was standing in full control of himself and evidenced no concern for his own injuries. He explained very quickly where the other men were, for it was very difficult to find people in the tall grass. He must have spent much of his energy determining the conditions of the other men and may have assisted in dragging them free of the fire. None of the others could have done so… When we put him aboard the medical evacuation ship, he protested that he was less injured then the rest." Gail died two days later from burns received in the crash. Thus ended the life of a man so respected for his character, integrity, dedication, loyalty and selflessness.

Gail's life was full, exciting, and rewarding. Born at Fort Sam Houston 21 May 1928, Gail lived a happy childhood life as an Army Brat. As Gail accompanied his family from post to post, lifelong interests were building. Foremost was his love of the Army. He loved everything about it, mostly the people but also the customs, traditions, discipline and way of life. As an Army youngster he soon realized how important it was to make strong and lasting friendships. He cherished these friendships, and as he grew older, he appreciated the opportunity to form more and lasting friendships as he moved throughout the Army.

During the years of World War II, Gail lived in San Antonio, Texas, awaiting the return of his father, Colonel O. O. Wilson '24, who had been captured on Bataan. He graduated from Central Catholic High School where he distinguished himself as a cadet lieutenant colonel, a class officer and a budding athlete. After his graduation he attended Rice University in Houston, Texas, while preparing for his lifelong ambition, his admittance to West Point in July 1946.

Duty, Honor, and Country were no strangers to him. These were ideals learned as a child and nurtured during his four years at West Point. The HOWITZER notes ". . . his indomitable spirit, pleasing personality, and ... many friends." He excelled in track and cross country and later used these talents as a member of the U.S. Army's Modern Pentathalon Team. He participated in the Pan American games of 1951 and was manager of the team at the Olympics in 1952. Those who knew Gail knew that his athletic success was due more to his perseverance, and dedication, than to his athletic prowess.

Shortly after graduation Ardath Kersta came into Gail's life, and they were wed in May 1952 at West Point. This was the start of Gail's happy family life which was blessed with six wonderful children. As a husband and father Gail excelled. How proud he was, and how he enjoyed their closeness. His annual Christmas letters to friends were always full of humor relating to the Wilsons’ latest adventures.

It was the Army, though, around which the life of the G. F. Wilsons revolved. Gail was an Infantryman, a ranger, a master parachutist and a perfectionist in his career. His assignment included a previous tour in Vietnam as an advisor, an ROTC assignment at Wisconsin University and troop duty with four different infantry divisions. One of his most cherished assignments was with the 1st British Brigade in England where he and Ardath made so many close friends. His last assignment was commanding the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, of which he was justly proud.

Extracts from letters received since his death attest to his character. From a division commander: "Whenever I had a tough job to be done, I tossed it to Gail and forgot about it. I knew it would be done and done well. As well as being a competent soldier, Gail was a leader in the community and did many things to make the lives of others more pleasant." From a friend: " . . . in Kontum, Vietnam, in 1957-­58, he won the admiration, trust and respect of all his Vietnamese counterparts. He was a good American in the best possible meaning of that expression..." From his brigade commander: "He died in the manner in which he had lived, with the primary thought to his duty and with selfless attention to others."

The letters come from afar and pay tribute to this soldier. His family cherishes these letters and memories Gail has left them. They remember his devotion to God, his country and to them. They take comfort knowing Gail died doing what he loved, for something in which he believed. We'll miss him ...

WELL DONE, Be thou at Peace."

- J.C W.

Robert A. Williams

NO. 17795  •  20 Jul 1926 - 1 Oct 1952

Killed in Air Accident in South Korea - Remains not recovered


The small village of Celina, TX, located north of Dallas, had a population increase of one as Mr. and Mrs. Joe Lee Williams welcomed their second child, Robert Allen Williams, into their household. At an early age, Bob was entertained by riding in the family buggy, delivering food and cool drinks to the workers in the field. At the age of five, he learned to drive the buggy and then learned to ride the horse. He dreamed of becoming a cowboy when he grew up.

And grow up Bob did. His family moved to Malvern, AR, where his father operated a hardware store. Bob displayed his independence when he ran away from home to a nearby farm that had horses in pursuit of his desire to be a cowboy. He was returned to his family but his independent spirit remained with him throughout his life.

Bob attended Malvern High School, where he was active in student government and athletics, earning letters in track and gymnastics. While in high school, he developed an interest in attending West Point and with sought an opportunity to do so by attending Marion Institute. He eventually earned an appointment to the Academy in July 1945. After successfully completing "Beast Barracks," Bob was ready for the academic challenge and despite his best effort, was un-able to master the rules of analytic geometry and was and "turned back."

His indomitable spirit led him to try one more time for re-admission to the Academy by attending Sullivan’s Preparatory School in Washington, DC, for further academic tutoring. While there, he befriended two "ex" plebes, William G. Fuller and Gene A. Dennis, who experienced the same setback, and coincidently became his roommates during all four years at the Academy. Their friendship lasted throughout their careers.

As a cadet, Bob compiled an envious record. He achieved the rank of cadet lieutenant, became intercollegiate gymnastic champion in the "flying rings," and earned fourth place in that event in the National Gymnastic Championship, for which he was awarded his Major "A."

The future held much promise for Bob when he entered Basic Flight Training at Randolph AFB, TX. At the outset, flying seemed natural to him, almost like riding a horse. He was one of a few to solo early, a happy event. That accomplishment was overshadowed by another event, however, when he was introduced to Miss Peggy Jackson by Bill Fuller's fiance, Miss Lee Grebe. A wonderful courtship began, followed by marriage to Peggy. When assigned to advanced jet fighter training at Williams AFB, Bob joined both his roommates, who were taking the same training. His world now was perfect - Bob was with those he loved, embarking on a career he loved. He was even happier after experiencing the thrill of his first jet flight in the T-33 jet trainer. He knew he had made the correct career and life choices.

Bob soon learned that the T-33 aircraft was a different machine from the T-6 basic trainer. The transition proved to be a challenge, as he had difficulty staying abreast with the others in meeting the standards. Consequently, he was moved back to another group for additional training. Bob finally graduated from the advanced flight training and Peggy pinned the wings of an Air Force pilot on to his uniform.

After graduation, the Williams family traveled to Luke AFB, AZ, where Bob entered the F-84 Combat Crew Training Course and joined his two roommates who were nearing completion of their training. That reunion ended when they departed for their assignments to Johnson AFB in Japan. The additional flying time and experience Bob acquired at Williams AFB proved beneficial as he became the top student pilot in aerial gunnery. From there, he followed his roommates to Johnson AFB, arriving in time to bid them farewell as they departed to join F-84 units in Korea.

After completing indoctrination training at Johnson, Bob was assigned to the 474th Fighter Bomber Group, an F-84 unit in Korea, where he was reunited with Gene A. Dennis. His first few weeks in Korea were spent undergoing theatre indoctrination learning the rules of engagement, the procedure involved understanding the tactical air control system, plus training flights to the tactical gunnery range. All were necessary steps before flying combat missions. Bob was cleared to fly combat and scheduled to fly a combat familiarization flight in the number four aircraft in a flight of four aircraft.

Shortly after takeoff and during the climb to altitude, the flight experienced weather conditions. When the flight broke into the clear, Bob's aircraft was not sighted nor did he check in by radio. The other flight members never sighted his aircraft during the flight through weather or join up. Subsequent search flights over the area were unable to locate the downed aircraft or pilot.

It was assumed Bob experienced vertigo during the climb through the weather and was unable to stay with the flight during instrument conditions, lost control, and crashed. He was declared killed in air accident 1 Oct 1952. His widow, Peggy, survives Bob.

