Douglas West Poage, Jr.

NO. 17602  •  18 July 1927 – 7 September 1955

Died 8 May 1985 in El Paso, Texas, aged 59 years
Interment: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia


DOUG POAGE WAS born in Alcoa, Tennessee on 10 February 1926. His parents were Douglas W. Poage, Sr., and Agnes Rosensteel Poage. Doug's father, who was personnel manager for the Aluminum Company of America in Alcoa, had the active avocation of helping General Bob Neyland run the University of Tennessee football team. With his two sisters, Doug grew up in the shadows of the Great Smokies with a warm, closeknit family coupled with a lot of athletic and outdoor interests. This combination of traditional southern upbringing and environment left an everlasting mark. Doug was a gentle individual with a great sense of purpose, integrity and honor from the outset.

Doug completed grammar and high schools in Maryville and then attended Columbia Military Academy in Columbia, Tennessee, before entering the Navy where he served as a chaplain's assistant. After discharge, he completed a freshman year at the University of Tennessee before entering the Military Academy in July of 1946. West Point was the place where he said he "just always wanted to be."

Doug was a friendly and easygoing cadet. Academic subjects posed no problem for him, but he never let them dominate his life. He found a major escape from Academy routine by acting as manager of the basketball team. Upon graduation, Doug chose to be commissioned in the Infantry.

He selected his first assignment without hesitation ‑ Infantry duty in the Free Territory of Trieste. At the time this was one of the hot spots in the world, for the Korean war had not yet broken out. He began as platoon leader with the 351st Infantry. He asked to be transferred to Korea, but his request was denied. Fortunately, the experience he gained with this elite regiment under the guidance of commanders such as Paul Caraway and Earle Wheeler gave him a solid foundation for his future success.

The next event that had a major impact on Doug was his marriage to Mary D. Allen, the daughter of General Frank A. Allen, Jr. Mary and Doug met in Trieste and married there in November 1951. This provided an instant West Point family connection as one new brother‑in‑law was an Academy graduate (1945) and another soon would be (1952). Mary and Doug had three children: Douglas III, born in Trieste in 1952; Ellen, born in Washington, DC in 1953; and Peter, born in Rome, Italy, in 1955. The children now live in Alaska, Burma, and Virginia, respectively. During the remaining years of their marriage Doug and Mary shared their love for life, intellectual curiosity, and instant readiness to start a new adventure wherever in the world it was to be offered.

Upon his return from Trieste, Doug attended the Infantry School at Fort Benning and then completed the Airborne and Ranger schools. A classmate related an episode during the Ranger course that typified Doug's spirit and determination. One of the critical tests for completion of the course was to swim a river, fully clothed, with him and his buddy pushing a raft in front of them. His buddy, a poor swimmer, was having great difficulty. So Doug told him just to hang on and managed to successfully pull both his buddy and the raft across the remaining portion of the river. Doug, who risked his own graduation to help a friend, was like that. Easygoing and low key most of the time, he was always able to do what was needed in a pinch.

Fort Campbell and the 11th Airborne Division came next. Then fortune shined with a tour from 1954 to 1956 in his beloved Italy. He served as aide‑de-camp to the chief of the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Rome. During that tour, Doug gave another glimpse of his strength and will. Not previously a skier at all, he successfully completed an arduous month‑long ski course designed to qualify Italian officers to join elite Alpini units.

After a year as a student in the Infantry Officer's Advanced Course back at Fort Benning, and another year on the staff and faculty at the Infantry School (for which he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal), Doug was chosen to attend graduate school at Georgia Tech. There he earned a master's degree in electrical engineering and electronics in 1961. From there, Doug went to the Air Defense School at Fort Bliss for three years where he headed the Missile Science Course for which he was awarded a second Commendation Medal. This tour established a continuing relationship with El Paso, for it was there that the Poages later retired.

 In 1963, Doug went to the Republic of Vietnam where he served for a year as province advisor in Tuy Hoa. There he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge. On return to the States, Doug completed the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and was then assigned as commander of a basic training battalion at Fort Polk, Louisiana. For those who know Fort Polk, and to quote Doug, that was "a place where you had to make your own fun."

Doug volunteered to return to Vietnam in 1967 where, after six months in Saigon, he got a prized battalion command with the 199th Infantry Brigade. In this position, he earned the Bronze Star Medal and six Air Medals. To Doug, this combat assignment culminated a lot of years of training and hard work.

On Doug's return to the United States, the Poages began what was to be nearly five years in the Washington, DC area. Doug was first assigned to the Combat Developments Command where he was promoted to colonel in 1970 and earned the Legion of Merit, and then to the office of the Chief of Research and Development. After Washington, there was a four ­year tour in the Canal Zone where Doug was first the commander of the Atlantic Area Command and later the inspector general of the US Army Southern Command.

Starting in 1976, Doug's final military assignment was as senior advisor to the 76th Infantry Division, US Army Reserve, with headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut. Upon retirement in 1978, Doug was awarded a second Legion of Merit and returned with Mary to El Paso.

There were some peaceful and happy years there. Unfortunately, medical factors thwarted his intent to take up a teaching career. Later, after a long final illness which failed to stem his courage and optimism, Doug died on 8 May 1985. Mary later moved to Virginia.

Doug gave a lot of himself to the Army and to those who knew him well. As he reflected on his life near the end, he certainly had every reason to be content with the full, varied and rewarding life he had lived. After all, he achieved what he set out to do when he was a boy back in Tennessee. He is greatly missed by his family and by his classmates and friends.

-WFB, LER, Class of 1950

John Herbert Pigman

NO. 17381  •  21 December 1926 – 21 February 1978

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‑his wife

James Robinson Pierce Jr.

NO. 17937  •  30 December 1925 – 16 June1 1952

Killed in action, June 16, 1952, in Korea, aged 26 years

 

FIRST LIEUTENANT JAMES ROBINSON PIERCE, JR. was born December 30, 1925 in Tientsin, China. He graduated from the Officers' Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia, on September 27, 1945, after enlisted service from September 20, 1944. He entered the United States Military Academy on July 1, 1946, graduating on June 6, 1950 as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry. He qualified as a paratrooper at Fort Benning during the fall of 1950, subsequently joining the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, where he was stationed for a little over a year. After completion of the associate combat course at Fort Benning in December 1951, he received his promotion to First Lieutenant on December 2, and departed for overseas on January 29, 1952. There he was assigned to the 179th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Division in Korea about February 12.  After duty as a platoon leader, he became Company Commander of Compauy "L" in May 1952. He was recommended for promotion by his division commander shortly before he met his death while leading a counter‑attack against the enemy.

He married Margaret Ann Rosser, of Clarksville, Tennessee, in December 1950. To this completely happy union was born a son, James Robinson Pierce, III, on February 29, 1952.

His family and friends are intensely proud of the way he lived and the way he died. His character, faith in his fellow men, and deep religious convictions were markedly outstanding throughout his life. He died on June 16, 1952 in the finest tradition of the Army, paying the supreme sacrifice, fearlessly leading his men in the defense of their country.

-His Father

Lewis Andrew Pick, Jr.

NO. 17767  •  

Died 28 October 1993 in Opelika, Alabama, aged 65 years
Interment: Pine Hills Cemetery, Auburn, Alabama

 

LEWIS ANDREW PICK, JR., was born in New Orleans, where his father was serving with the Corps of Engineers. During his boyhood he lived at various Army posts and civil works locations. His father was to become one of the outstanding Army engineers of World War II, the builder of "Pick's Pike," a 425 mile section of the Ledo Road. Andy attended Culver Military Academy, graduating in 1945.

Andy's red hair and dynamic personality brought him early attention from both the upperclassmen and his congenial classmates in K‑2. The Howitzer highlighted his self-confidence, friendly manner, and ability to add zest to any gathering.

Andy's first assignment after graduation in June of 1950 was with the Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division. He deployed with the Division from Fort Benning to Korea, where he served as a forward observer. He took part in the division's 1950 and 51 campaigns and was awarded the Silver Star.

Upon returning to the United States. he transferred from the Field Artillery to the Corps of Engineers and was assigned to the

Engineer School as an instructor in tactics. He next was detailed to military construction projects in the Savannah District. After a year he returned to Fort Belvoir to attend the Advanced Course. In December of 1954, he and Frances Boddie of Valdosta, Georgia were married and made their first home at Fort Belvoir. It is hard to imagine a better suited pair than Fran and Andy.

About this time Andy began to show an interest in finance. He could stay abreast of his classes and still display a thorough familiarity with the contents of the Wall Street Journal. He wanted to know how businesses worked and knew that finance was the language of business. This interest was to be helpful in his later business career. After receiving a masters in engineering at Princeton, Andy and Fran sailed for Germany in 1956 where he was assigned to the 540th Engineer Combat Group. He commanded a separate Engineer company and later served as an operations officer for the group. Andy was a man of ideas; ideas he supported enthusiastically but with a fervor tempered by realism and humor. He ran a good unit and was willing to share his ideas. He also shared the credit for successes, resulting in more successes.

Troop duty in Europe was followed by ROTC duty, C&GSC, and service in Vietnam as Engineer advisor to the Vietnamese I Corps at Danang. He then was assigned as assistant director of Civil Works in the Office of the Chief of Engineers. His expertise in policy issues on the Army's civil functions resulted in his assignment as executive officer to the assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

In 1972 Andy had a difficult decision to make: to remain on active duty or retire to Auburn, Alabama to direct his family's real estate and construction business. Regretfully, he gave up the certainty of positions of great responsibility in the Army to shoulder his  family obligations. He returned to the small southern town that had been home to his family since 1892.

On the morning of the first day on the new job in Auburn, Andy had a small framing crew, one truck and an office in his mother's house. "Let's go to work" was the brief assumption of command speech. From these humble beginnings Andy became the man labeled "The Forefather of Development in Auburn." Fran joined in the fray, going to work for the first time since her marriage. Raw land was cleared, subdivisions were developed, houses and commercial buildings were constructed and sold, and the business prospered. Andy believed in making the American dream of home ownership available to the residents of Auburn.

While helping to fulfill the needs of Auburn's new home market, Andy looked at the student body of Auburn University and saw a potential market for students wanting to escape the substandard housing that existed. In 1977 he built Eagles West Apartments, a 240‑unit complex located across the street from the campus.

