C. Edward Bell, Jr.

NO. 17950  •  10 June 1928 - 12 January 1988

Died 12 January 1988 In Norwalk, Connecticut, aged 59 years
Interment: Lakeview Cemetery, New Canaan, Connecticut


C. EDWARD BELL, JR. of New Canaan, a West Point graduate who founded his own investment firm, died 12 January 1988 in Norwalk Hospital. He was 59.

Mr. Bell was born 10 June 1928 in New York City, son of the late Charles Edward and Loretta Tagg Bell, Sr. He lived on Brookwood Lane and was a resident of New Canaan for 24 years.

Mr. Bell attended the All Hallows grammar and high schools in New York City. He attended Manhattan College and was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point on 1 July 1946, and graduated in 1950. He was assigned to Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, and then to Fort Benning, Georgia. He was later stationed as a first lieutenant in Frankfurt, Germany, in the 4th Division Signal Battalion.

He was first employed by New York Telephone, then Gulf Oil and then the Wall Street investment firm of Harriman & Ripley. He was then appointed manager of the investment department of Kidder Peabody, where he remained until 1966. He then was portfolio manager at Fairfield County Trust. He was an active member of the New York Stock Exchange, and in 1968, the C.E. Bell & Co. investment firm.

He was a member of the St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan. Prior to that he was a member of St. Boniface Parish in Sea Cliff, New York, where he was an active member of the Legion of Mary.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Bell of New Canaan; a son, Edward F. Bell of New Canaan; four daughters, Barbara Beaulieu of Brattleboro, Vermont, Ann Bell‑Cox of Yakima, Washington, Mary Saccary of Westport and Christine Bell of New Canaan.

A mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for 15 January at St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan.

Walter H. Baxter

NO. 17597 • 26 Jul 1926 - 10 May 2004  

Died in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Interred in Air Force Academy Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO

 

Walter "Buz" Hope Baxter III spent almost 50 years as a pilot. With his "hand upon an aircraft throttle and his eye upon the wild blue yonder," no other career could have suited him better or made him happier.

Buz was born in San Benito, TX, to Walter and Olga (Arnold) Baxter. Buz grew up in nearby Weslaco, graduating from high school in 1943. He participated in sports, lettering in football his senior year. He attended the University of Texas, Arlington, until he reported to Keesler Field in Biloxi, MS, for basic training in January 1945.

Buz had always dreamed of becoming a military fighter pilot, but first he served as a fighter aircraft crew chief at Luke Field, AZ, and then he was sent to Scott Field, IL, for training as a B 29 bomber radio operator. Buz was a second alternate for an appointment to West Point and went to Amherst College to better prepare for West Point academics. He studied there until November 1945 when he was released from active duty but retained in the Reserves.

Returning to Weslaco, Buz invested his mustering out pay for part ownership of a vintage military trainer aircraft and flying lessons. He had achieved about 75 hours of flying time when he was informed of his West Point appointment (the principal appointee and first alternate had declined to attend).

On arrival at West Point he found he was well prepared for the military and athletic aspects and appreciated the value of his preparation at Amherst. What surprised him most was the awe in which other new cadets held him. Buz was a pilot who had flown solo and had been on active duty already. His classmates liked him, and Buz soon became a leader in the Class of '50.

During his cadet days Buz ran track one year, lettered in squash three years, and lettered in tennis as manager his final year. Upon graduation, Buz's class standing was high enough for him to select duty in the Air Force, the service that "flies and fights."

His first assignment was to James Connally AFB, TX, for basic flying training. Because of his previous civilian flying experience, he breezed through basic and picked Craig AFB, AL, for advanced flying training. He wanted a chance to fly the best of the WWII fighters, the P 51 Mustang.

Leaving Craig with silver wings, Buz completed gunnery school in Arizona and then was sent to Korea, where he completed 87 combat missions in the P 51 (now F 51). His operational assignments showed continued advancement and increased responsibilities on return to the States. At Clovis AFB, NM, he upgraded to jet aircraft, flying the F 86. Later, as a captain flying the F 100, he became a flight commander, assistant operations officer, and wing gunnery and bombing officer during a tour in England.

From 1958 to 1961 he taught military studies at the Air Force Academy. Buz then spent a year as a student at the Air Command and Staff College. Then it was back to flying duties in Training Command as a major-wing executive officer, director of plans, section commander always jobs of increasing importance. These assignments led to more duty overseas as a lieutenant colonel, with Buz becoming commander of the 22nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, a combat ready (F 4) unit in Germany. Next came a year at the Army War College.

In 1970, COL Baxter was back in combat, flying F 4s as vice commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing in Thailand. He flew 125 combat missions over Viet Nam. Back in the States he continued flying as commander of the 64th Flying Training Wing at Reese AFB, TX. In 1975 he picked up his first star as vice commander of Keesler Technical Training Center before duty called him back to Thailand to close American bases left over from the Viet Nam conflict. Duty followed on Okinawa, where Buz commanded the 313th Air Division and the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, the unit in which he first had seen combat in Korea.

Back in the States as a major general, Buz became commander of the 24th North American Air Defense Command and 24th Aerospace Defense Command at Malmstrom. AFB, MT. After a year, he went back to Europe as air deputy, NATO Allied Forces Northern Europe, still flying fighters. His final assignment, as commander of the Third Air Force at RAF Mildenhall, England, was a fitting end to what he called a "dream career."

During his career he received many awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, three Legions of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and ten Air Medals.

Buz flew a total of 8000 hours about 6000 in military aircraft with combat time totaling about 580 hours. During his career he flew 20 different military aircraft, the majority of them tactical fighters and trainers, and had spent more than 13 years overseas. When asked how he survived more than 30 years of military flying, Buz replied, "I was blessed with reliable airplanes, outstanding wingmen, and rotten (enemy) gunners."

Another reason for Buz’s long and successful career was his wife, Lila. In spite of his early preference for tall Texas girls, he met a not so tall young lady from Alabama, Lila Waldrop, and married her on 12 Jun 1954. Somehow she turned him into a "happy warrior with a contented smile" and made a family man out of a fighter. They were together for almost 50 years and raised two boys and two girls in a close knit family.

Buz retired in 1982 and went back to Weslaco, TX, to ease his father's workload at the Walter Baxter Seed Company. Six months later, after his father died, Buz became the head of a successful seed business. He sold the company in 1995 because he wanted the freedom and time to play golf, hunt, fly fish, travel, and fly.
Buz, old buddy, you did us proud!

- His Family and Classmates

Thurston Richard Baxter

NO. 17722  •  9 December 1928 - 31 December 1952

Missing in action. Changed to: killed in action 31 December 1952, aged 24 years.

 

DICK BAXTER was born 9 December 1928 at Fort Sam Houston Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. His parents, Lieutenant Thurston H. Baxter and Mina O'Bryan Baxter were stationed at Brooks Field, Texas where his father was assigned as a flying instructor. Dick's childhood was spent at various Army Air Corps stations until, in 1939, his father was assigned to the office of the chief of the Air Corps, and Dick became a Washingtonian. There he reached the senior rank in scouting, Eagle Scout, in only two years, and in 1946 he graduated from St. Alban's School.

This background had several effects on Dick's future life. First of all, not yet 18 when he entered, lie was one of the youngest members of the Class of 1950, a class that had a large number of older and experienced veterans. If, in the competitive environment of cadet life, this put him at some disadvantage, his background also gave him two offsetting advantages. One was an excellent academic preparation, so that was never a serious problem to him. The second, and more important, advantage was his driving determination that he would fly as an officer in the Air Force.