His will be done. "Be thou at peace."

- Classmate and wingman Bill Curry

Robert D. Willerford

NO. 17565 • 8 Mar 1925 - 24 Sep 1956  

Died in Tallahasee, FL.
Interred in West Point Cemetery, West Point NY

 

On 24 Sep 1956, a hurricane glanced off the Louisiana and Alabama gulf coasts and struck northwest Florida with full force, blasting Panama City and nearby coastal towns with 100 mile per hour winds. CPT Bob Willerford and his wingman were ordered to evacuate two training aircraft from Tyndall AFB near Panama City. Initial orders were to evacuate the aircraft to the Midwest. Orders then changed, and CPT Willerford and his colleague were diverted to West Palm Beach. Bob's wife Mary remembers his rushing home and then heading back to the flight line, leaving his wallet on the dresser. After driving to the runway and watching while a sergeant ran out to return the wallet to him, she saw Bob wave vigorously to her and take off. Tragically, Bob and the wingman collided in the severe weather and crashed near Tallahassee. His wingman ejected safely and survived. Bob died in the crash and was buried with honors at West Point on 28 Sep 1956, just 6 years and 3 months after his graduation.

Bob left behind his young wife and three young children, family he treasured. He also left behind a father, mother, two sisters, and a brother he cared for deeply. He left behind a profession he loved. Flying was his passion. He left behind classmates and colleagues who greatly valued his friendship. Though long years have dimmed memories, we remember a fine, ebullient man with a brilliant smile, who had been a friend to all.

Robert Dale Willerford was born to Fred and Lillian Willerford in Chicago, IL, on 8 Mar 1925. They soon moved to Van Nuys, CA. He grew up there, the oldest of four children, with siblings Ruth, Beverly, and Fred. He attended Van Nuys High School, participating in sports and other activities. Upon graduation in 1942, Bob attended a preparatory school and then went into the Army in September 1943. He was assigned to the Army Special Training Program for continued education at Lafayette College, PA, and, subsequently, Amherst College, MA. With his leadership qualities evident, Bob was selected for OCS in April 1945 and graduated in December 1945 as a second lieutenant of Infantry. He was ordered back to Amherst College, this time to the USMA Prep School. Future classmate Tyler Goodman, at Amherst, remembers that many of the enlisted men regarded Bob as a model officer, whom they one day hoped to emulate. A final brief tour at Ft. Benning was interrupted by orders to join the Class of 1950 at West Point in July 1946.

Bob successfully negotiated the rigors of Beast Barracks, helping many classmates along the way. Company mate Fred Hoham recalled that Bob won a prize during Beast Barracks for rapidly field stripping and reassembling his M 1 rifle. In September, he joined Company E 1, his home until graduation. During his years at West Point, Bob was an 'A' Squad fencer, a mainstay of the saber team. His skill and sheer determination earned him a place on the 1950 Eastern Intercollegiate Championship Saber Team. He also participated in several clubs and served as a baseball manager. Again, his excellent leadership qualities were recognized with his appointment as a cadet lieutenant and platoon leader during First Class year. He was remembered by company commander Bill Aman as having had a steadying influence on the company.

While at West Point, Bob had the good fortune to meet his "OAO," Mary Bemis, of Spencer, MA. They were wed on 24 Jun 1950 during graduation leave and immediately went on to a first duty station at Randolph AFB, TX, with residence in New Braunfels. Upon completion of basic flight training, he and Mary moved on to Williams AFB, where he completed advanced training Over the next few years, their three children, Beth, Susie, and Bobbie, were born.
Following additional postings for continued training, Bob went to Korea in September 1952. After 23 combat missions in Korea with the 474th Fighter Bomber Wing, Bob was reassigned to the 9th Fighter Bomber Squadron in Nagoya, Japan, in December 1952. There, he joined a special group of about 30 pilots to train for a classified mission. It was some months later that Mary and the children joined him in Japan.

Bob was a tinkerer. For his family, every move was another chance to fiddle. He made furniture, painted, put up wallpaper, built shelves and cupboards, made folding patterns for linens, and created playrooms out of closets. While stationed in Nagoya, Mary remembers his stenciling balloons and children’s characters onto material he had found somewhere, making curtains for the children’s rooms. He tinkered sometimes with official permission, sometimes without.

More than his family benefited from his tinkering. In Korea, Bob and his colleagues underwent special mission training. It required careful weapon preparation, precise weapon settings, and intricate installation of devices on board the F84G aircraft. The procedure involved the use of several test instruments that were not particularly well arranged. Bob designed a consolidated configuration for the test instruments on a dolly, greatly contributing to the speed and efficiency of preflight operations. The training required dangerous long range flights over Korea in overloaded aircraft and a return to base with minimal fuel in reserve. Fortunately, the armistice in 1953 obviated the need for execution of the special weapons missions.

Upon return to the States in 1954, the family traveled to Tyndall AFB, FL, where Bob served as a flight instructor until the tragic day in September 1956 when his plane crashed in Florida. During his short but distinguished service, Bob was recognized with the Air Medal and Commendation Medal.

Bob Willerford is remembered by family, friends, classmates, and colleagues as a man who loved and cared for his family with great dedication, who was a stalwart friend, and who served his nation proudly and with distinction.

- His Family and Classmates

Francis W. White, Jr.

NO. 17990 . 8 Dec 1925 - 12 May 2001  

Died in Scottsdale, AZ
Inurned in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA


Francis "Buddy" Wilford White, Jr, was born. in his father's hometown of Plymouth, MA, the second of five children born to Frank and Katherine Agnes White. The family moved around New England, then to Cleveland, and back to New England while Buddy was growing up. He had a particular fondness for a period spent in Northfield, VT, where he could ski to school. He graduated high school from LaSalle Academy in Providence, RI in 1944, and then entered Providence College for a year before he joined the Army during WWII. He had always wanted to go to West Point, and his father encouraged and supported Buddy’s goal. Buddy used to say that because his dad had always believed he would be successful, he finally came to believe it himself. He was eventually selected for the USMAPS program, went to Amherst College, took the exams for West Point, and joined the Class of '50.

Life during the following four years was filled with relentless studying, singing in the choir, and serving as an acolyte at Catholic services. His hockey career was cut short by a knee injury, thus confining his extracurricular interests to the camera club. Buddy’s father sent him flashlight batteries so he could cram after "lights out" on his Russian studies. He met and fell in love with Ann Gilson of Passaic, NJ, while at USMA, and they married in September 1950. Ann shared his life for 51 years, and together they raised their two children, Christine and Francis 111.

As a lieutenant in the Signal Corps, he was posted to Ft. Lewis for a short time and was then sent to Germany, assigned to Hanau and Pirmasens. An ROTC assignment at the University of Illinois followed and hatched his interest in "the business of government." Next came a tour in Korea with the Eighth Army, 304th Signal Battalion, and then two years at the Harvard Business School, acquiring an MBA degree in 1961.

Following Harvard, Buddy was assigned to Ft. Huachuca, AZ, as a contracting officer in the Electronic Proving Ground Procurement Office. There he became highly experienced in negotiating with major contractors. He considered his tour at EPG, in what was then a somewhat isolated location, a highlight in his Army career. He and Ann particularly enjoyed the picnics and other outings in the beautiful Arizona mountains and desert with three other classmates and their families, experiences that formed lifelong bonds.