At an age when most people were retiring and relaxing, Andy gained ownership control and became chairman of MESA Industries, Inc., which was transformed from a struggling company to a successful corporation with operations in seven states.

An idealist as well as a practical person, Andy entered into local politics and supported worthwhile organizations. He was a Sunday school teacher until the end of his life. Although he shared his time and laughter with old and new friends, he was, at heart, a family man who adored his daughter Betsy and sons Andrew and Charles and well as grandchildren Cary Frances and Edward.

Although he had undergone open heart surgery eight years before his death, it did not seem to affect his enthusiasm or energy. The news of the final attack was a shock to everyone, including his classmates who had seen him at a mini‑reunion in Florida two weeks earlier. His last words before  leaving to join the Long Gray Line were  "When do we start?"

John Victor Parish, Jr.

NO. 17427  •  4 August 1926 - 9 August 1993

Died in Huntington Beach, CA
Interred, in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA


John Victor Parish, Jr. was born to John V. and Helen Hahn Parish in Youngstown, OH. He attended Bullis Preparatory School for several months following graduation from South High School in Youngstown, OH, in 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from July to December 1945 and was appointed to West Point by Representative M.J. Kirwan of the 19th Congressional District of Ohio. He entered the Academy as a member of the Class of '50.

Jack arrived at the Academy well‑prepared to cope with its challenges and with a disposition, extensive experience, and the abilities to help his classmates cope with them too. A generous and gifted person with an abundance of energy, his never‑failing optimism and good humor were inspirations that touched us all. And for Jack, humor began with his ability to laugh (invariably at himself). Those who knew Jack would agree with the 1950 Howitzer, that says of him, "Jack had a habitual good nature and a friendliness toward all that is very rare. If ever a man needed some timely assistance, Jack was always ready and quick to help. He was dependable in every way, and worked hard in studies and athletics. Jack faced life as a sportsman should. His presence in any outfit or command in the Army will be most welcome."

As a cadet, Jack seemed to find time for everything, including a class standing in the top 12% of his class. Corps squad boxing, lacrosse, and track along with belonging to the Cadet handball, Camera, and Art Clubs were all part of his interests and activities. Quick intellectually, articulate,. and widely read, it was common to witness Jack devoting study periods to reading a novel, composing poetry, or listening to classical music while his roommates labored to keep up with daily assignments. Following Jack's discovering Peg Darragh in his third class year, letter writing, dragging, and occasional trips to New York City impinged even further upon time that most of us reserved for academics. Long before branch choices were made, it was well known that Jack would be an Engineer. And, an outstanding Engineer he became.

Jack’s contributions over his entire Army career reflect his most significant attribute: leadership. Ranging from his first assignment in 1950 as a second lieutenant platoon leader in the 18th Engineer Combat Battalion in Germany followed by command of a company as a first lieutenant, to Division Engineer, Huntsville, AL, he sought leadership positions throughout his career. Although Jack’s tour as an Army attache at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo from 1958‑60 was a departure from the normal career pattern for an Engineer, he once said that he must have been an effective, hard‑working, and impartial attache because he was appreciated by both the Egyptians and the Israelis. In 1967, while a battalion commander in the OCS command at Ft. Belvoir, he requested assignment to Vietnam, serving for one year with great distinction as commander of the 35th Engineer Combat Battalion.

In addition to branch courses, Jack's education included a master of science in civil engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; study of Arabic at the Defense Language School, Monterey, CA; and the Army War College.

After retirement from the Army in 1977, Jack joined the Federal Railway Administration, where he worked on engineering projects for the Northeast Corridor. After a year and a half, however, separated by the breadth of a continent from their children and lured by memories of the Pacific Coast, Jack and Peg decided they were ready for another major change in their lives. Jack sought employment with Fluor Corporation in California and, when an opportunity occurred, the Parish family made their last move ‑ to Huntington Beach. Here, for the next fourteen years, Peg and Jack spent the most satisfying period of their lives. In 1990, Jack was unexpectedly diagnosed as being in an advanced stage of cancer. Following a period of treatment and a promising remission, the cancer recurred. Offered participation in a pilot immunotherapy program conducted by the National Institutes of Health, Jack accepted. He dealt with this difficult period in a way true to his character – he joked, for example, that Max, his German Shepherd, didn’t recognize him any longer. Mcdications in the experimental treatment had changed his scent and the dog was puzzled, causing Jack to ask on one occasion, "How will I ever again convince Max that this strange‑smelling man is his master?" The experimental treatment was not successful. Jack died and was buried in Riverside National Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Peg of Huntington Beach, CA; and children: Richard of Irving, CA; Christie Gillis of Hayward, CA, Carolyn Curtis of San Diego, CA; and David of Seattle, WA. Jack is also survived and will always be remembered by his many friends. We all carry a part of Jack with us.

Lewis Anderson Page, Jr.

NO. 17790  •  

Died 20 June 1953, at Sewickley, Pennsylvania from injuries received in a plane crash, aged 28 years.


COLONEL LEWIS ANDERSON PAGE, SR. is a soldier. He has served his country faith­fully for many years. Young Lewis Jr. was raised in a military atmosphere and he thought it a wonderful life. He decided as a youth that he would follow his father's career. He, and his young brother Alex, would serve the nation as officers in the Armed Forces.

Lew was the first to enter the Service. He was in his second year at Clemson College when he joined the Air Corps in 1942. He was a young man of eighteen when he began his Aviation Cadet Training. A year later Lew had earned his navigator's wings and a commission in the Army of the United States.

He was immediately sent into combat crew training in preparation for an overseas assignment. Lew went to England and was assigned to the crew of a B‑17 Flying Fortress. The big bombers flew their long dangerous journeys into the heart of the German Reich. The B‑17's, along with the other allied bombers, constantly hammered the German war productivity. Night and day the "Forts" battered the continent.

One murky afternoon twenty‑two thousand feet above the German countryside Lew's plane was hit and felled by enemy  fighters. The crew bailed out of the stricken aircraft. Along with the others Lew hurtled down through the sky. Being a navigator, he know the height of the clouds. He allowed himself to fall free for seventeen thousand feet into their protective billows before he opened his parachute and halted his long plunge, Moments later he touched the warm sweet earth. Lew had hardly recovered from the jolt of his landing when they were about him ‑ solemn faces, the taut faces of German farmers, forming a cordon of pitchforks and shotguns.

Lew spent that sleepless night in the local jail. In the morning he started his trip north, to a year's internment in a German Prisoner of War Camp. There on the bleak shores of the Baltic Sea, Lew was an inspiring leader for others to call upon. He was always cheerful and ready to help all without hesitation. He was never so concerned with his own wants that he would not willingly turn aside for others.

Eventually victory came to the Allies in Europe and freedom for Lew. He returned home. However, he was a soldier and knew it would be his life. He turned his sights toward entry to West Point.

In July 1946 Lew's study and diligent efforts were rewarded with an appointment to the United States Military Academy. Former First Lieutenant L. A. Page, Jr. entered the Academy along with forty‑five other former Army Officers and the largest veteran class in the school's history.

The first year was a long difilcult test. Lew bent under the pressure many times but always fought back to surmount each obstacle. Three more years he was tested and found true.

Lew was a Cadet with spirit and full belief in the Corps. He was a versatile youth and took part in many diverse activities.  He played saxophone in the band. He sang with both the Glee Club and the Catholic Choir. Lew participated in inter‑collegiate and intramural athletics. He was also a member of the German and Radio Clubs.

At graduation Lew turned to the Air Arm that had grown along with him and had become a full fledged separate service. A second time Lew went after his wings.

Graduation brought another wonderful gift. For four years Lew had thought of the day when he and Joan Wojciehoski could be married. Their dreams were finally realized. Lew and Joan were married the day after graduation in the Catholic Chapel at West Point.

After two glorious months of graduation leave, they headed South to San Antonio. Lew entered Basic Flying Training at Randolph Air Base, Texas. He passed along easily to advanced training in F‑51's at Alabama’s Craig Field. Here, in early August 1951, Joan pinned pilot's wings on Lew.

Then there were three. Lew and Joan were thrilled by the birth of a daughter.  She was named Carol. The new family had a a few wonderful months together.

In the meantime Lew was busy training in Gunnery School at Luke Field, Arizona.  Upon completion of his course, he was once more prepared for overseas combat duty. This time Lew headed West to war. In the hostile skies over North Korea he flew 75 combat missions. As Squadron Operations Officer Lew fought the Communists both at the planning chart and in the air. Eventually he completed his Korean tour.  Captain Lew Page returned joyfully to his family and the comfort of his home.

After leave, the family moved to Florida where Lew had been assigned as an instructor, transitioning pilots to jet aircraft.

One day Lew was requested to take a young officer home on emergency leave to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All was uneventful on the nothern trip. Then, just after takeoff on the return flight, disaster struck. The T‑33 caught fire, and when the aircraft went down, Lew rose above it. He rose higher, much higher than he had ever been before. Thus he went as he had lived; helping, comforting, and giving service to others.

We all called him "Mother" Page. It was a name given in humor but only as a hidden expression of our affection for his sincere kindness. Lew was a man who would willingly give his unreserved help to anyone who needed aid or assistance. Never did he expect a favor in return. He served others because he wanted to.

Lew was a devout man. He never forced his religious thoughts upon others but he was never ashamed to declare his belief in God and his religion. He acted in accordance with his beliefs. He was a good Christian. His morals and thoughts were of the highest. With him it was always Sunday morning.

Lew was a wonderful man – as a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a friend. In each capacity he gave fully of his generous self and all in turn recognized his incalculable goodness.

Alex Page was not the only man who lost a brother that fateful day. Every man in the Class of 1950 lost one too.

‑George P. Vlisides. Captain, USAF, a Company Classmate.

William Edwards Otis, Jr.

NO. 17908  •  18 July 1927 – 7 September 1955

Died September 11, 1950, in Korea, aged 25 years


"Tige," as he was known to family and friends, or Bill, as he became known at West Point, had one outstanding trait which we who knew and loved him will always remember. It was an uncanny ability to lighten the moment, no matter how dark, and make everyone happy to be there at that particular time with him, He would laugh at himself or with you or lampoon an entire situation to shatter its oppressiveness. Although his life was tragically short, it was full and rich because he never wasted time worrying about misfortune.

 Born In Cleveland, Ohio, "Tige" first looked at Army life at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, in 1929 when his mother was married to an Army officer. Somewhere early in the family's tour of peacetime  Army posts he determined that this would be his career. There were many obstacles to overcome, but "Tige" never relinquished this goal.

