Bill & Nancy As a Cadet his coaching ability saved many facing problems with academics. He was the scientist of the Class standing 141st at Graduation. Bill selected Engineer, but if he had gone Infantry he could have had a great deal more satisfaction with an increased necessity to COACH. He obtained his PhD in 1970. Bill was a VP and President of several Corporations.
Jim Kays, John and I Roomed together Yearling Year.
During June Week 1962, at the corner of Grant Hall, John Selby and Jim Kays bumped into George Schein as George was headed out to meet his soon to be wife Diana. George asked how I was doing – studying for an Ordnance Department Turnout. John said something like – He is in the rack and has not been studying. George immediately turned around running back into South Area, asking which Room? I was in the rack when the door crashed open and I heard the leather soles hit the concrete floor as I pretended to be asleep – maybe he would go away. Suddenly my bed was lifted and I was thrown against the wall. I got up saw who it was laughed and said “George!”. He said get over at that desk and study. He returned once and I was at the desk. The Turnout was easy. To this day whenever a woman with spikes hits a concrete floor, I flinch. Note it was my 5th Turnout and I could not believe they would do that to me.
Firstie Year as I came around the corner of Grant Hall to enter South Area I met John & Jim Kays . I immediately said “Guess who Loves me!” – – – John said “Molly”.
But it’s still ancient. Charles Bernitt, whilst cleaning out his man cave, stumbled on a newspaper article surely read by millions of NYC residents so long ago. The article features local boys who made good at Alma Mater: Charlie Shaw, Frank Scharpf, Bill Dworsak, Al DeJardin, Roger Andrews, Jim McCrorey, Steve West, Dick Kent, Steve Sperman, Paul McNamara, Al Girardi, Phil Browning, and Charlie his own self. Outing these men occurred on June 3 and that’s prior to our actual graduation. Plenty of time remained for one or more of the men to disqualify themselves., Frank Scharpf, Bill Dworsak, Al DeJardin, Roger Andrews, Jim McCrorey, Steve West, Dick Kent, Steve Sperman, Paul McNamara, Al Girardi, Phil Browning, and Charlie his own self. Outing these men occurred on June 3 and that’s prior to our actual graduation. Plenty of time remained for one or more of the men to disqualify themselves.
But it’s still ancient. Charlie Bernitt, whilst cleaning out his man cave, stumbled on a newspaper article surely read by millions of NYC residents so long ago. The article features local boys who made good at Alma Mater: Charlie Shaw, Frank Scharpf, Bill Dworsak, Al DeJardin, Roger Andrews, Jim McCrorey, Steve West, Dick Kent, Steve Sperman, Paul McNamara, Al Girardi, Phil Browning, and Charlie his own self. Outing these men occurred on June 3 and that’s prior to our actual graduation. Plenty of time remained for one or more of the men to disqualify themselves.
Cullum No. 24298-1962 | May 6, 2012 | Died in Kailua, HI
Cremated. Inurned at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
To say that Evans Kellogg ‘E.K.’ Whiting was an interesting, unusual, unique, one of a kind person and an “out of the box” thinker would be a gross understatement. From the moment he was born in Asheville, NC on September 8, 1938, until his death on May 6, 2012, his entire existence exemplified the meaning of those words.
His life picked up speed around age 10 when he learned to drive. At 13, he flew cross country with his father in a two seater plane with no radio. At 16, he graduated from high school, already having been employed as a bag boy, welder, machinist, truck driver, salesman, publisher, bill collector and butcher. While attending Davidson College in North Carolina, he ran his own pawnshop.
To ensure admission to West Point, he received two appointments. Because of E.K.’s willingness to push boundaries, he allegedly became a two century man at West Point, “walking the area” and amusing himself designing houses and creating projects such as a moneymaking scheme selling a plebe knowledge booklet for 25 cents.