Buddy was next posted to CGSC at Ft. Leavenworth, and then to the Joint Communications Agency, NATO, in Fontainebleau, France, as comptroller. There his horizons expanded to include personnel and budget responsibilities for the North Atlantic Council. He moved to the Netherlands as director of the communications operations of the JCA. During this period, he was stricken with Crohn’s disease. An operation in Orleans was successful, and he recovered fully enough to be posted to Viet Nam, commanding the 521d Signal Battalion at Can Tho during 1967-68 and receiving the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and an Air Medal.

Buddy next was posted to the office of the secretary of defense in the Pentagon, joining a study group examining reform of the military pay system and being chosen to draft the compensation section of the DOD's proposal for a volunteer military force. Following much debate in Congress, his basic plan was accepted and remained virtually unchanged for many years.

His Crohn’s disease and his and Ann’s desire to settle down prompted him to accept a disability retirement in 1972. He began a 14year career in the Civil Service, first at the General Accounting Office as an assistant director and then the more challenging posting as senior political advisor at the Office of Management and Budget. Over the next eight years,
he rose to super grade status reporting to David Stockman. While the pressure was intense, he liked the small staff and the significant impact it had. Then, in 1984, Buddy took a position as regional director in the Census Bureau in Los Angeles, supervising a staff of 55 fulltime and 300 part-time employees.

In 1986, the Harvard Business School selected him as one of ten 1961 graduates who exemplified the professional achievements of that accomplished class, profiling him in the October 1986 Bulletin. It was also the year he retired from the Civil Service and returned to Arizona for good, building a home in Scottsdale. Not content to sit around and play golf (he once made a hole-in-one on the 17th hole of the Ancala Country Club course in Scottsdale), he joined Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Phoenix, putting his analytical and planning gifts to work once again, this time as an instructor in management and accounting. These part-time duties kept him constantly learning.

His last years in Scottsdale were very pleasant. Buddy and Ann enjoyed visiting and being visited by their children, grandchildren, and friends, and their annual month in Coronado, CA, every September. Then, in spring 2001, Buddy was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died two months later.

Buddy possessed a disciplined, inquisitive mind that he put to work in a life of balanced commitments. He was a quiet and thoughtful man who appreciated the gifts of all peoples and cultures, good food, and good wine. He loved celebrations, bringing a cannon to a family Bicentennial costume party and firing it, he was a faithful Catholic and a faithful servant of our country; he was a loving and generous brother, husband, father, and friend; and no one was more ready to share a laugh at the absurdities of life. In short, he was a fine example of a West Point graduate, the embodiment of the spirit of "Duty, Honor, Country." Rest in peace, Buddy White.

-- His family and a classmate

Warren Webster, III

NO. 18012  •  

Killed in Action, February 21, 1953 in Korea. Aged 25 Years.


The news of Warren Webster's death came as a shock to all who knew him as a cheerful friend and a superior soldier and officer. Just prior to the time of his death on 21 February 1953 he was Aide-de-Camp to Brigadier General Dewey at IX Corps and could have remained in this position of comparative safety except for his intense desire to lead troops on the line as he had done before receiving the position as aide. Early in February 1953 his wish was granted and he assumed command of a rifle company in the 3d Division. Shortly, thereafter, he was killed by a sniper's bullet while leading his company on patrol.

Throughout the six years that I knew Web he was always happy and easy going. If there was a piano nearby he was ready with a song. And, if times were hard and others were unhappy, Web was always ready with a joke. What he lacked in the classroom he made up for with common sense. It is no secret that he held the Academic Department in complete contempt, preferring to spend his time talking and dreaming of the time he would marry his high school sweetheart, Joan Gidley.

I shall never forget, nor will many others, the wonderful parties Joan and Web had during weekends in Philadelphia. Web would be at his best with all the Ivy League songs, while everybody else would try to sing louder than he.

There was never a thing Web could not or would not do for anybody. His generosity and friendliness were open to all. I have never heard a person who knew him say that he was not among his best of friends.

Just as he played hard so did he work hard. Upon graduation he went to Parachute School and served with the 82d Airborne Division for a year before departing for Korea. While in Korea he received the Silver Star for gallantry while leading a patrol, and the Bronze Star for meritorious service.  His sense of duty was as keen as his sense of humor.

Web realized his dream -  shortly after graduation when he married Joan at a beautiful ceremony in Philadelphia. After he went overseas she went back to her home in Drexel Park, Pennsylvania, where their son, Warren Webster IV, was born.

Little Web had a wonderful father who has fulfilled his duty to his country and family. 

- Charles R. Smith

Robert I. Weber

NO. 17766  •  18 Sep 1928 24 May 2001

Died in Flagstaff, AZ 
Cremated and interred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.


Robert Irven Weber was born in Fosston, MN, and raised in Minneapolis. His father Irven Frank Weber died when Bob was 14 years old. His mother Myra Adeline was a school teacher and disciplinarian who taught Bob and his brother Jack William the core values that he would demonstrate as a leader throughout his life.

Bob's record of achievements started when he won the 1939 Minnesota State Yo-Yo Championship. He was a Boy Scout and reached the rank of star scout. He was a three sport letter winner (football, basketball, baseball) during his junior and senior years and was a starting guard on the Patrick Henry High School basketball team, winning the 1945 Minnesota State Championship. His first place finish on the West Point entrance exam earned him an appointment from Senator Shipstead.

At the Academy, Bob was in the middle of the class academically. His athletic ability was confirmed by his earning Numerals in baseball and football, but an even more impressive sports accomplishment was in hockey: he earned Numerals, Monogram, and Major "A." The consensus of his company classmates was that Bob was one fine individual who enriched their lives and made living in the restrictions of the Academy a little easier. During branch selection night, Bob chose the Air Force as he desired to be "The World's Greatest Fighter Pilot."

Approximately half of Bob's Air Force career was spent in his beloved fighter organizations. Upon graduation from West Point, Bob was commissioned in the Air Force and assigned to basic pilot training at Randolph AFB. He took his advanced pilot training at Williams AFB and fighter crew training at Nellis AFB. His first operational unit was the 80th Bomb Squadron in the 8th Fighter Bomb Wing (F 80s) in Korea. While with the 80th in combat, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals (1951-52).

After Korea, he was assigned duty as a line pilot with Air Defense Command, O'Hare Field. He had a tour of duty at ADC Headquarters, Ent AFB, before he was assigned as the U.S. representative on the Four Powers Coordination Board in the Berlin Air Safety Center. He served in this crucial position during the crisis created by the construction of the wall separating East and West Berlin. He also served as a staff officer in Weisbaden. After Germany, he attended the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) at Maxwell AFB. Upon graduation, he was assigned as operations staff officer, J 3, Headquarters Strike Command, MacDill AFB. During his fighter days, he flew in the F 80, F 86, and F104.

His assignmentas the commander of the T 39 "Scatbacks" Squadron in Saigon, Viet Nam, broke the fighter organization chain of assignments. During this tour he earned the Bronze Star, the Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross and the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal (1967-68). Upon his return to the States, he served as a command pilot at Norton AFB. He moved to Headquarters Military Airlift Command (MAC), Scott AFB, as chief of the programming division and was selected two years later to be the base commander and deputy wing commander at McGuire AFB. He returned to HQ MAC, as director of aircrew training and resource management. His last assignment was as commander, Pacific Airlift Center, Hickam AFB. He flew T 39s and C 141s while assigned to MAC.

Bob's 30 years of distinguished service included attendance at Squadron Officer School and ACSC, and the award of a master's in business administration from George Washington University.

Bob began his civilian career as senior vice president and director of planned giving for Scripps Foundation of Medicine and Science in San Diego. During his tenure, he raised more than $220 million in estate gifts for the foundation. For this work, he was honored a number of times.