After attending various schools on Army posts and in Cleveland, "Tige" entered Culver Military Academy. A member of the Artillery there, he was active in cadet life and as a member of the wrestling team. Two years of military life seemed to sharpen his desire to enter the Military Academy; he secured a Congressional appointment upon his graduation in 1943. Such was not to be immediately, however, as defective vision prevented his passing the medical examination. There followed two years of enlisted service in the Artillery and in the CIC, as well as several delicate eye operations, before he finally entered the Academy with the Class of 1950.

West Point with its periodic cycles of gloom seemed to lend fuel to "Tige's" love of humor and satire. Although deeply dedicated to the traditions and missions of West Point, he depicted his exasperations with the rigors of the military and academic system to the delight of family and friends, gathering regularly to read his letters.

During his First Class year “Tige” met Doris Livingston of Philadelphia, to whom he was married following graduation June Week.

On August 7, 1950, "Tige's" leave and honeymoon were terminated and he flew to Japan. He stayed there less than a week before reporting to the First Cavalry Division in Korea. Although engaged in the bitter fighting of that month, he found time to lighten the home spirits, spinning anecdotes of his disappointment at the elimination of the beer ration and of his difficulties making himself understood by Korean soldiers. Humor however shrouded no lack of resolution. For his "extreme courage and aggressive action against overwhelming odds" in action near Waegwan, "Tige" was awarded the Silver Star. He had been put in for another for his part in leading a patrol to bring out a fellow officer and friend who had been cut off; but shortly thereafter, on September 11, he was killed while leading his platoon on an attack near Waegwan.

A friend of the family wrote that as tragic as his death was, there was some small consolation in knowing that "Tige" had early set his mind on a career in the service and when he died was leading his troops, the ultimate fulfillment of that goal. Considering this, with the happiness he had known in marriage and the memories he left, which even now can make us who loved him forget ourselves and chuckle, his was indeed a life full and rich.

‑J. G.

Charles Junior Osterndorf

NO. 17449  •  12 January 1927 – 16 November 1990

Died 16 November 1990 in San Antonio, Texas, aged 63 years
Interment: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas

 

CHARLES JUNIOR OSTERNDORF was born in Platteville, Wisconsin on 12 January 1927 to Charles and Minna Osterndorf. In 1944, like many American families with no previous condition of military service, the Osterndorfs had two sons fighting in Europe and the Pacific. Chuck, only 17 at the time, sought to join them. He was inducted into the Army Reserve and assigned to the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) in engineering at the University of Wisconsin. At the conclusion of the academic year, Chuck was inducted into the Army and sent to Fort Robinson, Arkansas for basic training. He was offered the opportunity to continue in the ASTP and was sent to the Virginia Polytechnic Institute for additional schooling in civil engineering. He subsequently was accepted to Engineer Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir, where, about a month and a half into the program, his commanding officer, offering congratulations and a cigar, informed Chuck that he had been accepted to West Point.

Thus, Chuck was a little more worldly than most of his classmates when he joined the Long Gray Line that fine summer day, 1 July 1946. His experience notwithstanding, Chuck found Beast Barracks quite a challenge, one that he was sorely tempted to forego. However, a family with a newly established military heritage and a generations ‑ old tradition of never quitting, wouldn't hear of it. With firm resolve, Chuck applied himself to the task and graduated in the top 20 percent of his class on 6 June 1950 and was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers.

His post‑graduation leave was cut short, however, with the advent of the Korean War. Within months, Chuck found himself with the 62d Engineer Construction Battalion in Korea. This hazardous and demanding first assignment was the cornerstone of a distinguished career that found Chuck serving in a variety of demanding positions. Subsequent assignments included Resident Engineer on Baffin Island in the Aleutians, Assistant Resident Engineer in the Azores, a tour in the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Taiwan, and command of the 13th Engineer Battalion in Korea. West Point also beckoned, and in 1957, after obtaining a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering at MIT, Chuck returned to the shores of the Hudson to teach in the Department of Mechanics. Chuck's last several assignments  with the Corps of Engineers, Huntsville District, and with the New England Division, and finally with the Engineer School as Deputy Assistant Commandant, capped a distinguished career. He retired in 1977 and headed for Texas.

Chuck's love for the Army remained strong, but devotion to his family was his first priority. He had met Evelyn Kruschel in Milwaukee, and they married on 31 May 1952. Though Evelyn had never left Milwaukee before, she became his steadfast partner throughout the ensuing odyssey. They were joined by Brian in 1954 and Steve in 1956, and life became a series of Cub and Boy Scout meetings, Little League games and church activities. Chuck had always said that the only success that really counted was measured by and through the children. He was quite a champion.

Retirement from the Army brought an unaccustomed but welcomed stability. Chuck and Evelyn bought a house on a golf course in Austin, Texas and quickly came to enjoy life in the Hill Country. Chuck's work with the Texas State Department of Parks and Wildlife kept him busy, but he continued to pursue lifelong bobbies of golf and playing the piano. Happily, his enthusiasm for both avocations was never diminished by his inability to master either.

The happiness ended far too soon with the diagnosis in 1987 of the rare and incurable blood disease that led to Chuck's death. The physical toll of the disease, which robbed him of all his vigor and strength, could not daunt the spirit, and he faced the certain end with courage and composure. West Point lost one of its finest on 16 November 1990.

Chuck is survived by Evelyn, who now lives in San Antonio, Brian (USMA Class of 1976), Steve, Steve's son Daniel, whom Chuck greatly enjoyed, and Brian's daughter, Lydia, whom Chuck never had the chance to meet.

Stanley David Osborne

NO. 17704  •  

Died 17 July 1953 in Korea, aged 25 years.


We all try to forget the the unpleasant and re­member the happy periods of our life. So it is with Dave. Our years of close association with him are cherished as one of the brightest periods of our lives. Those of us who knew him so well try to disbelieve that we have lost such an outstanding friend.

Dave grew up in Reno, Nev. He entered the Army after graduation from high school and immediately found that this was his calling. He obtained an appointment to West Point and arrived on the West Shore Railroad in July 1946. During the next four years, Dave displayed a sincere warmth and devotion to his family and friends. To be a friend of Dave's was to participate in rare comradeship. Although Dave is no longer with us, much of him remains. There is never a reminiscence about old Company I‑1 that does not include him. Why? Because Dave had such an influence on all he met. He quickly achieved eminence in the eyes of everyone he encountered, and he abides supremely in the hearts of those of us who were fortunate enough to be called friend by him.

Few of us have the capability to extract as much out of life as Dave did. He took each day as it came and lived it to its fullest. In his 25 years, Dave lived a far richer life than most who endure years longer. His love of life was contagious. You just wanted to be around him and share his enthusiasm. Dave made the ultimate sacrifice for the way of life he so dearly appreciated. On 17 July 1953, just a few days before the end of the Korean War, Dave was killed in action. Again, he was living this day to its fullest when he was killed. For his action in ousting a squad of Chinese Communists from the trenches by hand-­to‑hand combat, he received the Silver Star.

Dave returned home to Reno, Nev., on 30 September 1953, with Bill Magill as escort. Services were held in October, and burial was in the veterans' section of the Mt. View Cemetery.

Dave's father wrote, "Dave would have been very proud and probably embarrassed to think that so many people would make so much fuss over him." In memory of Dave, his friends contributed a window to his church.

Little can be added to a tribute written by one of Dave's fellow officers in the 187th Regimental Combat Team. "Dave spent a wonderful year in the 187th, during which time he impressed those around him; his superiors, contemporaries, and their dependents as being an officer of outstanding efficiency, understanding, and generosity. In short, everybody liked him. He was a fine officer and a great guy"   

‑Lou Prentiss

William G. O'Quinn

NO. 17714  •  30 April 1928 - 12 September 1999

Died 12 September 1999 in Jackson, SC
Interred in St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, Augusta, GA

 

WILLIAM GEORGE O'QUINN was born in Waycross, GA. in April 1928 to Mr. and Mrs. James Foster O'Quinn. He lived in Patterson, GA, where he attended Patterson High School. He left Patterson High his junior year and enrolled in Georgia Military College. Bill received his appointment and entered West Point in 1946.

At the Academy, Bill was popular, well-liked, and known for his easygoing, unhurried attitude. When those around him were in real tizzies, Bill was cool, calm, and collected as if in the eye of the storm, frequently declaring "Ah, jes ain' gonna worree 'bout it." His intelligence allowed him to handle academics easily, and indulge himself in all phases of photography and spend considerable time playing bridge. His real passion, however, was dancing. It is said, in four years, Bill never missed a hop.

In June 1950, Bill was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Infantry and was off to Germany for three years. Upon return to the U.S., he was stationed at Ft. Jackson. Because of arthritis and hearing problems, he received an Honorable Discharge on 21 Jan 1955 and returned to Patterson.

In 1956, Bill attended the University of Georgia to earn his master's degree. He taught math and physics and tutored students as well. When offered a position with the Atomic Energy Commission in Aiken, SC, he accepted and purchased a home in Beech Island, SC. During his employment with the Department of Energy he attended North Carolina State University.

In August 1963, Bill married Lorraine, who had four children from a previous marriage - Constance, Marilyn, Alan, and Joan. Bill and Lorraine established residence in Jackson, SC, and Bill became involved in school activities. He provided endless opportunities for the children, ranging from flying lessons to photography, music lessons, and ballroom dancing. He allowed them to make their own academic choices, while giving them unconditional love, support, and experiences they passed on to their children and extended families.

Bill's hobbies were flying, sports, television, playing bridge, chess, reading, and ballroom dancing. He owned a Tri-Pacer plane and another plane called "The Zulu," in which he enjoyed flying and visiting family and friends.

Developing a taste for fine wines, Bill was very proud of maintaining his very own wine cellar, installing an air conditioner to control the temperature. In 1974, while still with the Atomic Energy Commission, he established a real estate business that became a very successful venture. Bill interviewed prospective candidates for entry into West Point and was an active member of the West Point Society of Augusta. He also was a member of the Elks Lodge 205 in Augusta, GA.

Though his loyalty to Army’s Black Knights never wavered, having earned his graduate degree at the University of Georgia, he was an enthusiastic supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs. He attended all their home games and never missed the  trip to Jacksonville for the notorious Georgia-Florida game.