“Never one to let academics stand in the way of his education, E.K. divided his free time between such activities as parachuting, steam tunneling, skin diving and dreaming up ideas, one of which resulted in a rather notable exception to an otherwise enviable record of outguessing the ‘T.D.’ His quick smile, southern charm and effortless manner of getting things accomplished will carry him far.” — ’62 Howitzer
Stories abound about E.K.’s adventuresome spirit, unconventional life style, clever problem solving and often time mind numbing, overly enthusiastic debates. Classmate Ed Hamilton shared the following:
“We met at USMA Prep School at Fort Belvoir, VA. As two South Carolina boys, we bonded. In the spring of ’58, we took a weekend trip to the Carolinas in E.K.’s 1948 Jaguar sports car. Heading back, as we approached Durham, NC, E.K. pressed the brake pedal to discover the brakes were gone. It was impossible to find replacement brakes on Sunday in rural North Carolina, so we limped back to Fort Belvoir. To slow down we worked in tandem, E.K. down shifted, and I pumped the hand brake or dragged my right foot out the door, resulting in enormous holes in my sole.
“North of Richmond, E.K., to make up for lost time and to arrive before supper formation, was pulled over for speeding. Asked to follow the officer to the courthouse, the patrolman undoubtedly wondered why we followed at such great distance and took so long to stop. Arriving at the courthouse was most perilous—pulling beside the officer and stopping before hitting the courthouse’s brick wall! Never did he realize we had no brakes. We collected our ticket, headed back, arrived late and received our expected demerits.
“I didn’t know it at the time, but this incident was so typical of E.K., who loved to push the limits and always preferred living on the edge of disaster.”
After West Point, E.K.’s Air Force commission led him to Guam, Okinawa and Thailand, where he flew 89 B52 missions to Vietnam. Eventually his seven-year military career qualified him to become a Northwest Airlines pilot. While other pilots rested in a hotel room, E.K. actively sought adventures and unusual places. His travels took him to 134 countries on all seven continents, where, in keeping with his character, he found the unusual and brought those experiences home. He volunteered to photograph NASA launches on Bikini Atoll, drove an old truck from Reno to Prudhoe Bay, AK and swam with whales in Baja. In 1998, he retired as a 747 Captain after 30 years of experiencing the world.
He earned one of the first master of science degrees in experiential education with a thesis centered on creating an adventure consultant business. His “research” allowed him to explore winter camping in northern Minnesota, airplane camping at Lake Powell and canoeing in Wisconsin.
Having surveyed the world during his career, he created his dream home, two joined octagons perched on a steep hillside in Lanikai, HI, his “favorite place on earth.” He lived there happily for 17 years with Marianne, his wife and adventure companion of more than 24 years.
Every day he woke up with a twinkle in his eye and a spring in his step, exclaiming, “I wonder what the day will bring” —and he meant it. He was always fit and loved to run, rollerblade, bike, swim, sail and windsurf. If you got up at 4:30 am, you could join him. If he asked you to hike with him, those in the know first would ask if it was uphill, downhill, icy, brushy, wet, muddy or rocky; were there climbing ropes, any rickety ladders and, most important, was there a trail at all? If he gave you a distance, you had to ask: one way or round trip? You never knew what you were getting into.
Energy, enthusiasm, effervescence and a zest for life were hallmarks of E.K.’s zany, creative humor, as were his mischievousness, boundless playfulness and gleeful spirit. Some described him as having youthful curiosity, others “irrational exuberance.” Yet everyone agreed he always thought outside the box, often to the chagrin and dismay of those around him.
His life was honored with a memorable service near Blowing Rock, NC at his family’s summer home. E.K. would have been pleased with the number of classmates in attendance.
What epitaph would appropriately summarize E.K.’s life? E.K. once wanted to be cremated and placed in a parking meter marked “time expired,” but family and friends can verify the final choice: “No Longer Outside The Box” best sums up his life…and his irreverent sense of humor.
With Jim Ellis , Responsible for the recording of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur‘s Duty Honor Country Farewell Address to the Cadet Corps – on 12 May 1962. Created the Wuerple Roll to ease our efforts during summer Class Trips.
Cullum No. 23861-1962 | January 23, 1966 | Died in Vietnam.
Interred in National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific Punchbowl, Honolulu, HI
Roy Shigeru Kobayashi was born in Honolulu, HI, in January 1940, the son of Norman Tsutomu and Ellen Tsuyako Kobayashi. Growing up in Hawaii, Roy was heavily influenced by the respect with which military service was viewed by the people of Hawaii and was well aware of the achievements of Japanese Americans serving in the Army during World War II.