In 1988, he received a first place award for excellence in planned giving from the National Association for hospital development. In 1996, he was the first inductee to the Hall of Fame of the Planned Giving Roundtable of San Diego and honored as the Fundraiser of the Year. In 1997, he received the Planned Giving Professional of the Year Award, given to the individual who deserves national recognition for "excellence in character, achievement, and leadership."

During Christmas leave 1950, Bob married Ann Vaage, who, although not the girl next door, lived in the same block, attended the same church, and had been his high school sweetheart. Ann's father was the minister at Victory Lutheran and performed the wedding ceremony. Ann and Bob had five children: Robert, Jr., was born at Nellis AFB; Wayne and Beth were born at O'Hare Field; William joined the family in Berlin; and Kurt completed the family in Weisbaden. Ann died in 1975.

In 1976 Bob married Sue Skinner, formerly of Wichita, KS. They were a loving couple and fierce competitors on the golf course. They enjoyed the final years of Bob's military service and his second career in San Diego before moving to Flagstaff. Although retired, Bob took on consulting work for Scripps Hospital and Northern Arizona University. Their combined family included the five Weber children plus two stepdaughters, Randi Schuyler and Terri Schuyler; stepson Mark Schuyler; and 21 grandchildren.

Bob carried the values that his mother and West Point had instilled in him throughout his military and civilian service. A prevailing theme of his life was his wonderful sense of humor. He managed to entertain and inspire those associated with him, even during a lengthy bout with colon cancer. He never gave up, playing a round of golf two weeks before his death. His family, extended family, and many West Point classmates and comrades said Au Revoir to Bob at his burial with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on 3 Aug 2001.

Gene Mechling said it for all of us, "Robert I. Weber was one fine man, officer, father, and friend ... I can only smile and say thanks partner, for your friendship and for the special memories of those years. And for God's sake, pass the puck!"

John Lonergan Weaver

NO. 17694  •  

Died 6 September 1952 in Korea (KIA), aged 25 years.
Interment: West Point Cemetery, West Point, New York.


John Weaver and I were classmates at the Academy and in the same company (F­1); later, we roomed together as bachelors at Fort Bragg and Fort Benning, and I grew to know him even better - as a fellow officer and a true friend.

Twenty-five years were all that were given to John before he was killed in action in Korea on 6 September 1952. Such a brief lifespan does not provide opportunities for homeric achievements, but the promise of what might have been was evident to those who knew him.

How best to describe John? Whenever I hear West Point's motto proclaimed, John comes to mind. He truly lived by the words "Duty, Honor, Country." This image of John was evident to others as well. A friend who knew him in high school and at West Point wrote, "My strongest recollection of him is his sense of personal responsibility - his sense of duty. John didn't talk much; he just did, and did well, and without question." Other images are still vivid in my memory. John, the staunch Catholic, living his faith quietly but with conviction; his unwillingness to compromise his principies or cut corners, his absolute integrity. An incident from long ago comes to mind and was so characteristic of John. Soon after being assigned to our first platoons, we were to report 100% completion of certain mandatory training. Under the circumstances at that time, this was impossible to accomplish, so the accepted practice was to tender a false report. John's refusal to do so gave me the will to follow his lead.

It would be wrong, however, if one were to get the impression John was aloof and humorless or rigid and unbending, or overzealous and self-righteous. Not so. He was a spirited, funloving, personable fellow with a quick, dry wit. He was highly regarded not only by his friends but by his associates. A fellow officer who served with him remembered, "John was one of the few persons I have known who had the admiration of all his superiors, associates and subordinates. Everyone who knew him respected him for his adherence to his high standards and ideals."

John was destined for West Point and the Army. His father was a Regular Army officer. He grew up in a military environment. Just prior to entering the Military Academy, he lived in wartime San Antonio, Texas. A number of his friends there – “Army Brats” like himself – would later attend the Point with him. His older sister Mary Jo married a graduate of the Class of 1943. His older brother Bud preceded him at West Point, graduating in 1945, and his younger brother Tom graduated in 1955.

In San Antonio, John attended Central Catholic High School, where he was "Mr. Everything." He captained the varsity football team and was appointed cadet colonel of the ROTC unit his senior year. The school yearbook states, "Cadet Colonel John Weaver, military leader and outstanding athlete. As head of Central's military organization, he is in charge of four-fifths of the student body." His leadership was evident even at this stage of his life.

Following his graduation from high school and a year at Sullivan's Preparatory School, John gained a presidential appointment and entered West Point in July 1946. As a cadet, he was an achiever in all things that were important to him. He attained the rank of cadet sergeant in the Corps, was a faithful member of the Catholic Chapel squad and was active in athletics. He played plebe football and was a member of the varsity lacrosse squad.

John loved West Point. He gained much intellectually and professionalIy during his four years there. He was also strengthened and inspired by the tradition of the institution and those associated with it. Upon reflecting on his West Point experience, he wrote down his thoughts as he approached graduation. He made the point, with sincere eloquence, that he drew inspiration from the officers serving as instructors and staff. He had great respect for the example they set and the standards and ideals by which they lived.

Upon graduation, John went through the rigors of airborne training and was assigned as a platoon leader in the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment. This regiment soon moved from Fort Bragg to Fort Benning to assume the role of "School Troops" when the Third Division departed for Korea. In the summer of 1951 he was assigned to the reactivated 508th Airborne Infantry Regiment. John arrived in Korea in July 1952 and was assigned as a platoon leader in Company, B, 27th Infantry, 25th Division. By the time he came on line with the regiment, the fighting had settled into attacks and counterattacks to seize key terrain. Typical of this fighting was the enemy's assault on an outpost called "Sandbag Castle" on the night of 6 September. The position was critical, as it provided clear observation for the occupier into the "Punch Bowl" area. The assault was preceded by a tremendous barrage of mortar and artillery fire into the 27th Infantry positions, particularly severe in the 1st Battalion sector. Company A, occupying the "Castle" was surprised and overrun during the night. For the remainder of the night and well into the next day, the battle continued for control of the ridge line where the “Castle” was situated. Every company in the 1st Battalion was engaged in the fight. It was into this inferno that John led his platoon in a counterattack. Later accounts of the battle described it as being vicious, savage and, at times, hand-to-hand. Casualities were high. A member of the staff later wrote, "The only thing that dulled the brunt of their (Chinese) assault and finally stopped it was men like John who bought time with their lives... his final actions were an inspiration to the men around him ......”

To close the final chapter of his life by writing "John made the supreme sacrifice" would overlook the significance of his life. Though he stayed the course but briefly, John epitomized all that is noble and good in mankind. His legacy is the inspiration gained from the exemplary way he lived his life day-­by-day  -  the influence for good that his memory exerts on all whose lives he touched. John, we salute you as you stand tall and straight in the ghostly ranks of the "Long Gray Line."

- A classmate and a brother

Wilbur Moore Warren II

NO. 17731  •  29 October 1926 – 13 January 1988

Died 13 January 1988 in Atlanta, Georgia, aged 61 years
Interment:  Arlington Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia

 

WILBUR MOORE WARREN II was born in Savannah, Georgia on 29 October 1926. He was the only child of Madeline Low Warren and Wilbur Moore Warren.

Will spent his early years in Atlanta, Georgia and Wilmington, North Carolina, graduating from New Hanover High School in Wilmington in 1944. As a boy, he spent many afternoons listening to an elderly Wilmington neighbor, Mrs. Bellamy, de­scribe her Civil War experiences. This fascination with the Civil War, and warfare in general, manifested itself in later life as he became a Civil War scholar and a soldier in his own right. His classmates recall that, when Will arrived at West Point, he was an expert on Civil War incidents that most of them never knew occured.