Bill was a kind man. He was gentle. patient, caring, and loved by all who knew him. He was a silent giver, expecting nothing in return. He left his family a great legacy and will be missed. On a Sunday morning in September 1999, at 6:15, Bill died from a stroke and an inoperable brain tumor. He was cremated and interred in the Memorial Courtyard at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, Augusta, GA, where he was a member.

James M. Nold

NO. 17846  •  12 February 1928 – 23 August 1999

Died in Littleton, CO
Interred in Ft. Logan Cemetery, Denver, CO


JAMES MILLER NOLD was a great guy, and we miss him dearly. It seems like it was only yesterday, but it was “way back” in 1946 when those of us in Company H-2 first encountered Jim’s friendliness, enormous enthusiasm, generosity, ready smile, and his relentness  determination to succeed in the face of all obstacles – characteristics we admitted then, as we do now.

Jim was an “Army Brat,” as his father was a distinguished Army Engineer. He was born at Fort Leavenworth while his father was PMS&T at the University of Kansas – Lawrence. In the course of his dad’s assignments, Jim attended various secondary schools, including Ketchikan High School in Alaska and Culver Military Academy and Nappanee High School in Indiana, from whence he received his congressional appointment to USMA.

While a cadet, Jim engaged himself impetuously in a wide variety of activities. He had a particular passion for “inter-murder” football, and as luck would have it, in the first game during Plebe year, he broke his jaw and was constrained to eating his meals with a straw. That hardly slowed Jim down, however, and certainly did not dampen his enthusiasm. He continued to strive, and he continued to experience more injuries. As one acquaintance put it, “It wasn’t that he wasn’t athletic, but ‘things’ just happened.” The following year, he ended up with a broken collar bone, but neither incident dampened his enthusiasm for football.

Jim and Mary married just after graduation, and together they headed for Jump School at Fort Benning, followed by an assignment to the 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., where son Bobby was born. While Jim was an avid paratrooper, the Korean War was taking place and Jim “chomped at the bit” to ride to the sound of the guns. He was impatient at the unavoidable attendance at the Company Officers’ Course at the Infantry School before deploying to Korea, where all those in the course had orders to report to the Port of Embarcation with a delay en route during Christmas.

In his eagerness, Jim reported ahead of the others and was already proceeding by ship when they checked in. He was assigned to the 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Shortly after his arrival, while conducting a reconnaissance in the Punchbowl, Jim was seriously wounded in the head.

For a while, the prognosis of his recovery was discouraging. The injury to his brain left him paralyzed on his right side, strongly affecting his ability to speak. Miraculously, though, he began to mend. After a lot of hard work and a brace on his leg, he gradually regained his ability to walk. While he was recuperating at Walter Reed Army Hospital and still unable to talk, one of his doctors predicted, in his presence, that Jim would never recover his math ability. Jim strongly disagreed, but since he was unable to speak, he grabbed something to write with and began scribbling math equations.

Speech, however, was tougher, and Jim struggled to be able to talk. He clearly had his heart set on returning to active duty, for one of his first spoken words – expressing his determination to get back on parachute status – was “Geronimo!” Despite Jim’s heroic efforts, his injury ultimately limited his progress. Nontheless, resourceful and determined to be able to communicate, Jim developed a sort of shorthand way of speaking, using stock phrases that enabled him to be understood. “Fine as frog hairs” was one many recall, because it illustrates his unfailing good humor and sunny outlook on life.

Mary’s splendid support and encouragement helped enormously with Jim’s recovery. She was a tower of strength. She once told us in good humor, “He and (his son) Bobby are learning to walk and talk at the same time!”

Jim was medically retired from the Army he loved, but he continued to fight hard to recover his physical abilities. He enrolled in college, worked hard physically and academically, and became a successful electrical engineer.

He was first employed by Martin-Marietta in Denver and then by the Bureau of Reclamation in the Department of the Interior. Jim’s department was later transferred to the Department of Energy and became the Western Area Power Administration. He was very much admired there, in 1987, retired. Jim, Mary, son Robert, and daughter Emily settled in Littleton, CO, just outside Denver, where he formed a coterie of close and admiring friendships.

Despite some lingering effects of his injury, classmates visiting Jim were amazed at his almost miraculous recovery from his catastrophic wound. He was “sharp as a tack,” and he played good bridge. Associates in the Department of Energy attest to his excellence in chess and to his love for fine classical music.

Jim died in August 1999 and is interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery outside Denver. As one classmate put it, “He was certainly the stuff from which good soldiers are made.”

Samuel N. Nicholson, Jr.

NO. 17765 . 1 Dec 1927 - 19 Mar 2002  

Died in Austin, TX
Inurned in West Point Post Cemetery, West Point NY


Samuel Newton Nicholson Jr, was born in Camden, SC, the only child of Samuel Nicholson, Sr., and Mary Edna Clyburn. He attended the Camden public schools and graduated as valedictorian in June 1945.

Immediately upon graduation, he entered the Army and was trained as an aircraft radio operator and cryptographer. He subsequently was selected by the Army to attend Clemson University. While there, he was nominated by a South Carolina legislator to attend the Military Academy. At his entrance physical examination, he weighed in at just under the weight requirements. The examining doctor said, "Son, how badly do you want to go to West Point?" He replied, "More than anything in the world, Sir." The doctor then wrote in the required weight and said to him "Congratulations, soldier, be sure to drink a lot of milkshakes." He was known to drink a lot of milkshakes.

Sam entered USMA in 1946. The Howitzer characterization says Sam’s nickname was "Tiger," and that he was "a feared opponent of visiting wrestling teams’ and "not quite sold on the restrictions of West Point." Although slight of build, he was an avid and aggressive athlete all his life. He was always up for a football, whiffle hall, or tennis game, or a softball game in a local league. He was a stickler for disciplined play and following the rules.

Upon his graduation, Sam chose the Air Force, which was what he had always wanted. He married Ella Priscilla Kresge of Lehighton, PA, in 1950, and they proceeded to navigation, bombing, and radar schools, where Sam became a triple rated observer for the new jet-powered bombers.

His subsequent assignments as a flyer, however, were in the Strategic Air Command’s B29 and B 50 bombers. His main assignment was with the 509th Bomb Wing, the unit that had bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of WWII. He was responsible for dropping test atomic bombs. Dad recounted the time when he was commanded, "Boys, fly through the clouds." Following those orders, he recalled how the surface of the aircraft actually glowed from radioactivity
During the time of the Korean and Cold Wars, his wing was assigned targets in the Soviet Union targets where the likelihood of return was suspect. Sam participated in several deployments to strike bases in England and Guam. This experience, as well as the Great Depression and a Scottish heritage, shaped his view of the world. He was insistent that all his children learn to be strong in character, independent, and enter enduring professions.

Sam then obtained his aeronautical engineering degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He served at Bergstrom AFB (12th and 27th Strategic Fighter Wings) and MacDill AFB (305th Bomb Wing). While at MacDill, Sam headed a team that found the cause of the loss of six B 47s.

About this time, the Strategic Air Command developed its "weapons system' concept, and Sam was assigned to the B 52/KC135 Operational Engineering Section at Castle AFB. There he worked on many projects, including B 52G cold weather, wing stress, and 1000 hour operation tests; effects of extremely cold weather on fuel efficiency , and problems associated with extended flights over polar regions.

During this time, Sam’s health began to fail, and he was transferred to Letterman General Hospital in California. There he underwent surgery and was retired with 100 percent disability.

Upon regaining his health, Sam and his family headed back to Austin where he enrolled in the University of Texas and received his Ph.D. in education in 1964. He held a succession of college and university positions in Texas, including dean of men at Amarillo College, dean of administration at Navarro College, and director of inter institutional relations at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. Dedicated to education, Sam later taught in the Killeen and Hayes County school districts and was a college professor.

Sam joined the Texas State Guard and served as a company commander, battalion commander, and ultimately as the full time director of personnel as a colonel. He later became the director of the Texas State Guard Division, receiving several awards and commendations.

Sam was active in the Rotary Clubs of Belton and West Austin and was elected president of both clubs. He served as chaplain for the Texas Retired Officers Association (Austin chapter) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 443), of which he was a life member.

Always central in his life was his Christian faith and service. He and his family were active in Baptist churches in every town in which they lived. He was a deacon chairman, Sunday School Director, chairman of many committees, and teacher of both adults and children. Sam also was elected to the executive board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Sam and Priscilla served on a number of church sponsored mission trips in the U.S. and made two evangelical trips to India. After retirement in 1989, they served with the Foreign Mission Board as English teachers in China for two years.

Priscilla was his Iifelong partner. She earned a nursing degree from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor when the family lived in Belton and kept current in her field by working and caring for their seven children. Later she served in a number of nursing jobs in hospitals and public health organizations.

Sam is survived by his wife Priscilla and their seven children: Dr. Charles Nicholson, wife Dr Judy, and their two children: Alex and Reed; daughter Mary Olden and her husband, Mike; daughter Eve Klein, husband Jjohn, and their three children: Adrianne, Nicholas, and Adam; son COL Robert Nicholson, wife Lori, and their two children: Annie Rose and Niki; daughter Dr. Marjorie White, husband Ralph, and their four children: Robert, Priscilla, Lillian, and Sammy; daughter Amy Sides, husband Schafer, and their three children: Sarah, Mary, and Samantha, and son Chaplain (MAJ) Ted Nicholson, USAFR.

Peter Howland Monfore

NO. 17661  •  10 August 1927 – 19 September 1951

Killed in Action 19 September 1951, in Korea, aged 24 Years


"Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die." - On September 19, 1951, Bloody Heartbreak Ridge, Hill 851, Korea, Love Company Commander, Lt. Peter Howland Monfore, and many comrades of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division, met their death. These are the facts as told by the one surviving officer of Love Company.