An intensely private person, only his roommates really came close to knowing him. They recall his keenly competitive nature, a puckish sense of humor, and a determination to be himself. One roommate recalls his competitive nature in a situation which arose as to who should have the right to pursue the affections of a blonde model who had attracted their attention. The matter was settled by a race over the obstacle course in the gym. Dick won by a few seconds, but it soon turned out that Dick hadn't been that interested in the young lady to begin with.

Then there was the time he returned from leave with a stuffed teddy bear, which he decreed would be displayed on the mantlepiece as his mascot. The Tac, however, on an inspection when Dick was not room orderly, made it clear that there was a penalty associated with this display of individuality. His roommates, especially the one who had absorbed the gig, negotiated a treaty with him that the mascot would occupy its place of honor only when Dick was room orderly. Thereafter, with some circumspection as to when the Tac was likely to be around, the mascot continued to hold its post during Dick's turns as room orderly.

After graduation, Dick achieved his lifetime ambition, entering the Air Force, completing basic flight training, and going on to advanced training in F-51 Mustangs at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama. While at Craig, he met and married Anne Jo Ross. After only a month of married life he left for Korea and duty with the 39th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 18th Fighter Wing. There, on 21 December 1951, on a dive­bombing mission, his aircraft impacted the ground, presumably as a result of ground fire, in a crash that he was unlikely to have survived. No report of him as a prisoner of war was ever received, and no remains were returned. He was declared dead on 31 December 1952.

His memorial is a plaque in the Chapel of St. Alban's School. Its inscription reads:

"They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.

"Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

"At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

"We will remember them."

The thought that can be added to that is that Dick Baxter died in the achievement of his life's ambition.

- Frank King

John Olin Bates, Jr.

NO. 17690  •  11 August 1926 – 12 June 1952

Killed in Action June 12, 1952, in Korea, Aged 25 Years.

 

On the plaque by J.O. Bates, Jr.'s crypt In the Hillcrest Mausoleum at Dallas, Texas, is inscribed, "ln grateful memory of 1st Lt. John Olin Bates, Jr., killed in action in Korea on 12 June 1952, while in command of Company "A", 180th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division in the assault of T-Bone Hill." These words express well the quiet dignified nature of the man himself. The strength of his conviction in dedicating himself to the service of his country was unrelenting and there was no moment in his manhood when J.O. doubted the magnificence of the goal he had set before himself.

Born 11 August 1926, the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.O. Bates, J.O. attended public school in Fort Worth, Texas. During those years he played on the high school golf team and was twice winner of the Texas Junior Trapshooting Championship. J.O. had a great love for his home and family and it was through close association with his father, on fishing and hunting trips together, and in their mutual interests in trapshooting and gun collecting, that J.O. developed his enthusiasm for numerous sports and his excellent skill in the use of firearms.

J.O. was descended from a Southern family which was very proud of its affiliation with the Confederacy. It was only natural upon graduation from High School that J.O. entered the Virginia Military Institute. While there, he joined the Army Air Forces, leaving V.M.I. in October 1944 when called into the Service. Shortly thereafter he transferred to the Infantry and attended the Infantry Officers' Candidate School, graduating in 1945. His convictions concerning the Army, and particularly the Infantry, were confirmed during that time.

In July 1946, J.O. joined the ranks of the Corps of Cadets at West Point. His calm assured manner in the face of the challenges of Plebe year marked him even then as a man who entertained no doubts concerning his dedication to the service of his country. His athletic ability soon evidenced itself in the countless sports that he engaged in at the Academy, but most particularly, he established himself us a skeet shooting enthusiast, with golf following close behind. As a tribute to both his shooting ability and to his fine character he was elected Captain of the Skeet team that won the Eastern Collegiate Skeet Championship in 1960. Only a year before he had won the Eastern Collegiate Individual Skeet Championship match. He won 3 varsity letters in golf, in addition to intramural awards in soccer and volley ball. The sportsmanship he displayed in every competition won him the highest esteem of his friends and acquaintances: His success In athletics, and his magnificent attributes of leadership while at the Academy were indicative of the tremendous potential of this man. He, perhaps more than any I have known, was destined for the top in the career he had chosen. J.O. was soft spoken but confident, quiet but aggressive, and he had the wonderful sense of humor so essential to a successful troop leader. All who knew J.O. admired him for his strength of character and the friendly disposition which he displayed in his relationship with everyone.

So it was with the mark of success implanted upon J.O. that we watched him graduate from the Military Academy. He had chosen the Airborne School as his first assignment and it was with a great deal of enthusiasm that he looked forward to this tour of duty. It was this enthusiastic attitude and natural quality of leadership that caused many in his cadet company at West Point to accompany him in this stern test of determination. During his tour with the Airborne, he qualified for his senior paratrooper wings, making a total of 34 jumps, further demonstrating the spirit of determination inherent in his attitude toward his career.

On 2 February 1952, J.O. married Nell Jane Sosebee of Fort Worth, a graduate of Mary Washington, University of Virginia. Although J.O. had initially been assigned to Germany shortly before his marriage, he requested duty in Korea, and had only a short period of a few months with Nell prior to leaving for Korea. The same spirit of determination and devotion to the service of his country that he had displayed at West Point once again forbade his accepting the easy path.

In June 1952, J.O. was killed in an attack on an enemy-held hill. For conspicuous heroism, J.O. was awarded (posthumously) the Silver Star, his citation for which reads in part:

"First Lieutenant John Olin Bates, Jr. is cited for gallantry in action against an armed enemy near Karhyon-ni, Korea. Company "G" was counterattacking the bitterly contested Hills 191 and 183 and the company was being subjected to a bitter barrage of enemy artillery and mortar fire on the slopes of the hills. When the company commander was wounded, Lieutenant Bates reorganized the men and continued to the objective. While assaulting Hill 191 a severe barrage of enemy fire was placed on one of the advancing platoons, causing numerous casualties. Lieutenant Bates hurried to the platoon's position under heavy enemy fire and organized the evacuation of the wounded and the dead. He directed litter teams through the exploding shells to where the wounded lay, comforting and inspiring the men until they could be evacuated. While fearlessly moving from person to person, disregarding his safety to give aid and comfort to his men, Lieutenant Bates was hit by enemy fire and fatally wounded."

That was J.O. He was a Texan and proud of his State. He was an officer and proud of his Army. He gave his life in devotion to his country, and I offer these words to J.O. for his parents, his sister, his wife, and myself:

“SACRIFICE

He fell today upon a hill in far Korea and he will not come again unto this land he loved so well, as he had planned.

He fought my fight and gave his all to stem the tide and to forestall the threat to freedoms that I prize.

Pray God that I may realize this sacrifice in this grim war and live life worth his dying for.”
— By Julien C. Ilyer

And to Jane Olin, the daughter born after J.O.'s death, I want to say that your father was my greatest friend, and the finest person I shall ever know. He gave his life leading men in combat. And I feel strongly that if he had to die,he would not have had it happen any other way had he had a choice.

- Kenneth E. Murphy, Class of 1950

Richard George Bastar, Jr.

NO. 17543  •  28 August 1927 - 24 October 1997

Died 15 December 1981 in Birmingham, Alabama, aged 53 years
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery, Birmingham, Alabama

 

RICHARD GEORGE BASTAR, JR. (Dick) was born in Birmingham, Alabama on 25 December 1927, the son of Jennie Abbott Bastar and Richard George Bastar. Dick attended grammar school in Birmingham, and also Ramsay High School where he was president of the senior class. He was Alabama State Track Champion in 1945. Prior to his appointment to the Military Academy, Dick attended Marion Military Institute at Marion, Alabama, where he was a letter man in track and football.