An older brother was in the ROTC program at the University of Hawaii. Roy also was interested in serving and joined the National Guard while in high school. Given a battery of tests as part of the enlistment process, he did so well he was encouraged to apply for West Point. Roy first learned of West Point while attending Aliiolani Elementary School from another pupil, Steve Warner. While at Kaimuki High School, Roy decided to apply and went through the selection process in the Territory of Hawaii, earning his appointment from the Territory’s delegate to the House of Representatives. Roy also was offered a scholarship to Stanford University, but he chose West Point. He and Steve Warner both arrived there in the summer of 1958 and joined the Class of 1962.
Roy achieved a minor degree of fame during Beast Barracks. The toes on his first issue pair of black shoes were soft instead of hard and could not hold a ‘spit shine’ for long. Beast squad leaders used him as an example for those who were struggling to learn the ‘spit shine’ process because he had to rebuild his base coat every night. Academics came easy to Roy. Actually, he excelled and was able to spend much of his study time coaching those having trouble. This still left plenty of time to pursue extracurricular activities, and he was active in several, including the Debate Council, English Literature Seminar, Math Forum, and French Club. While at the Academy, Roy kept up strong ties with his family. For example, in his first class year, he won an essay contest, but rather than using the prize money for himself, he gave it to his yearling brother so he could fly home for Christmas. At graduation, instead of buying a new car for himself, he bought one for his dad. An interesting coincidence, Roy’s younger brother Ted and Steve Warner’s brother Jeff, who also attended Aliiolani Elementary School, entered their Beast Barracks together as members of the Class of 1964.
Following graduation, Roy attended Engineer Officer Basic Course at Fort Belvoir. A fellow student described him as an “intense little guy, vibrating with energy and always pulling more than his weight.” Airborne and Ranger Schools at Fort Benning were next. He completed two thirds of Ranger School but was medically disqualified from continuing because of frostbite that occurred at the end of the mountain phase.
After recuperating from frostbite, his first assignment began in March 1964 with the 600th Engineer Company in Korea. The unit’s mission was field level maintenance for Army engineer equipment in Korea. The company commander of the 600th was also the camp commander, and Roy served as maintenance platoon leader and executive officer, taking up each responsibility with his usual boundless energy and characteristic big grin. At the Founders Day dinner in Seoul, March 1965, the chief topic of conversation at the ’62 table was the buildup beginning in Vietnam; Roy quietly indicated that he had volunteered for assignment there.
The 588th Engineer Battalion at Fort Lee, VA, was his next assignment—but not for long.
Most would accept a welcome stateside assignment after the rigors of an unaccompanied tour in Korea, but Roy had volunteered for the growing conflict in Vietnam. The 588th soon was alerted for deployment and left in October by ship, arriving in early November. Roy had been on staff but assumed command of A Company of the 588th in December. During the buildup period in mid 1965, Army Engineers carried out construction projects involving nearly every phase of engineering from combat to post. In mid-January, the 588th was repairing and building roads north of Saigon at Phu Loi, and A Company was ordered to seek new sites for laterite pits. Existing supplies were being consumed by ongoing operations. Laterite is a type of reddish clay soil formed in tropical regions by decomposition of underlying rocks and was used as paving material. Roy had accompanied the recon party and was returning to the laterite pit outside of Phu Loi when his Jeep was ambushed. Several days later, the 588th conducted a memorial service in his behalf.
News of Roy’s loss was a shock to all. Longtime friend Steve Warner tells how he first learned: “The most significant memory I have of Roy, and one I will never forget, occurred while headed for Vietnam in January 1966. I had flown from Travis AFB and landed in Honolulu. Walking into the terminal to change planes for the final leg, I spotted a Honolulu Advertiser newspaper stand and happened to see a picture of Roy in the lower right hand corner of the page one. I deposited my coin, removed the paper, and read the headline: Island Captain Killed in Action in Vietnam. I was crushed, by this news.”
His final resting place is on Oahu, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at “The Punchbowl,” not far from where he grew up. Roy had a cheerful outlook on life, unlimited energy, and an ability to get along with anyone. His tragic loss at the age of 26, especially on his birthday, not only saddened all who knew him but deprived the country of a dedicated and gifted leader who would have made definite contributions. Those of us fortunate enough to have known him continue to miss his friendly nature and ever present smile to this day. West Point can be proud of this son.