"The morning of September 12, attack orders came. The Battalion was to cross the L.D. with 'H', 'I', 'K', and 'L' Company spearheading. Heartbreak Ridge was reached and we managed to fight our way up about two hundred yards before dark. On the days following this move, the push for HiII 851 started and the objective was almost reached. Peter was always up front with the assault ­platoon. He said the men liked to see their commanding officer around when the chips were down. The night of the 18th, Pete received orders for a night attack on 851. We moved through 'K' Co. at 10:00 PM o'clock and made our way right up on the hill. We dug in, everyone was so tired and happy. Four o'clock on the mornIng of the 19th, the Reds hit Love Company with two battalions. They cut off 'K' Company from us and soon had us completely surrounded. Peter had been reading his Bible. Sensing something was wrong, he put it down, picked up his carbine. As soon as we were out of our bunks we knew it was more than just a probing attack. The fight was overwhelming. We used up all our ammunition. Peter grabbed a BAR, then found a machine gun. The fighting became closer and bitter. We were surrounded. At about two PM o'clock I saw Pete coming toward me. An enemy burp gun got him in the chest, one bullet found his heart. Peter died very shortly, conscious all the time, and very calm and cool. He smiled at me, tried, but couldn't speak. We put him on a litter, and I covered him with a blanket. I think he tried to tell me to take care of the remaining men. Finally 'K' and 'I' companies came up from behind and helped us to pull back. We, of Love Company, had only forty-four (44) men left out of one hundred and sixty-seven (167)."

"On October 12, Love Company was given the mission of retaking Hill 851. We took it. I am sure every man had Peter on his mind when we finally got up there. The battle of September 18th lasted fourteen hours. I have never seen Pete's equal in or out of the Army. Peter was a Christian man, and lived every minute of his life as such, always saying his daily prayers and blessing his 'C' rations whenever he ate, doing for others, constantly bringing hope and encouragement to his men and being very considerate and thoughtful. I shall never forget him as long as I live. The men are putting him in for the Congressional Medal of Honor. We hope he gets it. We all thought so much of him."

Thus, ended the short but full und glorious life of Lieut. Peter Howland Monfore, oldest of five children of Mr. and Mrs. Howland Swift Monfore of Springfield, South Dakota.

Peter was born in South Dakota on August 10, 1927. His childhood and early youth were spent in the ordinary activities of most boys. He was always a good student and very active in all school activities. He loved sports and participated and was a leader in them. Football was his great love.

Peter was baptized and confirmed in the Ascension Episcopal Church of Springfield, South Dakota.

After attending school at Springfield and Tyndall, South Dakota, Peter progressed to graduation with honors from Washington High School, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and immediately enlisted in the Navy, where he remained until 1946, when he received a letter from the Secretary of War, notifying him of an appointment to the United States Military Academy.

After much deliberation, he decided to accept and was given an honorable discharge from the Navy and entered West Point July 1st, 1946.

While taking Naval training at the University of Wisconsin, Pete became interested in boxing and under the splendid coaching of Dewitt Portal, John Walsh, and Julius Menendez, he became very proficient, receiving the Best Contenders trophy award. He followed this sport at U.S.M.A, and Peter "The Rock", as he was affectionately called, went on to Captain the Army boxing team, and to make many splendid NCAA showings, and to win the Eastern Intercollegiate lightheavy weight title championship for two successive years, 1949 and 1950.

Peter's character expanded and increased in strength, and he became a proud aud worthy cadet, meeting and encountering the new ways of life, with a serious and business-like attitude. He truly abided by the West Point code of "Duty, Honor, Country", but added to it, love of God.

Peter was well known and respected by the cadets, and was a bulwark to which any in need could turn; perhaps this is made clearer by the facts that he was chosen a member of the Honor Committee and Cadet CO of "E-2" Company, besides remaining well up in his class scholastically, teaching Sunday School, playing football and boxing. Peter was a good student, a Christian, a fine athlete, a capable leader, and an outstandIng cadet, but he was never too busy to help. He was admired and loved by all who knew or came in contact with him, and they were many, for when the news of his tragic death became known, hundreds of letters of sympathy, praise and comfort came pouring in from all over the nation and abroad. We marveled at how many had been affected by his personality, unselfishness, kindness, helpfulness, sportsmanship, leadership, honesty, integrity, thoughtfulness, love of God, and love for his fellow men, which were all displayed with modesty and humility,

Peter developed and devoted much time to growth in spirit. He adopted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and wished for all his friends to find his own firm belief and comfort in the knowledge of God, wherein lies our salvation. The will of God was of great importance to Pete. He was active in many religious groups and was constantly trying to give others the strength and comfort received from his belief.

Peter chose for his tour of duty the Far East Command, feeling that there with the Infantry he could best serve his Lord and country. Following graduation from U.S.M.A. in June 1950, he spent a few weeks among friends and at home. In August 1950, with his spiritual and military background so fresh and new, he was shipped to the battlefield of Korea. In three days he received his first wounds while leading a platoon. After three weeks' hospitalization and convalesence he returned to the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division, and served with it in various capacities, such as platoon leader, regimental liaison officer, etc. Twice he turned down opportunities  to become "General's Aide". That was not for him. He wanted to be with the front line men. Finally, he was given Love Company to command. Now he was supremely happy. He said, "It is the best job in the whole Army". He was ever looking after, not only the physical needs but the spiritual needs of his men.

Peter was a member of the Christian Military Men's Committee, and their first member to be killed. This is the spiritual report of his life as written by a member:

"Several months previous to his death, Lieut. Monfore had sent us the names of his friends and military associates who were either unsaved or needing the Lord Jesus Christ, or Christians in need of spiritual encouragement. From that time on a regular prayer program for the men has been begun and Gospel messages designed to meet their individual needs sent to them, that witness shall result in their salvation. 'For none of us liveth to himself, and no mail dieth unto himself, for whether we live, we live unto the Lord and whether we die, we die unto the Lord, whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lords.' Romans 14:7-8. The eternal truth of this statement of God's word is beautifully illustrated in the life and death of Lieut. Peter Howland Monfore. How gloriously true are God's words, 'He being dead, yet Speaketh.'

"Peter was courageous. He was awarded a French medal and citation by General Monclar, Commander of the French U.N. forces, for great courage, in spite of fierce enemy cross fire, in rescuing a French battalion which had been surrounded by the enemy".

Great comfort and pride were found in these excerpts from letters which paid tribute to his character:

"My loss could not have been greater had it been my own family. As fine a man as ever walked the face of the earth. What a fiercely precious thing this freedom must be when it is bought and paid for with the lives of young men such as Pete. May God give us the sense of values to appreciate what it means."

"I cannot think of any boy that has left the impression that Pete left with me. I can't count the times that I have talked to my friends and boys in my classes about him. Peter was the model athlete. When you meet a boy in athletics or physical education like Pete, then you know you are in the right business. I shall always try to develop the fine qualities Peter possessed."

"Your boy was certainly as fine a soldier as West Point has ever produced. He lived up to every part of, 'Duty, Honor, Country', Among all the the men we lost in this grinding battle, it is hard to say who could be the hardest to lose, but Pete had every attribute of greatness, and was potentially one of the Army's bright young stars. For several hours we couldn't believe he was really gone, and kept praying for his return. As a soldier, there is  little in war to recommend itself to me. The only recompense is in the sense of duty performed for our country, and the great comradeship and respect engendered for our fighting brothers. Ernie Pyle could have written of this battle and your son. I cannot. We of the 23rd lnfantry share your grief and participate in your fierce pride."

"Peter was an exceptionally fine young officer and was on my staff until he took over Love Company in August, and he immediately established it as a top outfit. The night preceding his death he executed a brilliant attack on a dominant hill of Heartbreak Ridge of unparalleled success and daring. We all predicted a shining future for your son and his men had a deep affection for him. Only a few days before, I signed a recommendation for his promotion to Captain. We are asking one of the country's highest awards for your son, the highest decoration our government can give."

"Pete was one of my best friends. I feel it a genuine privilege to have been his friend and feel that I am a better man today for having known him. Pete had many friends, probably as many as any man that ever graduated from the Point. Ours was a special friendship, a little stronger than ordinary. Peter and I had a common understanding of each other. I understood his religious views, his strict adherence to physical conditioning, his unflinching honesty. I respected him for it and he knew It. He never failed to make me laugh when I was down. The news of Peter’s death left me more stunned and grieved than I have ever been in my entire life. I last had seen Peter in Korea in April, 1951, near the IittIe town of Hong Chon. He hadn't changed a bit, but looked like he did when he entered the boxing ring, grim and ready for the job ahead, yet ready with a smile."

"As a member of my battalion, Pete, as he was affectionately called, was highly respected and beloved by all the officers and men of the unit. He was an outstanding officer, considerate, kind, gentle, yet firm. His regular attendance at church service was an indication of his true character in the spirit of love of God. This was a form of his duty, and with Pete the word duty was but another name for the will of the Almighty and to perform this was the sole aim of his life. News of his death stunned every member of this unit, and his loss will be felt keenly in the organization."

These are just a few of the many, many tributes paid to Lieut. Peter Howland Monfore, no longer present on this earth.

We who survive him are proud to look back on his accomplishments and let them be examples which he set forth to serve us and inspire us in our attempt to fulfill the tasks that he would have completed. Pete met death pridefully and manfully in the service of his country, and with faith in his devotion to duty and in defense of all that we and the free people of the world hold most dear. Let us hope that it has helped us on the long hard road by which we may expect to reach a just, honorable, and enduring peace.

-The Monfore Family

William Frederick Nelson

NO. 18007  •  11 April 1926 – 29 January 1954

Declared dead 28 January 1954; missing in action in Korea, aged 27 years. Body never recovered.


WILLIAM FREDERICK NELSON was born 11 April 1926 at Windom, Minnesota to  Mr. and Mrs. Clarence T. Nelson. He enjoyed a very close relationship with his parents, and often spoke of trips with his father to sporting events.

Bill attended public school in Windom until his final year of high school, which he completed at Kemper Military Academy, Booneville, Missouri, with graduation in 1944. He then entered the Navy V‑12 Program to serve at Minot, North Dakota, until his appointment to the United States Military Academy. He entered West Point in the summer of 1945 with the Class of 1949.

Bill played on a strong plebe football team that fall. He tackled the football better than he did the academics, and ultimately was turned back to the Class of 1950. His new classmates were very glad to have him, and he, in turn, contributed a great deal to them. For the next four years "Nellie" was at the center of class and company athletic and social activities. Due in great part to his efforts, Company K­2 twice won the Bankers Trophy, symbolic of intramural supremacy. Bill also started at halfback for the Goats in the class struggle with the Engineers.

At his first plebe Christmas in 1945, Bill met Joyce Ann Barlow. A romance flourished through the cadet years which culminated in marriage at New Haven, Connecticut on 8 June 1950. Bill's classmates Detherow, Earnhart, Griffin, and Todd were ushers. Joyce and Bill had a delightful honeymoon at Sea Island, Georgia, in company with four other Class of '50 couples.