While a cadet at West Point, although academically high, Dick was recognized primarily for his athletic prowess which established him as Army's best pole vaulter for four years. He was captain of the track team and was invited to the Olympics. Graduating in 1950, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in Armor.

After graduation Dick served in Japan and had twelve months of combat duty in Korea, where he distinguished himself as a tank commander, receiving the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Upon his return from Korea, Dick served as aide-­de-camp to General Henry Hodes, who was then Commandant of the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. While at Fort Leavenworth, Dick married Alice Marie Nettles of Mobile, Alabama. They had their first child, a daughter, Ruth Abbott Bastar during his tour of duty  there. Their second child, Richard George Bastar, III, was born in 1956 after their return to Birmingham. Dick remained at Fort Leavenworth until his resignation from active military service in June 1954.

Returning to Birmingham, Dick served in the Army Reserve until June of 1978 when health problems precluded Congressional confirmation of his recommended promotion to brigadier general, At the time of his retirement, Dick was a colonel and was Commander of the Support Command of the 87th Maneuver Area Command of Birmingham. Although actively engaged in the business and civic affairs of his native Birmingham, Dick remained always close to the military, and he gave freely of his time and talents, which were many.

Dick returned to Birmingham as a mortgage banker for Protective Life Insurance Company, later joining Realty Mortgage Company in 1964 as the executive vice president. In 1969 he became a partner of Engel Realty Company, specializing in commerical-industrial real estate. Active in all phases of the real estate business in the Birmingham area, Dick was highly regarded as a real estate appraiser and consultant. He was a member and past president of the Birmingharn Chapter of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, The American Society of Real Estate Counselors, and the Mortgage Bankers Association. Dick was an outstanding citizen of his community, serving on the board of the Arthritis Foundation, the Executive Committee of United Way, the Camp Fire Council, and as a past Senior Warden of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.

Dick Bastar's achievements and honors were many, but above all he was dedicated in his life, and the living of it, to the principles of Duty, Honor, and Country. He never swerved from these - he was a devoted husband, father, and friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him, and I count it a distinct honor to have been his wife.

Dick is survived by his wife, Alice Marie; daughter, Ruth Bastar Jones; son Richard George Bastar, III; and his sister, Mrs. Robert O. Harris, III.

- His wife

Boyd T. Bashore

NO. 17712  •  7 June 1925 - 17 May 2001

Died in Falls Church,VA
Interred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA


Boyd Truman Bashore truly was a man for all seasons a soldier, student, author, family man, jovial companion. He enjoyed tennis, golf, handball, skiing, scuba diving, and especially boating. His soldiers and contemporaries from the 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, where he'd commanded their renowned 2d Battalion "Wolfhounds" in Viet Nam, admired LTC Bashore as a "bon vivant, host extraordinaire, tactician, and theoretician," and respected his leadership as he distinguished himself in battle and by his penetrating analysis of those actions.

Born in Washington, DC, the son of a career Army officer, Boyd had happy reminiscences of Maine, Hawaii, and Kentucky. Graduating in 1943 from Manlius High School in Syracuse, NY, he enlisted in the Army, attended Officer Candidate School, and became a member of the 42d "Rainbow' Division. While at Amherst Prep School, he won a presidential appointment to the Academy.

Called "BT” or "Tiger," he soon made himself known. Roommate Ken Moll notes, "Boyd had been a paratrooper second lieutenant before becoming a plebe. He loved to get up on a table and yell 'Geronimo!, then jump off and do that shoulder roll thing. The rest of us cadets were in awe of him."

Ken was startled when Plebe Boyd left the Academy without permission. "He had a problem with a girl in New England and felt it necessary to visit her. As soon as BT got to his destination, he sent a telegram to the Commandant saying he had not deserted ... In a few days, Boyd came back ready to face the music. He walked the area in all types of weather for six months but never complained."

Two months before graduation, BT met Vassar student Judy Campbell of Billings, MT. Judy soon learned of his Plebe year troubles and adds, "That girl's father did not want his daughter to wait four years and marry into the military. Her loss was certainly our gain."

After his initial assignment to the 505th and 508th Regimental Combat Team, they married in September 1951. Boyd and Judy trekked to Ft. Benning and then to Mainz, Germany, where he commanded a company in the 42d Armored Infantry Battalion. Two sons, Brian and Steve, were born there. Boyd and Judy enjoyed many good times in the popular Wiesbaden Air Force Club, singing along as classmate Matt Henrikson played the piano for the group. BT`s roommate, Bolo Brunson, sometimes visited from Belgium.

Returning to Ft. Benning, Boyd commanded a tank company and attended the Advanced Course. Daughter Betsy arrived. Paul Braim recollected, "Boyd has a certain distinction among our group; he had written a story on airborne which was made into an RKO short subject, and also a much praised article, 'Sword of Silk,' about the father of airborne operations, German general Kurt Student."

BT foresaw international communist assaults in Southeast Asia and the need for American assistance. During 1956-58, he was aide to MG Joseph Harper, chief of MAAG Philippines. There, Judy and Boyd enjoyed the friendship of classmate Eddie Ramos, later president of the Philippines, and his wife, Ming. Sloshing through paddies and jungles with Filipino troops, BT developed a model for counter insurgency campaigns. His resultant article, "Dual Strategy for Limited War," appeared in Military Review, May 1960, and was republished in Franklin Osanka’s book, Modern Guerilla Warfare.

BT attended CGSC in 1959, and daughter Laura joined the family. He then joined the MAAG in Saigon to advise Vietnamese airborne forces and train infantry. He helped develop America’s first counter insurgency plan for the Vietnamese. Assigned to the Academy’s history department during 1960-64, BT wrote “Soldiers in Tennis Shoes.” It put a human face on the enemy in Viet Nam, as did his popular elective course, "Revolutionary Warfare." The birth of their youngest son, Charles, completed the family.

In 1964, the family went to Hawaii, where Boyd served with Headquarters, USARPAC, then joined the 25th Division in Viet Nam. Boyd entered combat in Viet Nam in 1966, earning a Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and five Air Medals. Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, was in a Cu Chi field, the same place used by Vietnamese airborne as a drop zone into which Boyd jumped as an advisor in 1961. The area contained a great network of tunnels and a VC headquarters. BT’s classmate, Andy Rutherford, recalls: "I worked very closely with Boyd in Viet Nam. As the Hau Nghia province advisor, I accompanied Boyd on all his operations in the province. I was mouth agape witnessing him direct the operation, like playing a perfect piece on the piano." Upon his return from Viet Nam, Boyd served with Headquarters, CINCPAC.

Boyd returned in 1967 as a colonel to the Army War College, then to Pentagon duty with Army Research & Development, and later with the Chief of Staff’s office. His expertise was in demand, but he found time to begin writing a comprehensive private manuscript on the Viet Nam War. Though never published, it became a treasure of facts and a strong rebuttal against leftist fictions. Boyd retired in July 1971, receiving a second Legion of Merit. The seven Bashores then boarded their classic 72 foot yacht, Wampeter, for a wonderful six week trip to the Bahamas.

BT subsequently worked as a volunteer with the Counsel on DC Affairs, Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club Association, and Southwest Waterfront Redevelopment. BT joined the office of classmate Jack Murphy, chairman of the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, and also worked on the Coast Guard and Maritime Subcommittee, and later with the Office of Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

Around 1981, Boyd began to suffer from Binswanger’s Disease, beginning 20 years of advancing debilitation. He endured this rare illness with his trademark patience and good humor. Throughout his distinguished career and adventurous life, he was a fun loving, kind, and wonderful husband and father. Family gatherings still feel his presence. Judy sums it up: "We had it all."