—Authored by Peter Oldfield with the help of Roy’s family, classmates and friends
William John “Bill” (Swartz) Scott was born October 5, 1939 in Stroudsburg, PA and died at age 38 on July 20, 1978 in Los Angeles, CA. He is buried in Fairview Memorial Park in Elmhurst Township, PA.
The son of a World War II veteran who had served in the European theater, Bill left Moscow, PA and joined the USMA Class of 1962. After surviving Beast Barracks in 6th New Cadet Company, he was assigned to Company M-1 in South Area.
His cadet years were filled, as were those of his “runt” classmates, with the sure knowledge of the real privilege we all felt to live there—something to which our “flanker” classmates could only dream and aspire! Unconvinced? Watch the old film files of the platoons of Company M-1 at the end of a regimental review executing a “squads left” with immaculate precision to platoon-on-line for the pass-in-review. It’s easy to see how Company M-1 garnered the regiment’s “Best Company” award for the review.
To his companymates, Bill was “a little guy with a lot of scrap, who tackled everything with enthusiasm.” Not surprisingly, he boxed all fours years on the M-1 intramural team, winning one regimental championship. True to his Pennsylvania roots, he was a member of the Pistol Club and the Skeet Club every year. Academics were not an obstacle for him. But there were often equally or more important things on his agenda, like solid, caring relationships with his companymates.
Perhaps the utter “goodness” of his character is best exemplified in this vignette by his roommate, our companymate, Al Scarsella:
Bill had been a great roommate throughout firstie (senior) year. As my platoon sergeant, he picked up the slack whenever the occasion required, with his usual quiet efficiency and unusual good humor. No matter the task, Bill always was ready and willing to do whatever was required and then a bit more, whether it was prepping for inspection, critiquing our performance, or coaching me through the finer points of ordnance engineering.
He seldom talked about himself and was habitually self-effacing, always seeking to share whatever plaudits were earned by his efforts. He was the personification of constancy despite his trademark comment that “it’s all relative.”
One weekend I was going to NYC and Bill wanted to be absolutely sure that he understood the sequence of commands that he would have to execute during Saturday review as acting platoon leader. Dressed in shorts, t-shirt, and shower clogs, he strapped on his saber, donned his tar bucket, and marched around our desk issuing his commands until he was absolutely sure he had it down pat. I managed to suppress my hilarity while coaching his performance, but later, when Bob Andrews asked if Bill was prepared for the job, I assured him that Bill was indeed prepared and described Bill’s practice session to Bob, Don Snider, Chan Armstrong, and Bobby Garrett. The process was so typical of Bill that we all had a good laugh at the easily imagined scene. Unfortunately, the tale became quite popular.
When I returned from my weekend, Bill confronted me to let me know he did not appreciate my indiscretion, which had resulted in good natured jibes throughout the weekend. Duly chastised, I had to forego the famous admonition, “Never apologize.” It was the only time Bill showed his temper with me, but he chuckled and admitted that the whole thing must have been pretty funny, and, happily, the result of his comically thorough preparation had been an excellent performance.
After graduation Bill was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and took off in a different direction from us, his M-1 companymates. He served in the Vietnam conflict, then left active service with the rank of first lieutenant shortly after our mandatory four-year commitment.
Unfortunately, little is known about Bill after he left active duty. His Cullum file indicates that in 1978 he was living in Santa Monica, CA and had been an “entertainer” since 1969. It also indicates he officially changed his name in 1977 to William James Scott. His military headstone in the cemetery in Pennsylvania, however, names him as we knew him, “First Lieutenant William John Schwartz.”
Whatever his occupation, it was clearly all too brief. Bill was the kind of person anyone would be happy and proud to know and serve with. Quiet humor with a good dose of sarcasm, steady workmanlike effort, and good-natured acceptance of life’s vicissitudes were qualities that endeared him to his classmates—not a bad sort of reputation to have built in his brief sojourn. As Bill might summarize, “It’s all relative.”
Cullum No. 24078-1962 | July 30, 1978 | Died in Hingham, MA
Interred in West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY
This is not an obituary. This is a testimonial to life and love—for ‘love is as strong as death.”