Bill chose Airborne Infantry, and after graduation on 6 June 1950 he was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. In August he and Joyce joined many classmates and brides at Fort Benning, Georgia, where Bill had his parachute training before reporting to Fort Campbell. There he was assigned to the 188th Airborne Infantry Regiment. It was to be about a one – year assignment and saw the birth of a son, Carl. They left Fort Campbell and returned to Fort Benning, where Bill attended the Infantry Company Officer Course and then received orders to Korea. Before he departed, Bill, Joyce, and Carl spent a very enjoyable Christmas in 1951 with his parents in Minnesota.

In Korea, Bill went right to a line unit, the 65th Infantry, and became a platoon leader. He performed so well that the battalion commander gave him the company, and it was in the capacity of rifle company commander that Bill was missing in action. Bill took "B" Company to occupy Kelly Hill, a key terrain feature, on 18 September 1952. That night the Chinese assaulted the hill with an estimated 600 men. They swarmed over the position and Bill was last seen fighting in the vicinity of his CP. The fighting was severe, and only 19 of the 200 officers and men of "B" Company survived the action to retreat to friendly lines. Efforts to retake the hill failed and the Korean War ended with Kelly Hill still in enemy hands. A handful of "B" Company men were captured, including an officer who fit the description of Bill. However, this officer turned out to be the artillery forward observer who was later released. It was his belief that Bill had been killed in the attack. This belief was shared by most of the survivors, but could never be confirmed.

Joyce Nelson gave birth to their daughter on 1 September 1952. Bill talked to Joyce by telephone from Japan shortly after the birth. Seven days later he was missing.

On 28 January 1954, Bill was declared dead by the Department of the Army and was subsequently awarded the Purple Heart.

The Nelson family has received numerous letters from members of the 65th Infantry, including Bill's battalion commanding officer, but the letter that brings to mind the Bill Nelson I will always remember is one written by a contemporary, Lieutenant St. Clair Streett, Jr., Class of'49. Extracts of that letter follow:

"Dear Mrs. Nelson,

"Bill is the epitome of fine America - besides being a personal friend, he was an example not only for his subordinates, but for his contemporaries ‑ like myself. Bill was a fine officer ‑ conscientious and enthusiastic in his work. I hope that I can do as well as he. I know if Bill were able to communicate with you ‑ he would say, 'Don't worry.' Of course, ‘ missing in action' is an uncertain term ‑ the only thing we can do is keep faith and pray.

"I returned home‑lucky beyond words‑and believe me, I'm thankful. Nevertheless, the thought of “Wild Bill”, your son, and of others who were killed in action saddened my Christmas aspects. Certainly those men had sacrificed that we might better enjoy our country and family."

Bill Nelson was a close and loyal friend to those fortunate enough to know him well. He never forgot his parents and wrote to them almost daily. He proved himself a devoted husband and father during the short time he had with his family.

Bill loved West Point and is a true credit to the Long Gray Line.

-A Classmate

Phillip E. Nicolay

NO. 17727  •  12 Feb 1927 - 20 Apr 2005

Died in Naples, FL. Ashes scattered in the Gulf of Mexico.


Phillip Elmer "Pete" Nicolay's home town was St. Louis, and he was a loyal Cardinal fan and member of Branch Rickey's original Knothole Gang. As a boy, he loved to go fishing and hunting with his father hobbies that became lifelong interests.

Pete attended Western Military Academy in Alton, IL, and when he applied to West Point, he was a third alternate for a congressional appointment. The first man resigned his appointment, however, and the second failed the physical, so Pete entered the Academy in 1945. A Plebe football injury held him back a year, so he did not graduate until 1950.

Those who remember Pete from his West Point years recall a fine bridge player, an avid skeet enthusiast, and a member of the Fishing Club and Skeet Club. He could also be found on the ski slopes during snowy New York winters and became a competent skier.

Upon graduation, Pete chose the Infantry and trained as a paratrooper at Ft. Benning, GA, before serving in the 11th Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY. There, in 1950, he married Marion Barnes an 'Army brat.' In early 1952, Pete was assigned to Korea with the 3rd Division, transferring to the 612th Field Artillery Battalion on Okinawa in 1953, where Marion joined him for a year.

In early 1954, Pete resigned from the Army as a first lieutenant and became an aerospace engineer with Rocketdyne at Edwards Air Force Base in California, working there for six years. He eventually became chief of all Rocketdyne operations on the base. During Pete and Marion’s time there, they adopted two children, Julie and Phil.

Pete then took a year off from engineering to own and operate a small casino in Carson City, NV a heady experience. He and Marion greatly enjoyed the beauty of the scenic area, the friendly people, and the best climate they had encountered during their nomadic life together.

In 1961, Pete returned to his first profession, accepting a position with Pratt and Whitney in West Palm Beach, FL, as a supervisor in their rocket testing program. He later transferred to Connecticut, working with aircraft engines and fuel cells.

Raising their children was a challenge and a delight for Pete and Marion, and he enjoyed watching them grow and mature. He encouraged his talented daughter Julie in her musical ambitions and helped Phil by teaching him to fish and shoot. He also coached and managed Phil's Little League teams. Julie now lives in Tucson, AZ, and Phil divides his time between New England and the Florida Keys, captaining boats for a New York businessman.

While living in Connecticut, Marion pursued a master's degree to teach art in a Connecticut high school, and Pete encouraged her in her efforts. During those years in New England, Pete fullfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a private pilot. Soon Marion also took up flying, and they purchased a small plane of their own. They ultimately owned five such planes at different times and established an aviation mail order business that they ran out of their home for several years. Pete was proud that they took their last plane, a Cessna Skyhawk, into 49 states (they never made it to Hawaii). They also flew to Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas in that plane, nicknamed the Bluejay.

In 1982, Pete retired and spent a short time working in real estate. In 1988, he and Marion moved to Marco Island, FL, where Pete thought he'd gone to heaven. He was a happy boat owner, loved the fishing in Southwest Florida, and played golf and bridge. Pete also served on the board of the Marco Men’s Club for several years and was a member of St. Marks Episcopal Church on the island. During their retirement, he and Marion traveled to Europe several tunes and spent many happy days cruising on commercial liners in the Caribbean. Some of these trips were with small groups and others were just as a couple. In 2000, they celebrated their 50th anniversary by flying to Vancouver and boarding a liner to sail down the West Coast, through the Panama Canal, and finally to Puerto Rico a memorable trip.

After moving to Florida, Marion began writing a column on cooking for the local paper Occasionally, Pete also wrote a column. He was a superb and innovative cook and assumed at least half of the kitchen duties later in life. For a year, he wrote a humorous column for the same paper, "My Nickel’s Worth," in which he poked gentle fun at local politicians, tourists, and other tempting targets.

When computers entered his life, he determined to master them and in time acquired enough expertise to untangle Marion's frequent computer problems and help friends with their own computers. He never lost his love of bridge and history and acquired a large library of historical books and atlases along the way.

Pete once said to his children, "Don’t miss me too much when I'm gone I've had a good run for my money and done almost everything I ever wanted to do." It is a fitting tribute to a much loved man who enjoyed life to the limit and made the same thing possible for the people around him.

- His wife

Owen S. Nibley

NO. 17716  •  30 January 1928 – 10 May 1982

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


Owen Smoot Nibley was born and raised in Washington, D.C. His mother was the daughter of the first senator from Utah, Reed Smoot, and her father was also a native of Utah. Owen was named after a relative, but his mother nicknamed him “Pete”, which was how he would forever be known.

As a youth, Pete spent summers in rural Virginia raising hunting dogs. He also earned many badges and honors as an Eagle Scout. It was in the fifth grade that he met his future wife, Frances Elizabeth “Betty” Browder.  In 1941, however,  Betty moved with her family to Honolulu, where her father, a Naval Officer, had been transferred. Pete and Betty would not see each other again until Christmas, 1949. Pete meanwhile continued his education, graduating in 1946 from Columbia Preparatory School in Washington. He obtained an appointment to West Point from Senator Thomas of Utah and entered the Academy in 1946 as a member of the Class of 1950.

During his cadet days, Pete was well-liked for his keen wit and his easygoing manner. His extracurricular activities included fencing, membership in the Skeet and Fishing Clubs, and serving on the Howitzer  and  Pointer staffs.

Upon graduation, Pete was commissioned in the Air Force. Before reporting for primary flight training at Perrin Air Force Base, TX, he married Betty on 2 August 1950. In 1951, the Nibleys were off to Craig AFB in Selma, AL, for advanced flight training. There, their first son, Andrew Matthews, was born.  Pete completed that training and was awarded the silver wings of an Air Force pilot. After gunnery school in 1952, he departed for Korea to join the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing.  He flew 70 combat sorties in the P-51 Mustang and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with an oak leaf cluster. During one sortie, he experienced a near catastrophic mishap. His aircraft caught fire on take off, but Pete managed to belly land on a sandbar in a dry riverbed without suffering injury. During another sortie, his canopy was shot off. With help from his wingman, Pete brought the aircraft back to base safely.  He was awarded the Purple Heart for the wound he received on that mission.

In 1952, Pete returned to the States to fly support missions for ground control teams and taught in the All-Weather Interceptor Program at Tyndall AFB, FL.  At Tyndall, two more sons were born. Stuart Browder in 1953 and Peter Smoot in 1956. The Nibley family moved to Arlington, VA in 1958, for Pete to earn a Master’s Degree in International relations at George Washington University. In 1958, the Family moved to Colorado Springs, CO, where Pete joined the Political Science Department of the newly-established Air Force Academy.  Pete also flew training missions for cadets undergoing navigation training, and was proud to be a member of the faculty when the first class graduated in 1959.

In 1962, Pete pursued a Master’s Degree in electrical engineering at the University of Illinois. Two years later, after receiving that degree, the family moved to the DC area, where Pete served on the Air Staff in the Office of the Director of Plans at the Pentagon. He also earned his command pilot wings.

As the conflict in Viet Nam heated up, Pete decided to volunteer for combat duty there. In 1967, Pete trained to fly C123’s at Hurlburt Field near Eglin AFB and left for Viet Nam in August 1967 to join the 311th Air Commando Squadron. Unfortunately, that tour was curtailed because of his medical problems. In January 1968, he underwent treatment at the hospital at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Pete retired from active duty in May 1968 as a lieutenant colonel with 100 percent disability.