- Judy with classmates

Courtenay Leonard Barrett, Jr.

NO. 17856  •  

Killed in Action September 27, 1950, in Korea, Aged 23 Years.

 

Bo has been gone almost four years now. Because of his death there will always be a certain emptiness in the lives of those who knew and loved him. He left behind many wonderful memories of a boy and a man full of fun and life, but with high ideals which he not only lived up to himself, but which he instilled into many other people.

As a boy Bo showed the qualities which were so evident all through his life. He was a leader with a great imagination and the ability to carry out his ideas. He organized our childhood gangs, as well as many other activities, ranging from a neighborhood newspaper to a lemonade stand In the summer. He liked sports and regularly attended meetings at the YMCA, as well as playing baseball and football at school. He was a good student and always enjoyed reading. As he grew up he collected books until he had a good-sized library of Poe, Shakespeare, De Maupassant, and other authors. Besides all his activItles, Bo had something he displayed throughout his life-a kind and loving personality. He enjoyed people-all people - and because he liked them he invariably brought out their good qualities. He seemed to gain something from each person he know, and in turn gave part of himself to them. He was completely unselfish and would do almost anything for a friend. When we were small he took it upon himself to be my guardian-Bo walked with me to and from school, and many times gave up his own play to see that I was safe. As we grew up he was more than just a big brothor-he was a confidante, adviser, teacher, and disciplinarian. Our grandparents, who raised us after our mother died, set an example for Bo by their unselfish devotion and generosity. He loved them deeply and always tried to live up to the bright dreams they had for him. There were times of course when he required a little discipline, for he was a normal boy with ideas and inventions, which once in a while were very impractical. On the whole, however, our family was very close-each enjoying and loving the others very much.

Bo went away to Kentucky Military Institute for high school, and for the first time our group was broken up. However, these school years were filled with many letters and wonderful summer vacations. During high school Bo found that the combination of his uniform and what he called his "charming personality" made him popular with the girls. So throughout these years there was a succession of love affairs -each one 'being "IT", but only for a short while. After his graduation from KMI, as a Cadet Captain, he was drafted and soon was sent to France as a member of the Army of Occupation. After serving a year in France and Germany, he received his appointment to West Point.

The following fall he passed his entrance examinations after a hard preparatory course at Amherst. His first year was the usual difficult one. He spent many hours on his first vacation astounding his friends and family, telling them of the hardship of a plebe. During this year however, a wonderful thing happened to Bo; he met Jacqueline Lowry, the daughter of Colonel Lowry, and this time he really fell in love. The next years went by swiftly and in his senior year he and Jackie became engaged. He made many good friends at the Point whom he regretted leaving, but at the same time he was anxious to be married and start his career. On the evening of his graduation, he and Jackie were married in the chapel at Fort Hamilton, New York where she lived. It was a lovely wedding and they were very very happy. They spent several weeks of their honeymoon with our family and several weeks with Jackie's family.

Just after graduation the Korean war broke out and orders came for Bo to leave immediately for Fort Lewis, Washington. When he left Bo was cheerful and determined. I'll always remember his telling us not to worry; that It was his job to help clear up the war quickly, and that he would be back soon. That was the middle of July. On September 27, 1950, he was killed in action. He spared us the terrible hardships in his letters, but we later learned that only two men from his company survived those battles.

After he was gone we were bitter for a long time. Why did he have to be killed when he had so much ahead of him- We asked ourselves this question a million times. We never received a direct answer but somehow we've come to know deeply that his death was not in vain. Sometimes only through the sacrifices of great and wonderful people in the name of freedom do we at home realize how precious our liberty is. God must have taken Bo because his job here was done. He instilled his leadership, his wisdom and his kindness into many people. To him we can give the greatest tribute possible - there are many people who are better and happier because he lived.

- His sister, Patricia

Grady H. Banister, Jr.

NO. 17539  •  23 Jan 1927 – 1 Nov 1999

Died 1 November 1999 in Sierra Vista, AZ
Interment: Mother Theresa Columbarium, Our Lady Of The Mountains, Sierra Vista, AZ

 

Grady Huger Banister, Jr. was a man for his time.  It was his destiny to be born at the dawn of the "Computer Age," and he was in that vanguard of computer engineers who helped shape and advance that technology. Grady, a native of Anniston, AL, took the path to West Point via Marion Military Institute, located in the western reaches of his home state. While at Marion, Grady set his goal to enter West Point. His father, Grady H. Banister, a captain in the Army at the time, played a major role in helping him achieve that goal.       

While at West Point, Grady's major extracurricular activity was photography, where he excelled and was selected to work as a photographer on the Howitzer. During the summer following his second year at the Academy, Grady and another cadet conducted a pho­tographic assignment documenting the weekend life of a cadet. The model Grady and his friend posed with during the photo documentary  was Ms. Bess Fritz, a civilian employee at West Point. It wasn’t long after their meeting that Grady fell in love with Bess and, upon graduation, they married.

Grady received his commission and was assigned to the 97th Signal Battalion, Seventh Army, in Boeblingen, Germany, In 1953, he returned to the States to attend the Signal School at Ft. Monmouth and became the aide-de-camp to BG Wesley Guest, Commandant, U.S. Army Signal School. In 1954, CPT Banister was selected to attend graduate school at Stanford University, where he earned two master's degrees in industrial and electrical engineering with a specialty in digital computers. After Stanford, Grady was Chief of the Au­tomatic Data Processing Division at the Army Signal Supply Agency in Philadelphia, PA, where he was first able to apply his knowledge in the emerging computer technology.

In 1959, Grady was assigned to Ft. Huachuca as Operations Officer in the Automatic Data Department, Electronic Proving Ground, with the mission to apply computers to the Army Tactical Systems. Regret­tably, the Army chose not to continue his preferred career path in computer-related fields. He felt strongly that his computer systems knowledge and education were a rare commodity at that time. Therefore, Grady resigned his commission in 1960 and Beckman Instru­ments employed him in Fullerton, CA.

Grady was a member of one of the teams that devel­oped COBOL, an early computer compiler. Using com­puters to automate test equipment, he was instrumen­tal in testing the Apollo and Saturn projects for NASA. Among his vast accomplishments, he also developed a digital computer for Beckman Instruments; however, the company elected not to compete with IBM in the emerging computer industry.

Realizing the vast potential of that new technology, Grady left Beckman and formed his own software company. He later sold that company and moved on to become Pharos Systems and Planning Research Corporation Vice President of Operations. In l972, his former classmate, MG Al Crawford, contacted him to work as Chief Engineer for the Army Tactical Data Systems project at Fort Monmouth, NJ.

In 1978, the Banister family relocated to the place they had always longed to return, Sierra Vista, AZ. Grady was promoted to Electronic Proving Ground Technical Director at Fort Huachuca. During his 16-year tenure at EPG, he was instrumental in the design and development of new data collection techniques that greatly enhanced the Army’s movement into the Computer Age. For his leadership and high accomplishments, Grady was twice presented the Superior Civilian Ser­vice Award and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Grady served several years as the Army’s senior rep­resentative in the DOD Reliance Panel, responsible for streamlining test capabilities by eliminating dupli­cation. He was the primary author on a number of studies, including a review and recommendation for the future of electronic warfare testing. As a result of his efforts,  several sub-panels were formed and still are active today in conformance with the original guid­ance he set forth.