Will also was shaped by his experiences in scouting, Not only did he achieve the coveted rank of Eagle Scout, but he went on as a man to become a scoutmaster and a lover of the outdoors, especially when it involved camping and hiking. Even after his retirement, his Sunday afternoons in Atlanta regularly included a trek up Stone Mountain. Another strong influence in his life was his aunt, with whom he spent much of his time. She assisted him in obtaining an appointment to the Military Academy and, after a short stint in the Air Corps and the USMA Preparatory School, Will en­tered USMA on a hot July day in 1946.

Will is remembered by his classmates with affection. They describe him as "One of those genuinely nice people that we meet so seldom in this world." They also recall that he seemed to enjoy the rigors of cadet life and maintained his good humor and positive attitude even when, "There was no earthly reason to be optimistic." He also is fondly remembered as the only cadet in Company D2 who enjoyed small talk at reveille formation. In June 1950, Will successfully completed his life as a cadet and graduated into the Infantry. For his first assignment, he picked the 7th Infantry. Almost immediately, for Will and many of his classmates, war emerged from the his­tory books to become a harsh reality. He served as an Infantry lieutenant in Korea. His Combat Infantry Badge was always a source of pride to him.

His subsequent assignments included The Infantry School and a tour as aide‑de­camp at Fort MacPherson in Atlanta. While serving there, he met and courted Dorothy Dale (DeDe) Johnson. They were married in Columbia, Mississippi in May of 1953. Soon after, the couple found themselves in Bamberg, Germany, where Will was as­signed to the 26th Infantry Regiment as a company commander. While there, son Wallace Hugh and daughter Amanda Low were born.

In the mid‑50s, the Warrens returned with the regiment to Fort Riley. A year at The Infantry School followed and, after graduation, the Warrens moved to Charles­ton, South Carolina where Will served as an ROTC instructor at the Citadel. While in Charleston, a second daughter, Patricia Johnson, was born.

After The Citadel, Will was assigned to XII Corps in Atlanta, followed by a tour with one of the early advisory groups in Vietnam (1960 ‑ 61). Then came a period of relative stability for the Warrens at Fort Leavenworth where Will was first a stu­dent and, later, an instructor at the C&GSC. In the late 60s, Will served a tour in Hawaii at CINPAC, where he was known to his boss, ADM McCain, as Mr. "Korea."

Will's active duty military service ended in 1970 when he retired and he and DeDe returned to Atlanta. For his service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

In Atlanta, Will approached civilian life with all of the resolve that he had exercised on active duty. Soon after he retired, he took a position as general manager of a large shopping mall, and he surely enjoyed his job as much as any he had ever held. When the mall was sold, Will worked for a while with the former owner and, in addi­tion to some private consulting, was asso­ciated with a local camera store.

In addition to his love of family and the military, Will had a fascination with pho­tography. In retirement he pursued his hobby. With his 1938 Leica, he photo­graphed the Atlanta skyline, the yellow daisies on Stone Mountain and the lions in the Atlanta Zoo. All of it was done with the precision and attention to detail that was so typical of his approach to life.

On 13 January 1988, Will died follow­ing a heart attack and stroke resulting from complications of the diabetes he had battled in later years. We remember Will as a good friend and classmate and as a loving father and husband. In addition to his family, he loved the ocean, zoos, cooking out, pho­tography, history and iced tea. We called him "Will," a name that suited him well. He was a quiet but powerful man who shunned trivialities; a cheerful Southern gentleman who believed that we must all forge our own happiness.

James Wallace, Jr.

NO. 17624  •  6 Jun 1926 - 16 Mar 2005

Died in Alexandria, VA Inurned in Grace Episcopal Church, Alexandria, VA


James Wallace, Jr., was born in Toledo, OH, the elder of the two sons of James Wallace III and Fidelia Latimer Mills. Along with his brother George, Jim attended Toledo public schools, but Jim's last two years of high school were at The Hill School in Pennsylvania.

Jim's father was a civil engineer who earned his wings during World War I through the Aviation Branch of the Signal Corps. Jim's uncle, MG Ralph H. Wooten, was an Army Air Corps pilot. Wooten suggested that Jim consider West Point if he was interested in a military career. Heeding that advice, Jim applied for and received an appointment from Rep. Homer A Ramey of Ohio.

Well liked at the Academy, Jim participated in many activities, including the Howitzer, Pointer, 100th Nite Show, the Debate Society, and the Ski, Radio, and Model Railroad Clubs. Considered a walking encyclopedia, Jim was often called upon for obscure information. He was not a "star man" but graduated in the upper half of his class academically.

Because his father and his uncle had been pilots, Jim chose the Air Force upon graduation, but being a fighter jock was not in his future. He graduated from basic flight training flying the T-6 and then went to B-25 school, only to be washed out after 200 hours of flying time.

Jim next attended the Armament Systems Engineering School at Lowry AFB, CO, and was assigned as an aircraft maintenance officer for P-47s at a NY National Guard unit in Niagara Falls, NY. To improve his skills, he completed a five-month Training-with-Industry assignment in fire control systems at the Hughes Aircraft Corporation in Los Angeles.

There, Jim met Barbara "Bobbie" Frances Brooks after attending church one morning. As a good-looking six-footer in uniform, he garnered much attention. They saw each other often, but he soon left California, returning to New York briefly before being reassigned to Otis AFB, MA, where he worked as an aircraft maintenance officer and a personnel officer.

Although Jim and Bobbie had discussed marriage before he left California, he never proposed. After leaving, Jim missed Bobbie, so he called her and popped the question over the phone. On 27 Feb 1954, they were married in Flint, MI, where Bobbie had moved after Jim returned to the East. Their first home together was in Massachusetts.

The sudden change from maintenance to personnel prompted Jim to reevaluate his career path. He applied to the Air Force Institute of Technology and graduated in 1956 with a master's degree in electrical engineering. He was immediately assigned to the Snark missile development office at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.

All of Jim's official papers identify him as James Wallace, Jr., but he actually was James Wallace IV, and James Wallace V was born in Ohio on 30 Nov 1956. Jim next attended another Training-with-Industry program at the Rand Corporation in Santa Monica, CA, in anticipation of work with the Air Force Space Systems Division in Los Angeles.

After three successful years at Space Systems Division, Jim, Bobbie, and Jimmy headed back east to the Office of the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Research and Development at the Pentagon. On their second day in town, they bought the first house they saw, a good decision because they lived there for many years. After serving at the Pentagon, Jim served as an Air Force officer at the Central Intelligence Agency and, after his retirement in 1970, continued with the physical sciences offices of the CIA as an expert in infra-red technology. During his service, he earned three Commendation Medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, and the CIA Black Award.

Even before he retired, Jim and the "clan" were busy in the theater, all appearing on stage in various shows. Jim and Bobbie even produced a play, and Jim was elected to the Little Theater of Alexandria Board of Governors, Jim's first civilian job was in real estate, and he became incredibly knowledgeable of the Old Town Alexandria market. When John McEnearney (USNA '49) left their firm to start a new company, he invited Jim to be one of their first agents. He was a professional agent with a sense of humor and a great asset to John's company. Upon seeing a "For Sale by Owner" sign, he remarked, "Before long, people will be taking out their own appendixes." In the '80s, Jim put his real estate knowledge to good personal use when he and Bobbie bought four run-down waterfront cottages on the Chesapeake Bay in North Beach, MD, and assisted the town in a major improvement program, including the restoration of his cottages. He and Bobbie did much of the restoration themselves and were gratified to see their efforts "help improve the North Beach image." Living in Alexandria, they nevertheless spent much of their time at their North Beach cottages.