Pete received a second oak leaf cluster to the Air Medal for his service in Viet Nam. His other military awards included the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the Viet Nam Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Pete then began the most trying phase of his life – a battle with depression and blindness as a result of his participation in the Viet Nam war. Recuperation and training followed at the Veterans Administration Blind Rehabilitation Center in Hines, IL. He attended other VA programs and completed graduate seminars in public administration at American University in Washington, D.C.

During rehabilitation, he also worked as a volunteer labor management specialist for the DC Department of Human Services. For his service, the Mayor of Washington presented him with the Distinguished Service Award in October 1974. Because of his outstanding record, Pete was hired as a labor-management relations specialist in the DC Department of Human Resources and, in 1980, the U.S. Customs Service hired Pete to serve in the same capacity. He served there until his death.

Pete’s death ended a courageous 14-year battle with blindness and occasional depression. He always will be remembered as a devoted father, husband, brother, and son. Academy classmates and those who served with Pete will forever remember him. He loved his family and his country, and was proud of his service in the USAF and Civil Service.

- His loving wife, Elizabeth B. Nibley, and classmates

Howard S. Mitchell

NO. 17671  •  10 Sep 1927 - 7 Mar 1998

Died in Columbia, SC
Inurned in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA


Howard Savage Mitchell was born in Queens Village, Long Island, NY, to James Murray and Alta Anderson Mitchell. He grew up in Long Island, along with his brothers James Edisto and Francis William Mitchell. Just prior to Howard's birth, Howard's father, an ex?serviceman and aspiring young artist, had gone on board the liner Leviathon to receive the congratulations of GEN Pershing and Howard Savage, the commander of the American Legion, for winning the $ 1000 prize in the American Legion poster contest. James and Alta thereupon decided to name their son Howard Savage. Commander Savage was advised of this action and radioed back the following reply: "Deeply honored news your radio. Convey to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell my best wishes and that I shall look forward to seeing my young namesake on my return." This naming continued the Mitchell family tradition of more than 200 years of service to the country, earning the family the title of "one family, seven wars" in the 4 Mar 1991 issue of Life magazine. That Howard would choose a military career was no surprise.

Howard was an honor student at Brooklyn Technical High School for three years (1941-44). For his final year of high school, he attended the Wooster Boys School in Danbury, CT, from which he graduated in 1945 as the class valedictorian. At Wooster he played varsity basketball, football, and baseball. Prior to receiving a principal appointment to the Military Academy by Congressman Henry Latham, Howard attended Tufts College in Medford, MA, in the Navy V5 program, and then the USMA Preparatory School at Ft. Benning, GA, graduating in June 1946.

Nicknamed "Mitch" by his Academy classmates and blessed with a keen mind and sense of humor, Howard adjusted well to cadet life. He served as the art editor of The Pointer for all four of his cadet years, and he was a member of the Art Club and the Cadet Chapel choir. Activities similar to these continued on after graduation, reflecting his lifelong passion for the finer things in life ? from Dixieland Jazz to painting still?lifes of his beloved Edisto Island, SC, where his parents were born and raised.

His first assignment after graduation was with the 33rd Infantry Division at Ft. Kobe, Panama Canal Zone. He returned to his hometown, Queens Village, to marry JoAn Thompson on 5 Aug 1951. They returned to Ft. Kobe, remaining there until 1953. Howard's next assignments were with the 101st Airborne Division, Ft. Jackson, SC (1954-55); duty as a rifle company commander with the 7th Infantry Division, Korea (1956-57), for which he was awarded a Commendation Medal; and service as an assistant professor of military science at DePaul University, Chicago (1958-61). It was during his assignment at DePaul that daughter Suzanne Mary and son Michael Murray became members of the Mitchell family.

In 1962, the family departed for Okinawa while Howard was serving with the First Special Forces Group (Green Berets) in Viet Nam as the "B" Team Commander (1962-64). While there he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. After graduating from the Army Command and General Staff College in 1965, he went to the US. Continental Army Command (CONARC) at Ft. Monroe, VA until 1966, where he received another Army Commendation Medal. He then was the assistant chief of staff, G-3, Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea, until 1968, when he returned to Headquarters, CONARC. He earned the Meritorious Service Medal for his service there. In 1970, Howard went back to Viet Nam, this time serving as deputy, assistant chief of staff, G-3, Headquarters, XXIV Corps. The Bronze Star and Legion of Merit were awarded to him for this service. In 1971, he was the commander of the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Division in Viet Nam, earning another Bronze Star and an Air Medal. From 1972 to 1973, Howard was assigned to the U.S. Combat Development Command, Ft. Belvoir, VA, receiving his third Army Commendation Medal. Also in 1973, the family gained another member, son Christopher Thomas. From 1973 to 1978, Howard was the Senior Advisor for the 218th Infantry Brigade of the SC National Guard, Newberry, SC. At the end of this tour, on his retirement on 1 Aug 1978, LTC Mitchell was awarded a second Legion of Merit. His other awards included the National Defense Medal, Senior Parachutist Badge, China and Viet Nam Parachutist Badges, the Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Viet Nam Service Medal, the Viet Nam Campaign Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

During retirement, Howard earned an MBA from the University of South Carolina. Unfortunately, in 1982, he suffered a massive stroke when he fell from the roof of his home in Columbia, SC. True to form, his first words in the hospital were, "Get that damn dog off of me!" The family boxer had been licking his face for several hours comforting Howard until his accident was discovered. He spent months recovering, eventually learning again to drive, swim, and pilot his motor boat on nearby Lake Murray. He enjoyed painting with a local artist, "Griff" and visiting his family and friends. In December 1997 he suffered another stroke and died a few months later at the VA Hospital in Columbia. Howard is survived by his beloved wife, JoAn, his daughter, two sons, and two grandsons.

Howard was proud to be a lifelong "grunt" and also proud of how his family has always been part of the military. In the 4 Mar 1991 issue of Life, he said, "I sometimes wonder how I got wrapped up in the Service. I went to the Academy and then just kept at it. It was my career. I guess old Francis Marion would be happy."

We are happy and proud to have had you as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Your achievements earned you the deepest respect of all who knew you. We miss you deeply.

- Daughter Suzanne Mitchell

Carl Berg Mitchell

NO. 17450  •  

Died 14 January 1964 in Vietnam, aged 35 years
Headstone placed in his honor in the West Point Cemetery, West Point, New York.


CARL BERG MITCHELL, known as "Cully" to his family and "Mitch" to his friends, was from Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, where his mother had a farm originally homesteaded by his Anderson forebears. The farm, town and his family were the home of Cully's heart since he began life in 1928 as an Army brat. His father, Carl Berg, graduated from West Point in 1920. He married Mary English Anderson in 1922 and at the time of Cully's birth was teaching at Culver Military Academy in South Bend, Indiana. A younger brother, Corwin, arrived a few years after Carl and, until their father's suicide in 1938, the young family spent the majority of their time stationed in the South. Cully's boyhood loves included golf, swimming, riding horses and spending summers in Kentucky on the farm.

Carl's mother married Clark Mitchell, a family friend and fellow Army officer (USMA '19), and their son, John Clark Mitchell, was subsequently born. Clark adopted Cully and Corwin in 1941, the same year Cully left home to begin his high school years at Culver as a boarder. Cully thrived at Culver, both academically and at various intramural sports.

When he graduated, West Point appointments were hard to come by because of the war, but Clark facilitated Cully's placement by sending him to Sullivan's Prep in Washington, DC for a year. There Cully placed third out of a thousand examinees on the Presidential Appointment Exam.

Cully became a plebe in 1946 and was a little more prepared than many of his classmates for the discipline of military life. Although recognized for his intellect, he also was known for taking the time to explain or review an academic problem; to demonstrate a military procedure; or to sit down and listen to a problem and consider it with thoughtfulness. He was, however, a notorious teaser, to the extent that he mortified people at times. His roommate, just married and preparing to leave on his honeymoon, found a letter from a former girlfriend conspicuously planted amongst his belongings.

Cully did well at West Point and his desire to fly led to his commission into the Air Force. While attending Basic Pilot Training in Sherman, Texas, he and his cohorts often went to Dallas. During this time he began to date Colleen Hill, whose mother, Irene, was occasionally serenaded late in the evening with "Goodnight Irene" by Cully and his buddies. In August of 1951, with new  wings on his unifonn, he and Colleen were married.

By February of 1952 Cully was assigned as a B‑29 pilot to the 50th Bomb Squadron, 9th Bomb Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California, and became a part of Strategic Air Command (SAC) and its expanding nuclear deterrent. At the onset, he not only demonstrated that he was a fine pilot and a promising young officer but also showed tremendous dedication. He took advantage of opportunities to do more, volunteering to serve as the squadron ground training officer and as the squadron security officer. After he and his B‑29 crew achieved combat ready status, they began frequent overseas deployments for training and nuclear alert operations.

By the mid 50s, Cully and his young family were stationed at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho where Michael and Shelly were born. Mary Elizabeth, the eldest, had been born in Dallas while Cully was away on a mission. Cully was assigned to the 9th Bomb Wing, which was transitioning to the all‑jet B‑47 bomber, the centerpiece of SAC's nuclear deterrent force. Cully worked hard with his crew and they achieved the highest crew level within SAC Select Crew Status. Cully advanced from assistant squadron operations officer to squadron adjutant to aircraft commander, demonstrating his excellent abilities as a pilot and as a resourceful leader of men.

The nature of Cully's assignments and his inherent talents led to his interest in the acquisition process for both the advanced manned strategic aircraft and the advanced ballistic missile systems. When he became eligible for career diversification, he was selected to attend the University of Michigan where he received his masters, with honors, in astronautical and aeronautical engineering in 1961.

His next assignment was to Air Force Systems Command Ballistics Systems division in Los Angeles and then San Bernardino, California as a management systems officer. He was appointed by Headquarters, AFSC as a primary team member to define the AFSC management approach to systems definition, earning him the Air Force Commendation Medal and recognition by his commanding officer as "the most outstanding officer of his grade in the entire organization."

Cully's love of flying never diminished, however, and with the expansion of US involvement in Vietnam in 1963, he decided to volunteer as an Air Force advisor and B‑26 pilot. Cully was keenly aware that many of his classmates had served in the Korean War, and he felt that his military career would not be complete without combat experience.