In retirement, Grady continued to serve his com­munity with the same zeal and passion he demonstrated throughout his military and civilian career. He devoted his time and energy to many groups and or­ganizations including: Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Parish, the Huachuca Museum Society, the Friends of San Pedro River, the Fry Fire Department, and the Ramsey Canyon Nature Conservancy. Grady personified service by serving others. He assisted other seniors with their income tax preparations; he was a Boy Scout and 4-H leader and a volunteer fireman.

On 9 Feb 2001, a most fitting tribute was made to Grady when the headquarters building of the Elec­tronic Proving Ground was dedicated in his name. Grady's family and many friends attended the dedica­tion ceremonies to honor his exemplary service and leadership in the development of information tech­nology.  As keynote speaker COL Keyner said, "We owe Grady Banister our gratitude for who he was and what he stood for. Dedicating our headquarters build­ing is a small token of recognition for all he did for the Army and this nation."

Those who knew and worked with Grady will re­call with pride his truly significant accomplishments. Grady  leaves a rich legacy of love and devotion to his wife, Bess, and their seven children. He also left a legacy of service to others.

Grady truly was a pioneer in the evolution and  development of computer technology. We salute this honored member of the Long Gray Line. "Be thou at peace.”

- Norm Smedes and friends of Grady

Thomas A. Austin III

NO. 17709  •  6 Oct 1927 - 25 Jun 2001

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

 

THOMAS ADAM AUSTIN III was born at reveille at Ft. Benning, GA, to COL Thomas A. Austin, Jr., and Hazel Hannah Austin. Growing up an 'Army brat', Tom had the Army in his blood from his early youth. In 1943, he attended the Florida Military Academy to complete the requirements for high school graduation. In 1944, he enrolled at Georgia Tech, and, in 1946, he was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy. In June 1950, shortly after graduating from West Point, he married Elizabeth Louise "Betty Lou" Alexander, his sweetheart for 42 years. He then began a 30 year career that took him all over the world, including Iceland, Spain, Viet Nam, and Panama (twice).

Following his graduation from Command and General Staff College in 1962, Tom became an enthusiastic linguist. He studied Spanish at the University of Madrid and, in 1963, returned to USMA as an instructor/ assistant professor in the Foreign Language Department. In 1966, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College and subsequently was sent to Ft. Bliss, TX, to study Vietnamese. Afterwards, from 1967 to 1968, he served as a Senior Province Advisor, III Corps, in the Republic of Viet Nam. In 1968, he commanded a battalion at Ft. Benning, GA, and in 1969 he was sent to the Pentagon for two wonderful years in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations.

After completing the Army War College, Tom returned to Panama as the military group commander to the Ambassador of Panama. He was acquainted with Jimmy Lakas, the President of Panama, and General Omar Torrijos, the dictator. He also worked with key American officials. Ambassador Robert M. Sayre, Governor David S. Parker, and GEN William Rosson, Southern Command, relied on Tom’s intimate knowledge of the Guardia Nacional. Tom was the right person at a critical time in Panamanian/U.S. History; he spotted a devious lieutenant colonel in the Guardia and warned U.S. officials to keep a close eye on him. That person, the infamous and notorious General Manuel Noriega, was deposed during Operation Just Cause in 1989.

In 1975, Tom returned to the Pentagon to work in the joint arena and the National Military Command Center. In 1978, he was assigned to Ft. Dix, NJ, as the post chief of staff and deputy post commander, an assignment he loved because it placed him with soldiers one last time.

In 1964, Tom received a master's degree from Middlebury College, and in 1972 he earned a second master's degree, this one in public administration, from Shippensburg University. His military awards included the Legion of Merit with four oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry, National Defense Service Medal with star, and the Parachutist and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Tom often boasted that he was an atypical Infantry officer because he never drank coffee, played golf, or fired a shot in anger. However, he was fiercely competitive and loved squash, handball, and racquetball. Intimidation was his ally, and he sometimes used his 6'1," 228-pound body to block his opponent’s vision on the court.

Everyone who knew Tom remembers his ever present 3"x 5" cards, on which he noted birthdays and special occasions, appointments, medications, and prayer requests. His priorities were God, country, and family.

In 1980, Tom retired as a colonel, and he and Betty Lou returned to their home in Alexandria, VA. Following open heart surgery in 1981, Tom began 20 years of volunteerism. He belonged to and met regularly with three men's prayer groups and was active in the National Prayer Breakfast, where his mastery of Portuguese and Spanish made him a valuable asset. He also served as a board member of the Ft. Belvoir Officer's Club. Tom visited the Oak Meadow Nursing Home weekly to chat with and read to the elderly shut ins. These visits, often with one of his grandchildren, brightened the day for everyone, and he continued them for nearly 20 years, bringing hope to many.

Tom's loyalty extended to his West Point classmates. He was program chairman for the monthly class luncheons in DC and the class scribe for several years. In retirement, he and Betty Lou also often visited their four children and 16 grandchildren at their various assignments around the globe.

After a valiant battle with cancer, Betty Lou died on 4 Apr 1992. In October 1994, Tom married Macon Fooshe, widow of classmate Jim Fooshe, and they were married until his death in June 2001. Tom cherished Macon and her children and learned a great deal about society and life in "Ole Virginia." Jim and Tom had been roommates at West Point, and Tom had served as a pallbearer at Jim’s funeral in 1976. He became the stepfather to Jim’s children, sharing with them his love for the Lord and his love of sports.

Tom brought joy to those who knew him and inspired loyalty in them. He added a sweet melody in this world. Wherever Tom worshiped, he sang in the choir. For years, he sang in the choir at the Post Chapel at Ft. Belvoir and then at Cherrydale Methodist Church in Arlington.

In addition to his wife Macon, Tom is survived by his four children: LTC (ret.) Thomas A Austin IV, ‘'75; Elizabeth S. Austin, R.N.; Nell Horn, wife of COL Carl Horn ‘'76; and LTC (Ret.) David Austin; and sixteen grandchildren. He is also survived by two stepchildren, Carter Fooshe Weeber and James Cabell Fooshe, and three step grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by a brother, COL (Ret.) William H. Austin, USAR, and a sister, Hazel "Honey" Baker. The first chapter of Philippians says, "being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in me will complete it until the day of Christ," and Tom's life exemplified those words. Well done, Tom, thou good and faithful servant! Death has been swallowed up in victory!

- His son

Bert B. Aton

NO. 17668  •  28 August 1927 - 24 October 1997

Died in Montclair, VA
Interred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA

 

BERT BENTON ATON was the son of Zelma Dora Benton and William Frank Aton from Louisville, KY. His family was modest in material wealth but abundantly blessed with important values for nurturing traits that held Bert to high aspirations. His parents encouraged Bert and his brother William to study diligently and actively pursue extracurricular programs. He became a class officer and, on the gridiron, he played on the Varsity football team for the Brook and Breckrenridge High School in Louisville.

He was selected for academic and athletic scholarships to 12 major universities, including the United States Naval Academy, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Georgia, and Tennessee. Bert elected to attend Georgia Institute of Technology and study engineering.  At the end of his freshman year, he was drafted and entered the U.S. Army at Ft. Bragg. He was trained as a 105mm howitzer gunner, but this fledgling career was interrupted by an offer to attend USMA and play football. Entering West Point in 1946, Bert played on the illustrious Army team on both offense and defense as either tackle or end. He shared the field with Army’s most famous teams under the legendary Coach Red Blaik. He also played during the last year of "Mr. Inside" - Felix "Doc" Blanchard, and "Mr. Outside" - Glen Davis. The Army team during 1944-46  was the consensus National Champion. Bert's outstanding athletic ability was recognized by the professional New York Giants, who offered him a tryout but instead, he committed to service in the military after graduation.