Kevin Renaghan was born on 26 November 1940 in Somerville, Massachusetts, to Leo and Dorothy (Hughes) Renaghan. He was the second oldest of a family of seven children. The family moved to Hingham, Massachusetts, when Kevin was in seventh grade. In 1958 Kevin left for West Point after graduating from Hingham High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. After a competitive evaluation, Kevin was chosen to be Senator John F. Kennedy’s appointee to the Academy. The challenge of these years was important to someone with the kind of adventurous spirit and determination Kevin possessed. The ties of friendship formed at the Academy would be very important to Kevin throughout his life.
My first meeting with Kevin was an almost disastrous blind date during Christmas leave of his 2d class year. The following years were filled with so many happy times, much letter writing and frequent phone calls. We were married 19 July 1964.
In January 1965 Kevin left from San Francisco to begin his tour in Vietnam. He was awarded two Bronze Stars (one for valor), the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and two awards from the South Vietnamese government. The next tour of duty for us was Fort Benning, Georgia, where Kevin was an instructor at the Infantry School. It was there we welcomed our daughter, Paige Elisabeth, into our world in 1967, Life became even more interesting. Paige seemed to have the same love for adventure as her father! She was Kevin’s pride and joy. Kevin resigned from the Army with the rank of captain after the tour at Fort Benning.
The year 1968 found us in Troy, New York, where Kevin earned a graduate degree in Business Management from Rensselaer. We returned to Boston, where Kevin accepted positions in Marketing with International Business Machines (IBM), and then with Corporation S, a subsidiary of Recognition Equipment of Dallas. He became president of Corporation S in 1972.
During these years life for the Renaghans was very good. Kevin was planning to form his own business; we traveled as much as possible, and happily found our special place in Vermont. Running was Kevin’s hobby. He eventually ran the Boston Marathon in 1973 and 1975, finishing in under three hours in 1975.
In April of 1976, Kevin entered Massachusetts General Hospital for neurosurgery. A brain tumor was discovered and treated with radiation. Never once did Kevin bow to despair or self pity. He started the first of three businesses just a couple of days after surgery. About ten days before his death, I asked Kevin why he never complained. He replied, “That’s not the way to be successful.” The significance of those few words will always remain with me.
Kevin completed his life on earth 30 July 1978, and is buried at West Point. The memory of this man who was honorable, generous and caring, will live in the hearts of family and friends. Kevin was a “person who made a difference” in the lives he touched. And so, now it is time to persevere and do our best, as Kevin would have demanded. He showed us the way. We will do this so that, hopefully, when we meet again we will receive Kevin’s ultimate praise—”‘You were a good soldier.’’
The words of Robert Frost reflect truly the deepest sentiments of all who loved Kevin;
Cullum No. 23834-1962 | November 2, 1968 | Died in Vietnam
Interred in West Point Cemetery.
Robert George Hufschmid was born to Helene and George Hufschmid. Growing up in the Long Island community of Hewlett, NY, he stood out in academics and sports. Bob attended Hewlett High School where he was class president freshman, sophomore, and senior years and president of the student council during junior year. Bob graduated fourth in the class of 1958 and lettered in baseball and football.
Deciding early on a military career, Bob entered West Point with the Class of 1962, turning down full scholarships to Princeton and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
His Howitzer entry provides an accurate summary of four years at the academy. He wore stars yearling, cow, and first class years. The ‘pad’ and ‘dragging’ were favorite activities, in that order. The English Literature Seminar, Debate Council and Forum, and Handball Club comprised cocurricular pursuits, and he played on the Engineer football team. First Class year we lost him to brigade staff for a new position: Brigade Activities Officer. He remained a player in our weekend activities, and his sister Martha drove us to and from West Point on a number of occasions.
Bob graduated 19th out of 601 and received his diploma from President John F. Kennedy. Artillery was his branch of choice. When asked why not Engineers, the reply was, “Most generals come out of the Artillery”.
Following graduation, Bob attended Basic Field Artillery Officer Course at Ft. Sill and Airborne and Ranger schools at Ft. Benning before selecting a hardship tour in Korea with the 7th Infantry Division. He felt his unit, 179th Artillery, having a defensive DMZ mission, would enable him to focus on “learning the ropes.”