Cully left his family on 14 November 1963 to join the Air Command Squadron at Bien Hoa, Vietnam where he began flying combat missions in support of friendly ground forces. His last mission. with his co­pilot, Vincent J. Hickman, and their Vietnamese observer, was on 14 January 1964. It was subsequently recorded by Lieutenant Lee Kaster in a letter dated June 1964 as follows:

"On 14 January 1964, Cully and Vince were scrambled at 1800 and instructed to rendezvous with their Forward Air Control for a strike on VC structures. At 1810, the FAC marked a target with smoke and told them to drop napalm on it. Cully dropped two cans squarely on it. During the pass, the FAC noticed groundfire about 100  meters north of the target. He told CulIy and Vince about it, and Cully answered. "Roger, we'll come around and hit it." As he started his final approach. the plane nosed in and crashed into the jungle."

Cully was posthumously awarded the nation's second highest medal for valor, the Air Force Cross, and the citation read:

"Major Carl B. Mitchell distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism during low‑level flight operations against heavily defended enemy positions. Despite heavy machine gun fire, which repeatedly struck his aircraft, Major Mitchell aggressively continued his efforts to locate and destroy the machine gun installations until his badly damaged aircraft crashed and burned."

The death of a man in his prime is never easy to understand, and Cully had much to live for ‑ to see his children grow up, to return to his "old Kentucky home" and to farm. He was a dedicated and accomplished Air Force officer who gave his life for what he believed in, and that is a privilege. He has been loved and missed by many for the past 30 years.

-Prepared by classmates and family

John E. Miller

NO. 17909  •  7 Sep 1927 – 13 May 2003

Died in Fircrest WA
Ashes held by family

 

John Elbridge Miller was born in Fitchburg, MA, to Elbridge and Marion Miller He spent an idyllic childhood with his sister Shirley and brother Donald in the small towns of Waterbury and Montpelier, VT. John graduated from Montpelier High School, where he excelled in public speaking and won the Statewide Oratory Contest. He also loved acting and singing.

John reported to West Point in 1946 and managed to survive Plebe year. He sent many letters home describing cadet life, letters his family preserved. One of his memories was of arriving late at the Army Navy Game. With spectators cheering him on, he raced around the stadium in full-dress coat, arriving just as his company marched onto the field. He walked the area a long time for that one. At West Point, John sang in the Cadet Glee Club, performing for President Harry S. Truman and meeting his daughter Margaret. He also sang in a barbershop quartet, beginning his Iife long passion for four part harmony. Roommate Clark Martin remarked that no one could believe that such a booming bass voice could come from someone so slight.

John was commissioned in the Coast Artillery (which became Air Defense Artillery) and was assigned to Okinawa as a platoon leader in the 97th Anti Aircraft Artillery group. He later served as the battery executive officer for two years. According to classmate D.S. Wilson, John, D.S., and classmate Stan Prouty were like the Three Musketeers and became lifelong friends. During this time, John, Stan, Lake Churchill '48, and another singer formed a barbershop quartet!

Returning to the States, John commanded a battery near Washington, DC. He was next assigned to Ft Bliss, TX, to attend guided missile staff officers school. He remained for three years, teaching Nike Air Defense System maintenance. In Texas he met the love of his life, Barbara Winter. They married in 1954, and two daughters were born in rapid succession: Katherine in 1955 and Deborah in 1956.

In 1957, the family moved to Ft. Sill, OK, for the advanced Artillery officers school, and then to Philadelphia, PA, where John was the staff guided missile officer. During that tour, the headquarters moved to Pedricktown, NJ; hence, the next two Miller babies were born in separate towns John, Jr., in Swarthmore, PA, and Sharon in Pedricktown, NJ. In 1961, when Barbara was expecting baby number five, John received orders for Viet Nam. The family moved back to El Paso, TX, where Barbara’s family lived, and ten days after baby Jean arrived, John left for Viet Nam. Their oldest child was only six! Barbara and the family remained in El Paso while John served in Viet Nam for a year as combat advisor to the South Vietnamese 2nd Infantry Division Artillery. He was in charge of planning & training and combat operations.

Fortunately, John was then assigned to Ft. Bliss, where for three years he worked in the Nike Hercules guided missile program. In 1965, he began a three year tour in Germany, where, again, the family moved three times from Stuttgart to Heidelberg to Wurzburg. In Germany, John was chief of the air defense section of Headquarters, U.S. Army, Europe. Subsequently, he was executive officer of an Air Defense group and then served as group commander. For his services in Europe, he received the Army Commendation Medal.

Returning to CONUS, John was assigned to the North American Air Defense Command, known as "NORAD” , based just north of San Francisco. True to form, that headquarters soon closed, and John was assigned to McChord AFB, WA, in the same command. There he received the Meritorious Service Medal.

In January 1971, John, as a 43 year old lieutenant colonel, suffered a major heart attack. He survived but decided to retire from the service. The family bought a home near Tacoma, WA, and John attended the University of Puget Sound, earning a bachelor's (1973) and master's degree (1974) in accounting. His degrees were conferred the same two years his two eldest daughters graduated from high school! John then went to work for the State Auditor in Olympia but left that organization to establish his own accounting business.

John rekindled his love affair with barbershop harmony, singing in a Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Singing in America District Championship Quartet: The Commencement Bay Flounders and Seafood Conspiracy. Following the demise of the quartet, he went into acting, even appearing as a featured extra on an episode of the television show Northern Exposure. John and Barbara participated in community theater productions of On Golden Pond, The Gin Game, and many others. John’s favorite musical roles were Alfred P Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Captain Andy in Showboat.

In 1988, John suffered a second heart attack, followed by open heart surgery. Using his usual determination, he soon recovered, still busy and optimistic. In 1990, while auditioning for a play, he suffered a full cardiac arrest. Later he would muse that not only did he not get the part, but he was not even cast as the dead body, a part for which he had had EXPERIENCE' 'The following years were spent in and out of the hospital, but John still remained very active in theater and in barbershopping. In March 2003, John’s weakened heart finally began to fail, followed by end-stage renal failure. He exited "stage left” on 13 May, leaving behind his wife of 49 years, five children, and five grandchildren.

John was beloved by all and was a truly honorable man. He was a courageous man, cheerful and optimistic despite health problems and surgeries. Even in retirement, John lived the concept of "Duty, Honor, Country." We were so blessed to have had him, and he is sorely missed. Now he is truly our butterfly and lives on in our hearts. Well done, John; be thou at peace.

- Wife Barbara and Classmates

James Drexler Michel

NO. 17954  •  19 June 1927 – 26 March 1951

Died March 26, 1951, of  Wounds Received in Action, in Korea.  Aged 23 Years.

 

Those of us who were the friends of Jim Michel, and his friends were legion, were shocked and bewildered to learn of his death from wounds received in action in Korea. It is incomprehensible to realize that this wonderful youth is no longer mortally with us. In his brief lifetime, he left a tapestry of memories that those of us who were privileged to know him will never forget.

Jim was born June 19th, 1927, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the son of Clarence B. and Alice Michel. He was christened James Drexler Michel, the third son of his beloved parents. Saint Paul, which was his home until he entered the Service, was to him more than a city; it was a way of life. Here he passed the formative years of his life with his family and his friends. Away from home, in the service, his life was a mirror of associations and memories of Saint Paul.

One did not have to know Jim long to realize that his whole character and being were shaped and guided by his family and his Church. He received his elementary schooling in the Parochial Schools of the Church, and coupled with his wholesome and happy family life, it was inevitable that he matured into a kind, self-sacrificing

young gentleman who loved life in all of its manifestations.  A devout Catholic, he practiced his religion by living it, and achieved a peace of mind that was the essence of a Christian. It was natural that he entered a life of service.

In 1941, Jim followed his brothers and entered Saint Thomas Military Academy in Saint Paul. His years there were spent preparing for the United States Military Academy. After graduation in June 1945, he entered the Regular Army as a Private. He took his basic training at Camp Roberts, California, and served with the Air Force at Stephenville, Newfoundland, until he returned to the States to enter West Point in July of 1946.

The Point produced no startling changes in Jim's character. His effervescent personality and sound sense of values made him one of the better known cadets in his class. He was engrossed with sports, and played Corps Squad Football and Hockey, in addition to all the intramural sports. His weekly written reports to the Tactical 0fficer, on Athletic Affairs in Company B-1, became required reading for all.

Perhaps his greatest love was music. He could, and would, listen to any kind of music for hours. Any musical instrument small enough (and some not small enough) for a cadet room, he possessed and played. He sang in the Catholic Choir and the Cadet Glee Club. He often stated that the most enjoyment he experienced at the Academy was singing with these groups in their practices and presentations. He also played in the Hundredth Night Shows. On trips away, he would go to musicals and the opera. To live with him was to live with a song.

Jim was a good student, but there were so many more interesting things to do that he never gave the books more than slight attention after plebe year, and he still graduated some distance from the bottom of the class. Any subject he was interested in, he excelled in, with seemingly little effort.

His ability to get along with people and to make friends was fascinating. If ever a man had no enemies, it was Jim Michel. His hearty laugh and ready wit enlivened every minute, and in moments of adversity his calm, kind words and succor would be forthcoming. He gave himself to his friends, and to him everyone was his friend.

Jim chose the Coast Artillery when he graduated. He spent his graduation leave in Saint Paul and in Northern Minnesota with his family and friends. When his leave was over, he sailed for Japan, and he stayed there until early in 1951, when he went to Korea. He served with AAA units until the middle of March, when he transferred to the 159th Field Artillery Battalion.

On March 21st, 1951, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, and the next day he was walking along a mountain path near Kum-gong-­ni, Korea, when a soldier in front of him tripped a booby-trapped grenade. The fragments from this grenade wounded him in the head and he was immediately evacuated. On March 26th, he passed away, leaving his parents; two brothers, Ted and Charles; two sisters, Crescence and Rita; a host of other relatives and a myriad of friends.

Although four years is not a long time, the impression that Jim left upon us, his friends, will last a lifetime. None of us will ever forget the constant kindnesses and the lovable nature, that coupled with an inquisitive mind and peaceful spirit made living near and with him such a wonderful adventure. He set high standards for himself, lived by them, and was a credit to himself, to his family, and to his Church. He was truthfully a cavalier and a Christian. Those who were denied the privilege of knowing him in this life have missed a rich and satisfying experience, while those of us who did know him have been shown a way to joy and peace.

-Lieutenant R. G. Trefry.