Being ranked first in the class in EngIish early identified Bert as an inquiring and articulate intellectual whose pursuits in later years would reflect this attribute. Bert enjoyed music and participated in the Cadet Chapel Choir, the Glee Club, and the 100th Nite Show - he played the headmistress at Skidmore, a New England women’s college.  As a new yearling at Camp Buckner, he and a few classmates stealthily and nocturnally transported the "Reveille" g­un from its usual location at headquarters to a water-locked emplacement on Lake Popolopen - this is still a secret to protect unnamed participants.

At graduation, Bert chose to enter the newly-created Air Force. After finishing flight school in August 1951, he became a flight instructor for the T­33 T-Bird and its sister ship, the F-80 ShootingStar. Following this tour of duty, he embarked on a long career as a fighter pilot, achieving distinction as the first pilot to break the sound barrier in the F-86H "Saberjet," and during level flight in the F-100D. He flew the F-41 Phantom II and also qualified as a special weapons pilot. Tours of duty in Korea, Japan, and Thailand included Bert's participation in the Korean War and the Viet Nam War, flying numerous combat missions.

Bert's early physical challenges on the gridiron developed his strength of body and will that helped him cope with an injury in Jungle Survival School in 1968 that led to many years of back and leg pain and ultimately, to partial paralysis of both his legs. Yet, after an operation provided temporary relief, he returned to his interrupted jungle training to finish the course, return to flight status, and fly 22 combat missions in the F-4D in Viet Nam and 12 more with forward air control aircraft.

Bert’s academic interests continued throughout his life. He was selected to teach military history to First Classmen at USMA where, just before the 1962 Army-Navy game, he was called upon to give an inspiring address in Washington Hall to the Corps on "The Spirit of the Champion." Graduate studies in history at Columbia University, a master of engineering administration from George Washington University, and further study with GWU and the University of Louisville, KY, rounded out a diverse educational endeavor that Bert used in his creative work - in and after USAF service. Military studies were included in his Air Force training, culminating in Bert's selection as a distinguished graduate of the Air War College at the Air University, Montgomery, AL.

Honors included the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. He was made an honorary member of the Royal Thai Air Force after having assisted them in special training. The state governor appointed him a Kentucky Colonel. Listed in Jane’s Who’s Who in Aviation and Aerospace, as well as in the International Who’s Who of Intellectuals, he also was recognized as a member of Mensa, a society for those with a high IQ.

After retiring from the USAF in 1973 for medical disability, Bert began a civilian career that found him working in technical aviation related enterprises, such as Sperry Flight Simulation Systems, Gould Electronics, and Oracle Complex Systems Corporation. Ultimately, he became a freelance writer and editor, giving his endeavor the name "Cyrano."

Bert's many fine qualities endeared him to his family, classmates, football teammates, and co-workers. Intelligence, common sense, and leadership stand out founded on his keen awareness of loyalty, integrity, and responsibility. Threaded through these attributes were a wonderful sense of humor and a ready chuckle, giving him an ease of approach in life that made relationships a pleasure. Perhaps, Bert portrayed the "Flanker" spirit of his cadet Company M-2.

In 1991, Bert was diagnosed with lung cancer that he fought like the iron man that he was, only to have it claim his life in 1997. Bert is survived by his wife Mary; his two daughters, Jennifer and Kim; and two grandchildren.

- Family, George Lear and Classmates

Arthur Martens Apmann, Jr.

NO. 17505  •  17 June 1928 – 23 August 1951

Died 23 August 1951 in Korea, aged 23 years
Interment: West Point Cemetery, West Point, New York

 

ARTHUR MARTENS APMANN was born in Mt. Kisco, New York on 17 June 1928 to Margaret and Arthur Apmann. His father was a colonel, USAR, serving in the Corps of Engineers. Art graduated from Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania in 1945 and attended Yale for a year before being appointed to West Point from Connecticut by Senator Hart.

Early in his Plebe Year, Art set out to become editor of the Howitzer. A roommate attested that he spent more time at the Howitzer office than in his own room. In furthering his goal he was a member of the Photography Club for four years, used his camera frequently, and was the photographic editor of Fall Out during Plebe Year.

He loved the outdoors and joined the Fishing Club along with six other classmates in order to camp out on the reservation on weekends. Little, if any, fishing was done. It was the enjoyment of the outdoors and the comradeship that interested him. His antics livened up the outings. To escape the gloom period, they camped out in below‑zero weather along the shore of frozen Lake Popolopen one weekend in January. That experience was cold‑weather survival training for Art and several others, and stood them in good stead during the winter of 1950 in Korea, a place they had not he­ard of yet.

As he had hoped, his cadet days culminayed in his selection as the editor of the 1950 Howitzer. The splendid job he did coordinating the various aspects of the book and in developing a closely‑knit, efficient organization resulted in an outstanding yearbook. There was promise for a successful and fulfilling career ahead of him.

Upon graduation, Art chose the Corps of Engineers and received orders to report to Camp Stoneman, California, for  shipment to the Far East Command. A company mate with similar orders agreed to meet Art in Chicago and drive his new car to the West Coast where he would sell it. They took a week to drive to California, visiting Art's family and friends in Denver, sightseeing and nightclubbing. Arriving at Camp Stoneman two days early, the company mate had a car to sell and wanted to see San Francisco. But, North Korea had attacked South Korea on 25 June during graduation leave, and Art wanted to sign in immediately and join his new organization. He signed in on 15 August and flew I out that night to Japan. It was like him to eagerly answer the call to duty.

At Camp Drake he was assigned to the 185th Engineer Combat Battalion, a Xth United States Army Corps unit, then assembling at Camp Zama. As a new Engineer combat platoon leader, Art helped in loading the battalion's equipment onto sea‑going craft and departed for the Inchon amphibious landing with his unit, supporting the1st Marine Division and the 7th Infantry Division.

The collapse of the North Korean Army, following the Inchon landing, set the stage for a series of rapid unit moves. Through these early months of the war, Art was leading his platoon in building and repairing the roads and bridges of the supply routes to the two divisions. It was a dirty, dusty, nerve‑jarring and monotonous task he accomplished with stoic cheerfulness that overlaid a determined and ambitious spirit

Regrouping in Pusan, the Xth Corps embarked for another amphibious landing near Iwon, North Korea to envelope die eastern flank of the North Korean Army. The landing in the late fall of 1950 was accomplished with the two US divisions racing to the Yalu River, the 185th close by. However, the entry of the Chinese Army into the way altered plans dramatically.

Under the steady force of the numerically superior Chinese Communist Army, the Xth Corps executed a retrograde operation and debarked successfully at Hungnam.

Hence, Art was soon back in South Korea with his engineer platoon, maintaining the main supply routes on the east coast. The mountainous terrain, steep‑sided river valleys and the rainy season made such work an engineering challenge which he relished, particularly since his promotion to first lieutenant now signified his nearly seven months of continual combat Engineer experience.

Art’s demeanor was always inquisitive, cooperative and professional. He went the extra mile to do the job right or to help. On 23 August 1951, a day during the rainy season, he and the battalion commander stood on the bank of a rain­swollen river watching the build‑up of debris around the floats of an M2 floating treadway  bridge.

The water pressure against the debris was becoming a threat to the stability of the floating bridge. Art went out onto the precarious bridge, crawled to the edge of the pontoon and plunged his bayonet into the fabric, intending to deflate it in order to open a freeway for the debris to pass. Unfortunately, with the loss of structural support from the collapsed pontoon, the wooden saddle assembly also collapsed, tossing Art into the torrent. His body was recovered and returned to West Point for burial in the cemetery.