Although very busy, Jim used a newly obtained computer to do income taxes for some clients, manage his real property and that of his son and daughter in law, and assist Bobbie with her writings. She is a highly successful author of more then 20 children's books.

In 2003, Jim developed cancer. After two years of combating it with chemotherapy and radiation, Jim died on 16 Mar 2005. He is inurned in the memorial wall at Grace Episcopal Church in Alexandria, the church he and Bobbie attended for 40 years.

Bobbie now lives in McLean, VA. Their son and daughter-in-law, Christine, and two granddaughters, Victoria and Elizabeth, live nearby.

At the time of Jim's death, John McEnearney wrote of him, "Above all, he was a kind and gentle man; a true gentleman, who was always ready to help ... in any way he could.... Jim will be sorely missed by all who knew and respected him."

-- Classmates, family, and friends

Jerome N. Waldor

NO. 17421  •  21 September 1927 – 2 September 2005

Died in Livingston, NJ
Interred in Sharey Tefilo Israel, Montclair, NJ


"My dad was the wind at my back." 
Dr. Matthew Waldor, speaking at Jerry's funeral

Jerome Noel "Jerry" Waldor was born on 21 Sep 1927, the second son of Jack and Rose Waldor, in Newark, NJ. He grew up in Newark, attended Weequahic High School, and formed many lifelong friendships. Several friends from his elementary school days spoke at his funeral service. In 1950, Jerry married neighbor Rita Kaden, and eventually their family grew to three sons and eight grandchildren.

Jerry enlisted in the Navy V-5 program in 1945, but in 1946, while in pre-flight training, he received an appointment to West Point. Jerry loved West Point, and in 1950 was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Rita and Jerry traveled to postings around the country, finally landing at the Royal Air Force Station, Sculthorpe, England in 1952. He served as a crewmember on the B-45 Tornado jet bomber, receiving training as a navigator-bombardier. He returned to McGuire Air Force Base, NJ, where he remained on active duty until 1954.

In 1954, Jerry was commissioned a captain in the Air Force Reserve. At McGuire, he was selected to command the newly-formed 5th Military Airlift Squadron in I960. He moved to the Pentagon, and then in 1978, he moved to the Defense Logistics Agency. In 1983, he was assigned to Air Force Logistics Command at Wright-Patterson AFB. He assumed a Tactical Air Command assignment in May 1985, where he remained until his retirement as major general in August 1987. During his service, he received many distinctions, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

Military service was a pivotal force in Jerry's life. Upon his retirement, a ceremony was held at Langley AFB and attended by family and friends. At the ceremony, he spoke about his 40-plus years in military service. With his usual humility and humor, he credited both the Air Force and his wife Rita for allowing him to serve. The military gave Jerry an enormous amount; he learned a clear sense of discipline, camaraderie, a focused sense of service, and leadership skills, all of which served him well throughout his life.

In civilian life, he settled in West Orange and then South Orange, NJ, not far from where he was born. He established an insurance agency in the late 1950s, the Brounell Kramer Waldor Kane Agency, later the Waldor Agency. Under his leadership, the agency grew into a significant presence in the metropolitan New Jersey business community. An active believer in education, he earned his CPCU designation in the early 1960s. He was joined in the business by two of his sons in the 1980s. Both sons appreciated his ability to listen, guide, offer advice, and let them make their own decisions and mistakes. By early 2004, the agency employed more than 40 people. The atmosphere, while productive and disciplined, remained warm and comfortable under Jerry's tutelage. In addition to running and growing a business, Jerry remained committed to serving his community.

Jerry's life was guided by the mantra of service: service to his community, his country, and fellow humanity. Jerry served as campaign chairman in the 1980s of the United Jewish Federation of Metrowest and as president in the early 1990s. His service to that community was, and remains, legendary. He was on numerous committees and boards throughout the Federation. As one fellow board member said, "Jerry was remarkable for his ability to inspire others through his own example of hard work and total dedication." In addition to his involvement with the Metrowest community, he served on the boards of Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey, National Conference for Community and Justice, Daughters of Israel Geriatric Center, and New Jersey Y camps. His involvement in the campaign to build the West Point Jewish chapel is one his enduring legacies to West Point. The building which graces the Post is a testament to his hard work, which he shared with others.

Jerry was an avid tennis player. He played singles and doubles with competitive ferocity. He enjoyed the game and appreciated his rankings, marveling at how his ranking improved as his age bracket rose.

He was never known to say "no." "Super" became his signature answer to the question of "how are you?" This was no stock answer; this was how he felt, and he accepted the ribbing he got for answering that way with his usual grace. His infectious enthusiasm for life made him beloved throughout his communities. At a recent dinner for the Friendship Circle, an organization devoted to helping disabled, handicapped children, the director said, "Jerry was an exceptional example for all of us. He was able to give 100 percent to his community, 100 percent to his business, and 100 percent to his family."

He was devoted to the ideal of community. One of his most important missions was building communities by bridging differences. People in conflict sought him out; not as a judge, but as someone who would listen, give a fair hearing, and offer sound, pragmatic advice. He stressed what we have in common, unlike those who stress our differences.

Jerry remains sorely missed at work, at play, by his community, and by his family.

--Marc Waldor, son

George Frederick Vlisides

NO. 17635  •  

Died 27 Jan 1965, of Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, aged 40.
Interment: Greek Orthodox Cemetery, Ann Arbor, MI


GEORGE VLISIDES, The "Gorgeous One," was killed 30 years ago. His personality is still fresh: ambitious, eager, duty first, strong, help the underdog, proud, seek the adventure.

At hand is a letter from George of September 1956 with all abstract of events at West Point: socials in 1950; the Commandant’s party; TDY to the Air Ground School; tennis club's defeats; inquiries about the health of the children; touching all the bases; interested and interesting; balanced.

Detroit was the place of George's birth. His parents came from Greece and started successful restaurants in Detroit and Ann Arbor. He had a solid boyhood. The patriot sense was in place early.

After high school, George enlisted in the Air Corps and got his second lieutenant's bars and Bombardier Wings in 1944. During the rest of WWII, George flew in heavy bombers, but, to his chagrin, did not go overseas.

Michigan's Second District sent George to West Point in July 1946. Many of his classmates had prior service, including some 30 officers. The competition was stiff, and he liked that. In Beast Barracks, George could be seen, 3d rank, 2d file, hard, sweaty, angry, determined, a man to be reckoned with. Back at South Barracks, he was a man to help with the dress off, get the scratch out of the B-plate, and calm the storm. George went to C-1. From the first ranking he was our top plebe; and he stayed on top through our First Class year.

Math was tough; social sciences were a breeze. Soccer was a letter sport, but wrestling needed a little more time.

Many a Class of '50 wife later tried and failed to make a match for him. His ideal was a cross between Marilyn and a choir girl. George never married.

After graduation, George went to the Air Force and pilot training. He had a couple of bad days, got washed out, but he believed in himself. George took it to the Chief of Staff, re-entered the pilot program, and received his wings in March 1952. He fought with the 49th Fighter Bomber Wing in Korea, flying 84 missions in the F-84 and receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and the Air Medal with two clusters.

During the summer of 1954, George became a TAC in the Office of Physical Education. He cut an impressive figure for the cadets; he was in magnificent shape, and went to parachute school at Ft. Benning and got his jump wings. By this time he had lost his hair. He simply shaved it all and became even more arresting. We called it "aplomb," albeit a more mature front and top.