Art Apmann's youthful, unfearful willingness and diligence have been inspirational. One remembers his passing with sadness yet with the pride of having been his classmate and fellow soldier. Like so many young men, he had so little time, yet like so few, he did the most with the time he had.

- Bill Howe, Lloyd Mielenz, George Lear

Clark H. Allison

NO. 17858  •  24 September 1927 – 8 April 1981

Died in Sacramento, CA
Interred in West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY

 

COMING FROM a military family, Clark Hickmott Allison’s desire to attend West Point was not surprising. A true son of the “golden west”, Clark was born in Oakland, CA. With Clark’s open and sunny disposition, it was not unusual that he made many friends at USMA. He was a member of the Water Polo Club and was on the swim team all four years, earning a Major “A” and Navy Star. As the ’50 Howitzer noted, “At present, he holds the record for hours spent in the varsity tank.” The steadfastness and drive that Clark displayed as a Cadet would be evidenced in his professional and personal life.

Upon graduation, Clark was commissioned in the Air Force and assigned to the Air Training Command, initially as a student pilot at a base in Waco, TX. His dream of becoming an Air Force pilot was not to be realized, though. He began a flying and command and staff operational career as a navigator, bombardier, and radar operator in conventional bombers, multi-engine jet bombers, and jet fighters.

In the autumn of 1950, Clark began training as an aerial navagator at Ellington AFB, Houston, TX. He completed radar and bombardier training at Mather AFB, Sacramento, CA, in March 1952, earning his wings as an aerial observer.  This was a new rating that reflected what had been three separate aeronautical ratings of navigator, bombardier, and radar operator. Clark married Susan Grether, from Berkeley, CA. Their loving partnership grew to include four daughters – Patricia, Susann, Virginia, and Jacqueline.

Clark was assigned as a B-29 radar operator with the 44th Bombardment Wing, Strategic Air Command, based at Lake Charles, LA. In the summer of 1953, Clark’s unit transitioned to a new bomber, the six-jet engine B-47 Stratofortress, the mainstay for the SAC at that time. It had a crew of three: pilot, co-pilot, and aerial observer, the porition Clark occupied. He encompassed bombing and navigational duties, as well as the monitoring and control of the nuclear weapon the B-47 was designed to carry, at intercontinental ranges, with aerial refueling.

Clark’s tour with SAC was curtailed in April 1946, when he was assigned as a navigation instructor at USAFA. Clark, along with other USMA Classmates, contributed immeasurably to the successful initiation of the new Air Force Academy. Clark’s tour at USAFA ended in 1960 with a two-year assignment with his family to the 84th Bombardment Squadron (jet) as a B-66 crew member based at Sculthorpe Royal AF Station, England.

His achievements with the squadron earned him two Air Medals. In 1962, the Allison family’s European tour was extended by another two years with Clark’s assignment as a staff officer with the 7407th Support Squadron based at Rhein Main Air Base in West Germany. That assignment was followed in 1964 by selection to the Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk, VA, where he graduated in January 1965, along with several other classmates. His new duty station was with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, based at George AFB, Victorville, CA, flying as the backseat observer of the two-man F-4 fighter-bomber crew. Clark’s growing skill and knowledge in the aerial observer field, particularly in all-weather bombing and navigation, were being put to use in more combat jets. Clark’s stay at George AFB lasted only  a month with the wing’s deployment to the Royal Thai Air Base at Ubon, Thailand. Both as a crew member and operations staff officer, he flew 40 aerial combat missions over North Viet Nam, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, four more Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Clark’s staff position was as the Director of Intelligence. The 8th TFW was then the largest wing in that sector of operations, and the staff assignment was an extraordinarily demanding one for Clark. The 8th TFW conducted around-the-clock fighter and support aircraft combat operations over North Vietnam and Laos, operating from two main bases. The Intelligence Sections provided critical support for mission planning, post-mission aircrew briefing and debriefing, and timely post-strike reporting to higher headquarters. That endless activity was under Clark’s direct supervision. His outstanding leadership qualities were legendary among the aircrews, whose very lives depended on the intelligence products produced by the people Clark supervised.

In September 1966, Clark rejoined his family stateside at Bergstrom AFB with assignment to an RF-4 wing. That assignment was curtailed in 1967, by a new assignment as a fighter operations officer with the Tactical Air Command Headquarters at Langley AFB, VA – another example where Clark’s unique talents and experience were recognized and put to use. A quotation from the Class of ’50 20-Year Book, in Clark’s own words, is appropriate: “As a navigator among 35 fighter pilots in the section, my position could be equated to Stokely Carmichael as a member of the Savannah (Georgia) Country Club.” He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Tactical Air Command.

After a highly successful tour with TAC, in 1971 Clark was ordered back to his beloved California to assume duties as the deputy commander of the 3535th Navigation Training Wing at Mather AFB, Sacramento, CA. It was a clear recognition by the Air Force of Clark’s continuously demonstrated professional competence and potential for higher command. In two years, he was promoted to Vice Commander of the organization, then renamed the 323d Flying Training Wing.  Clark was able to ensure that the new aspirants to the aerial observer field would benefit from his extensive experience and background.

In May 1974, Clark retired from the Air Force as a colonel and was awarded the Legion of Merit for his superior service as deputy commander and vice commander. He settled in Sacramento and became  a respected and valued member of the civilian community, both in a personal and professional sense. In civilian life, he served as Director of Marketing and Finance for the Pacific Legal Foundation, as well as General Manager of the Optical Laboratory of the California Visions Service. He also was active in many civic organizations, including the Sacramento United Way, Rotary International, and the Sacramento Comstock Club.

Unfortunately, Clark’s peaceful and productive retirement life was interrupted by illness. In December 1980, he underwent surgery for colon cancer and, sadly, death followed only four months later. Those of us who knew Clark can only guess what his attitude was during his battle with cancer – he was positively determined not to let the dreadful disease defeat him, and he never gave up.

Clark’s widow, Susann, passed away in July 1991. Those who survive Clark – his family, relatives, friends, classmates, and those with whom he served in the Air Force – will not forget him.

Charles E. Allbaugh

NO. 17395  •  16 February 1927 - 23 October 1999

Died in Ft. Worth, TX 
Interred in West Point Post Cemetery, West Point, NY

 

Charles Edgar Allbaugh, better known as "Ed," was the only Allbaugh to have ever graduated from West Point. He was born the youngest of four children in Richland, KS, a small town just south of Topeka.

Like his father, he was a farmer, but at the tender age of 12, Ed read an article about West Point in a magazine. From that moment, and with no other West Point association of family or friends, it became his passion to join the Long Gray Line.

After graduating from high school, Ed still needed a nomination, but since the United States was still at war, he enlisted in the Navy. He was sent to the Navy Preparatory School in Bainbridge, MD. When it was time to take a state senatorial exam, Ed scored high enough to receive two nominations: one to Annapolis and the other to West Point. He chose West Point and became a member of the Class of '50.

Ed came to West Point with two years of academic seasoning, and excelled in academics and athletics. As a plebe, his fame spread throughout the Corps as the man who could achieve the more‑than‑perfect brace‑ramrod straight from the back of his head to his heels, chest fully expanded, and chin pulled in to such a degree that he was known, when bracing, as "the man with no chin at all." Many classmates suffered by comparison when urged by the upperclassmen to emulate Ed's posture.

Academically, Ed was a pacesetter, standing high in his class all four years and graduating well inside the top ten percent. A well‑rounded athlete, he participated in corps squad boxing and cross‑country, and was a standout in his company in intramural competition. Militarily, he ranked number two in his company as a first classman. The respect his classmates had for him is evident in his election as company representative to the Honor Committee for his last two years at the Point.

Upon graduation from West Point, Ed elected to enter the Air Force and was assigned to Perrin Air Force Base, TX. Anyone from the class who chose the Air Force needed to physically qualify for pilot training. Unfortunately, for both him and the Air Force, he was disqualified prior to soloing. The Korean War had broken out while Ed was on graduation leave. Looking with disfavor on an Air Force career as a non‑pilot, Ed went to Washington to convince the Air Force and the Army that he should be transferred from the former to the latter. Unfortunately for the Army, he was unable to bring it off. The Air Force assigned him to special‑weapons training, which he performed with dedication and excellence for the rest of his Air Force career. Although CPT Allbaugh resigned from the Air Force in 1957, Ed thought his military service was a great experience.

Ed met Leni on a blind date in January during First Class year and dated her through June week but broke up due to religious differences. Nevertheless, they stayed in touch. After his tour at Parrin Air Force Base, he returned to New York and renewed her acquaintance. They were married in March 1951, and had three daughters: Sandy (1954), Robin (1957), and Patti (1959). Sandy graduated magna cum laude from the University of West Virginia. Robin was a cheerleader and a world‑class swimmer during her high‑school years, competing in the AAU Swimming Nationals. After graduating from the University of Northern Colorado, Robin married and gave birth to Ed's first grandchild in July 1979. Their youngest, Patti, was a cheerleader, figure skater, and a member of her high school band. She graduated in 1980 from the University of Georgia with a degree in business administration. Leni and Ed, meanwhile, became avid square and round dancers, traveling distances on weekends to dance at large affairs.

After resigning from the Air Force, Ed became a senior construction engineer for Bettis Atomic Power Lab of Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, a part of the U.S. Navy nuclear program. Under the umbrella of Admiral Hyman Rickover, he worked on aircraft carriers Enterprise and Nimitz, the cruiser Long Beach, and various Polaris‑type submarines. After several other assignments with Westinghouse, Ed and family returned to Pittsburgh in 1978, where Ed became involved with the procurement of nuclear power equipment for the Nuclear Service Division. In 1982, Ed switched to civilian reactors, working on the completion of units one and two of the Comanche Peak reactors in Glen Rose, TX.

In 1986, the first of two tragedies hit Ed and Leni. They lost their youngest daughter Patti, then 26, to a malignant brain tumor. Only those who have lost children in the prime of their life can understand the anguish parents suffer. Patti was buried at West Point. In Ed's words, they "remained strengthened by the embodied memories of classmates and the privilege of four years at West Point."

In 1987, Ed formally retired. When he was working as a consultant for Texas Utilities, he had his first bout with cancer. After a year of treatment and several years in remission, Leni and Ed thought that he had it licked. But it recurred early in 1999 and Ed was given ten months to live. Ed and Leni made it to the 45th reunion in 1995, and it was Ed's great desire to live to make the 50th in 2000. But that was not God's will.

Ed was the best example of a devoted husband, beloved father to his three children, and doting grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson. Ed and Leni spent 48 and a half years together and will be remembered for the love they shared and their devotion to their children. Ed always had a positive attitude and served with distinction both in and out of the service. The key to Ed's life was service, and he will be missed by all his company mates and classmates in the Class of '50.

Ed now rests with his youngest daughter at West Point, where his heart and soul were rooted from his early youth to his final hour. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. May they rest in peace.

Robert Abelman

NO. 17918  •   2 December 1926 - 15 October 1985

Died in West Point, NY
Interred in West Point Post Cemetery, West Point, NY

 

Robert Milton Abelman was born the younger of two sons to Adolph and Irma June Schroeder, nee Petite, in Los Angeles, CA. A few years later, Bob's parents divorced and, in 1938, his mother married Reno businessman Nathan Abelman, who adopted Bob and his brother Bill. Upon adoption, the boys' names were changed to Abelman.

Until the eighth grade, Bob attended public schools in Reno; he then attended the San Rafael Military Academy in California, graduating in 1945. While at San Rafael, he excelled in sports, especially football and boxing.

In 1945, Bob received an alternate appointment to the Naval Academy from Senator Pat McCarran and, in the fall of 1945, attended the Bullis Preparatory School in Maryland, where he again excelled in football. Failing to achieve a principal appointment to the Naval Academy, he then entered Stanford University for the ensuing winter and spring semesters while seeking an appointment to the United States Military Academy. Bob was successful in receiving an appointment to West Point from Senator McCarran and, in July 1946, became a member of the Class of '50.

Football and boxing were Bob's primary athletic interests, and he had hoped to pursue those sports at the Point. As an outstanding boxer, he would have had no trouble in making the West Point boxing team, but before entering the Academy he lost severe nose cartilage. As a boxer, Bob was a little like Jack Dempsey; he knew only one way to box: try to dispatch the opponent as soon as possible. Classmates who boxed Bob in intramurals would no doubt share that assessment.

As a football player, Bob distinguished himself on the Army "A" squad. Despite initial doubts from the coaching staff about his potential as a football player, Bob eventually succeeded in obtaining a place on the first string plebe football squad. The following year, his coaches' confidence in him was further justified when Bob gained a first string halfback position on the Army varsity football team. An encounter with the Tactical Department, however, kept Bob off the team during his third year. Nevertheless, during his First Class year, he again provided sterling help to the team, which had an unbeaten season, including a 38‑0 victory over Navy.

On Graduation Day, Bob got his wish and was commissioned in the United States Air Force. On his elimination from pilot training, he entered navigator‑bombardier training and received his wings in 1951. After Combat Crew Training in 1952, he served a combat tour in Korea with the 95th Bomb Squadron, 17th Bombardment Wing, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, the Commendation Ribbon, and an early promotion to captain.

When he returned to the States in 1953, Bob was assigned to Mather Air Force Base, CA, where his combat experience was put to good use in training new navigator‑bombardiers. During 1960‑62, Bob served with the 4039th Strategic Wing of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), earning the Commendation Medal. He then served for three years at the Headquarters of a SAC missile Wing, receiving another Commendation Medal. In 1964, Bob represented SAC at the World's Fair in New York.

During 1966‑69, Bill was assigned to SAC Headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for this service. During 1969‑75, he served with NATO as the chief of SHAPE Command and received the Legion of Merit for his performance.

His next assignment, during 1973‑75, was as commander of the Civil Engineering Squadron at F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY. There, he was responsible for the maintenance of 200 Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles and earned his second Legion of Merit. His final assignment was as the Fifteenth Air Force public information officer at March Air Force Base in Riverside, CA. A third Legion of Merit was award during that tour. In 1979, Bob retired from the Air Force as a colonel.

As Bob noted in the Class 35th Reunion Book, "In 1976, 1 made the best decision of my life and married a redhead, LT Joan Linder, in a lovely Cheyenne wedding." He and Joan settled in Austin, TX, where Bob formed his own company, RAMTEX Enterprises, Inc. In Austin, he also was active as a member of the Elks Lodge and the Austin Eagles Society.

Sadly, while Joan and Bob were attending his 35th Reunion at West Point, he died of cancer at the Army hospita. Bob was buried at the West Point Post Cemetery with family and classmates in attendance. He will be missed by all who knew him.

- His Classmate Thomas C Sharp, Jr. and nephew William Abelman Brinkerhoff

Walter H. Baxter

Walter "Buz" Hope Baxter III spent almost 50 years as a pilot. With his "hand upon an aircraft throttle and his eye upon the wild blue yonder," no other career could have suited him better or made him happier.

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