He wasn't mean enough for the cadets to anoint him as being legendary.

By the mid-fifties, many of the class went back to Alma Mater as captains, mostly married, in our prime. We loved George. He was steady, predictable, and ready to do bachelor things. He was always available for filling the party table. He was great for helping along a joke, even by being the subject of them.

By June Week 1955, George had acquired a long 1949 Lincoln convertible, purple and expensive. George took a full load to Camp Buckner for a picnic supper. As we parked by the shores of Lake Popolopen, a clean Chevy pulled alongside. The doors of both cars opened, but the other driver, a gray-haired ranger with a '35 arm band, was quick and said, 'After you, Sir!" Tact prevailed then, but later all holds were off and no mercy was shown our senior classmate. No party with George for the next 10 years failed to hear that story, and no C-1 formation since.

George served a tour in Europe and then graduated from the Air Command and Staff College in 1961. Next came staff duty with HQ AirTraining Command at Randolf AFB, and promotion to major. Vietnam was heating up, George was a Regular, and he wanted more combat. He volunteered in 1964. In October, he made a quick swing to the DC area for adieus, a stop by the Pentagon's D-Ring for the latest, and a pause for gifts to the girls. He had a charming way with childrcn, shy and sincere, no talking down, a sure vote getter. George was now full of happiness, confidence, abilities: the kind of man America sends to war, a West Pointer.

The 1st Air Commando Squadron became George's home on 5 Nov. His duty was operations officer, but he flew close support missions in combat as the pilot of A1E aircraft. For almost 3 months he flew strikes against targets in the northwestern arc around Saigon. He was awarded another Distinguished Flying Cross and two more Air Medals. On 27 Jan 1965, George and his enlisted Vietnamese observer flew as part of an afternoon squadron strike. The mission was a success. At 1650 hours, with the sun dropping but the weather good, George made his landing approach. His left wing dropped, caught, the bird rolled, crashed, burned. That was it; both men were killed. Lindbergh has told us, "An airplane is like a rattlesnake; watch it every second for it is just waiting to bite you."

It was a quick bite of bad luck. George had 2,600 flying hours and 2,000 hours first pilot time. He had 154 hours in the A1E. It was a truly bad snake bite.

Funeral services were held for George in the Greek Orthodox Church in Ann Arbor on 5 Feb 1965. A memorial service for his many friends and classmates was held at the Ft. Myer Chapel in Arlington, VA, on 21 Mar. Mrs. Elena C. Vlisides, George's mother, was present. George also was survived by a brother and a sister.

And so passed another air warrior. Time too short; talents too little used; stopped in mid­flight. George was the epitome of the Academy motto. West Point was one of his icons, the ancient Greeks the other. He enjoyed telling of the glories of the Greeks and he thrived on tales of their courage. George had courage. Walpole, though not a Greek, had George in mind when he wrote, “Tisn’t life that matters. 'Tis the courage one brings to it." 

- JBL, C-1 classmate

Ralph Hadley Viskochil

NO. 17661  •  

Died 21 April 1967 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, aged 41 years.
Interment: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia


DEAR RALPH,

This letter is a labor of love that will never appear on paper exactly as it is etched in the minds and hearts of those who love you, admire you, and miss you. The two years since your passing have proven that you are one of those few truly great men who build so well in life that they live with even greater purpose after death.

We who had the joy and privilege of knowing you well are just beginning to really appreciate what an exceptional man you were. We knew you as father, son, brother, husband, pal, classmate, instructor, comrade-in-arms, community leader, patriot, soldier, officer, and professional engineer. We had the pleasure of participating with you and following your leadership in everything from wild schemes to rebuild the house and the country club, to Boy Scouts, investments, Little League, golf, bowling, squash, photography, art, music, camping, and yea ‑ even work. Your hobby must have been collecting hobbies, yet you did them all justice while maintaining excellence as an officer, engineer, and father.

When one works as hard as you did at so many worthwhile, difficult, and varied problems, one often does not see immediate results and wonders if any progress is being made. It occurred to us that you might appreciate a progress report on the results of your 4 1/2 short years of effective effort.

They are still talking at Leavenworth and Walter Reed about the great courage, good humor, and sheer guts you displayed during that last difficult year ‑ with the painful treatments, loss of voice, learning to talk all over again, and all the while keeping an even keel at home and at work.

The tremendous stack of condolence letters from friends and admirers all over the world shows what an indelible impression you made on so many people. The letters were from generals, contemporaries, junior officers, enlisted men, and civilians ‑ completely rounded just as your beautiful life.

Of course the most important monument a man can build is his family, Your performance here is proving every day to be your crowning achievement. Your brave wife, three handsome sons and darling daughter all reflect your example, the goals you set before them, and the love you lavished on them. I hope it is possible that you are able to see them from your new duty station and to share the pride and admiration we all feel for them as they go about the important business of maturing and contributing to the community by their actions. Joy, Stephen, David, Lani, and Larry will always shed credit on their beloved husband and father.

You will be happy to know that your Boy Scouts in Korea, Leavenworth, and Springfield, are flourishing because you built so well. The many contributions sent in on your behalf to the Springfield troop have resulted in a fitting and practical memorial to the things you stood for. The Springfield Country Club, whose inception received the benefit of your wise guidance and hard work,  has become one of the finest in the Northern Virginia area. The real estate work you did in DCSLOG still serves the Army well as do your many construction projects and the officers and men you trained and guided so effectively. Indeed Ralph, you left your mark. "When man departs from this world, neither silver nor gold accompany him; he is remembered only for his love of learning, love of his fellow men and his good deeds."

 Thus you are remembered, dear friend.

- E. C. West

Bobby Gene Vinson

NO. 17575  •  

Missing in action in Vietnam on 24 Apr 1968, declared dead on 12 Sep 1977. Body never recovered.

 

SHOULD WEST POINT begin retiring football jerseys, a good one to start with would be number 44. Bobby wore this number for 4 years, having made the 'A' squad in plebe year on a national championship team. A native son of Nederland, he grew up in the rough and ­ready world of Cajuns, oil field workers, and longshoremen in East Texas. He learned how to play and fight, when necessary, with the toughest and was the Outstanding High School Football Player in Texas in his senior year. Bobby turned down a full scholarship to Rice in order to compete in the last year of the Davis-Blanchard era. Probably his most notable football feats were a 98-yard intercepted pass return in 1948 and a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the 1949 Army-Navy game. He was number one in the plebe class in physical aptitude and could take on the best heavyweights in boxing and wrestling. Anyone would rue the day that he stood next to Bobby on "bloody Tuesday" in Bill Cavanaugh's boxing class.

Bobby also was an outstanding student, with particular talents in mathematics and science. It was amazing to see him return from a rough football practice and focus on academics with consistently outstanding results in the classroom the next day.

Bobby entered Air Force flight training just as the Korean War began and he quickly grasped the essentials of this new challenge. It came as no surprise when he was selected to be a jet fighter pilot. Combat skills were honed at the Fighter Gunnery School at Nellis AFB, NV, and he was soon on his way to Korea. Aircraft losses were heavy during the winter of 1951-­52, particularly for fighter-bomber pilots, but Bobby flew 100 combat missions in F­84s the same way he played football - with 100% commitment, 100% fearless. On one memorable mission, he spotted a North Korean tank. When his rockets failed to fire, Bobby recycled armament switches while continuing the attack. The tank was destroyed, but the F­84 kissed the ground during his pullout. A bushel basket of dirt, grass, and brush was retrieved from the F-84 after returning to home base.

In between flying 100 combat missions, Bobby learned skeet shooting. (In those days, the Air Force thought skeet shooting improved aerial gunnery skills.) Two years later he represented Tactical Air Command in the National Championships.

After the Korean War, Bobby was assigned to George AFB, CA, as a fighter pilot and met Joan McKinney while vacationing in Mexico. Bobby and Joan were married in September 1953 and raised 4 handsome and extremely bright children: ­Chuck, Robert, Victoria, and Laura.

The following years brought a series of tactical assignments interspersed with annual returns to West Point as assistant football coach. Later, while stationed at Wheelus AFB, Libya, Bobby learned scuba diving and water skiing - sports he pursued for the rest of his life. The Vinsons returned to Langley AFB, VA, where Bobby joined TAC Headquarters. Next came Armed Forces Staff College and the Pentagon.

Charlie Gabriel, classmate and retired Air Force Chief of Staff, remembers Bobby as a staff officer of unparalleled integrity who would challenge the system to provide absolutely objective staff studies. Charlie also notes that Bobby was the best fighter pilot he knew.

The years spent in Washington are remembered by their many friends for fun-­filled gatherings at their home in Northern Virginia, especially the "Vinson Backyard Olympics" where one and all tested aging skills in a variety of games and contests. In 1965, the Vietnam War intruded. Bobby became increasingly involved in staffing fighter operations for combat. In 1967, he returned to the cockpit.

After a brief training period in F- 4s, he joined the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing at DaNang. "Skipper" Scott, classmate, fellow football player, and later Superintendent at the Air Force Academy, recalls that in their earlier assignment to the same fighter wing, Bobby was the top fighter pilot, able to beat everyone, including a top Korean War ace, in "dog fights" -- simulated aerial combat. LTC Vinson was quickly checked out to lead combat missions; the most challenging being night attack missions under flares in North Vietnam.

The April afternoon before Bobby's last flight, he enjoyed his favorite sport - scuba diving for lobsters in the Gulf of Tonkin. He told Skip Scott that they would cook lobsters upon his return from a night attack mission against the Ho Chi Minh Trail in North Vietnam. His aircraft apparently was hit while making a second firing pass under flares. His wingman reported the aircraft explosion, and Bobby was never heard from again.

Defense policy was to list pilots lost in combat as MIA until their true status could be determined.  Joan Vinson became a national leader in the movement to account for MIA-POWs. She was and is a wonderful wife and mother who kept the family together after the loss of Bobby.

COL Bobby Gene Vinson was declared KIA on 12 Sep 1977. From the "fields of friendly strife" at West Point to the skies over North Vietnam, he served his country with  pride and distinction. Check Six, 44! 

- His roommates Rufus Smith and Dick Leavitt

Paul S. Vanture

NO. 17969  • 26 May 1924 - 30 Sep 2004  

Died in Burke, VA.
Interred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA


Paul Schuyler Vanture was the youngest of nine children born to Charles Papachristakis and Agnes Lenore McGinnis in Norfolk, VA . His father, a Greek immigrant, attempting to Americanize his last name, changed it to "Ventura:' which was scrambled when he or an immigration officer juxtaposed the "a" and the "e." Paul’s oldest brother, George Dewey Vanture '20, was on Bataan when it fell in 1942 and was killed aboard a prison ship just prior to the end of the war. Paul acquired an "uncle" in John Porter 'Kit' Kidwell '25, who married Paul’s sister Aggie, and he lived with them after his parent’s health declined.


In 1943, as World War II raged, Paul joined the Army, served a tour in Korea, and was mustered out as a corporal in 1945 to proceed to West Point. He was active in the Choir, Glee Club, Honor Committee, and the Pointer magazine.

Commissioned in the Anti Aircraft Artillery, Paul served in the Korean War as a platoon leader in Battery D, 21st Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division. Often, his unit was placed in front of the Infantry and assisted in clearing areas for attack.

During a Chinese Army offensive, his unit and the infantry had to move rearward in difficult terrain to avoid being overrun. As the Chinese infiltrated the infantry lines, with Paul’s platoon in front, Paul ordered his unit to rake fire over the front to halt the Chinese. He then moved his unit to the rear in an orderly fashion. For his actions, Paul was awarded the Silver Star.

In 1952, Paul returned to the States, stationed at Ft. Bliss, TX. There he met Lonnie Ann Woodruff, and they were married on 23 Dec 1952. After advanced schooling at Ft. Sill, OK, Paul was assigned to the first Nike Ajax Missile Battalion, Ft. Meade, MD. Afterwards, he earned a masters degree in English at Columbia University and from 1958 to 1961 taught English at the Military Academy. He was subsequently selected to attend the Ecole d’Etat Major, the French staff college, followed by an assignment to NATO Headquarters in Fontainebleau, France.

Paul then attended the Armed Forces Staff College before being assigned Departmentof the Army Operations at the Pentagon, receiving the Legion of Merit for his work. In 1968, he returned to Korea, commanding a battalion in the 38th Air Defense Brigade. He then returned to Ft. Belvoir, VA, as a staff officer with the Combat Developments Command. In 1969, Paul retired from the Army.

Paul and family then moved to Alexandria, VA, where he was offered the position of administrative assistant to Congresswoman Edith Green of Oregon. Colleague and friend Eleanor Lewis later said:

"There were rumors that he was going to be (1) a friend of Green's, (2) someone from her church, (3) a retired professional military officer, and (4) someone with absolutely no Capitol Hill experience. Needless to say, the staff was a bit on edge.... When I returned from lunch one day, there was a military cap on a chair in the reception area with lots of gold 'stuff' on it....Were we all going to be 'mustered out' under this new, tough, and possibly much too regimented authority figure? Would we have to learn to salute?”

Our new chief was none of the above. Congressional offices can be chaotic... but from the beginning Paul provided us with a calm professional order, boosted our self confidence and morale, and did so with great humor and intellect. Despite having no experience in the warfare of Capitol Hill, Paul took to his new profession immediately. He was smart, funny, stunningly intellectual, and very savvy about issues both substantive and those affecting personnel and he took to the political environment like the professional that he was in all things that he did. To boot, Paul was a superb writer, something every member of Congress desperately needs on the staff."

Upon Greed's retirement, Paul served in the same capacity for Congressman Otis Pike of New York. He also briefly wrote movie reviews for a friend during her leave of absence. His work was such an improvement that she feared she would be out of a job, but Paul had no qualms about handing it back over to her.

At Paul's funeral, Richard Craig '49 said:

Paul was many different people. He was my brother in law. He was a loving husband, a father, a scholar, an undernourished child, a youth orphaned at an early age, a college professor, a writer, a storehouse of funny stories, an artillery battalion commander, a photographer, a West Point graduate, an enlisted man in WWII, an administrative assistant to congressional representatives, and a laughing companion on a mountain trout fishing trip. Paul was an insatiable reader, a person with reason for pride, and yet possessing a quiet humility. He was a man for all seasons, a warm friend always interested in every aspect of out lives.”

Paul was one of those rare people we often hear of but seldom encounter: a genuine American war hero who cared more for his men than he did for himself. Since Paul's death, I have mentioned his name in conversations with three of his classmates. Significantly, each of them separately used the same words to describe Paul: "What a sweet man!"

Paul is survived by his wife Lonnie Ann; three daughters, Ann Lenore, Cordelia and Elizabeth; two grandsons, Paul and Skyler, and one granddaughter, Cristen.

- Paul D. Vanture '58 with thanks to Lonnie Ann Vanture, Ann Vanture, Elizabeth Vanture Cain, Cordeia Vanture Morgan, Richard Craig ‘49, Joe Laccetti ‘50 and Joe Buccolo ‘50