Ft. Bragg was next. As a project officer, Airborne Test Division, Airborne, Electronics, and Special Warfare Board, he conducted tests on numerous pieces of equipment, e.g., the M102 105mm howitzer. He was probably the Army’s leading authority on internal/external transportation by helicopter, and also played a key part in developing deployment methods for airborne forces from C141s. Bob was an original “Jet Jumper,” earning senior parachute wings. Ft. Bragg was not all work, since he met his future wife, Helen (Suzy) Gaunt, there.
Ft. Sill followed, for the Advanced Field Artillery Officer Course. Bob and Suzy were married in Richmond, VA, on Jul 2, 1966. Next day, they returned to Oklahoma.
Following March graduation, the newlyweds sailed to Hawaii for Bob’s next duty with the Honest John Battalion at Schofield Barracks, left behind when the 25th Division deployed to Vietnam. About that time, the 6th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery, also at Schofield, was alerted for deployment, and its commander arranged for Bob’s transfer to take over Bravo Battery.
According to reports, Bob made excellent initial impressions and through determination and dynamic leadership turned Bravo Battery into an outstanding, combat ready unit. The 611th left for Vietnam in December 1967 with the 11th Light Infantry Brigade.
Shortly after arrival, Bob was promoted to major and took over as battalion S3. The 611th became heavily involved in ground operations in support of their brigade. Bob adapted quickly to rapidly changing conditions and requirements. Dale Barker from 611th recounts an interesting story about LZ Bronco (brigade headquarters): Bob and three other of fduty staff members were playing bridge in the FDC bunker when he heard “bad” coordinates for a fire mission. He immediately jumped to his feet, threw his bridge cards to the ceiling, and screamed, “Cease fire! Drop to the rear of your piece!” The coordinates transmitted were those of the battalion FDC. No one else, on or off duty, noticed the blunder. Bob multitasked before there was a term for it; he caught the error and saved a number of lives.
From arrival through August of 1968, Bob participated in over 25 dangerous aerial missions over hostile territory in support of brigade ground operations and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Air Medal.
Prior to leaving Hawaii, Bob and fellow battery commander Captain Charles Pearcy arranged for their wives to share a condominium while they were in Vietnam. Captain Pearcy also had been promoted and reassigned to division Artillery staff. With less than a month left on their tours, he arranged orders rotating Bob and himself back together.
On November 1, Major Pearcy met with Bob at brigade headquarters for a briefing on an upcoming operation: Vernon Lake II. Later, he brought Bob up to date on plans for their return to Hawaii, but after lunch, Bob expressed apprehension regarding the upcoming operation, which was to be his last. The next day, Bob arrived at LZ CORK with Bravo and Delta Batteries to survey the guns. As Bob stepped from a helicopter, six incoming 82mm mortar rounds hit close by, and he was fatally wounded. Major Pearcy and Bob did return together; he escorted Bob’s remains to West Point, and his wife escorted Suzy from Hawaii for the funeral.
Always thinking ahead, Bob had sent Suzy a letter containing a list of 20 things to do in the event he did not return from Vietnam. Somewhere between 1 and 19 was a wish that she would visit Germany and meet his relatives. Number 20 was to remarry and have a happy life, which she has done.
Bob was a genuine good guy, admired and respected by friends and those under him. Classmates and coworkers have described assets that would have made him likely general officer material, successful in business or even politics. He was a person who knew exactly what he wanted in life and was methodical in focusing on and working toward those goals. This focus, however, was never to the detriment of anyone around him.
–Peter Oldfield, with input from family, classmates, and fellow soldiers
Cullum No. 24024-1962 | October 11, 1967 | Died in Gia Dinh Province, South Vietnam Interred In West Point Cemetery, NY
Ellis Miller Bailey was born on March 17, 1940 in Fort Worth, TX and grew up in Itasca, the “Little Big Town” of Texas, as did his parents, George Ellis and Mattie Wallace Bailey. Growing up on a farm made him a man of many facets. He was a talented and gifted student, valedictorian of the 1958 class of Itasca High School and recipient of the Best Athlete Award. Though we, his classmates, knew him as Ed, he was always ‘Miller Bailey’ to his family and the many Texas friends who knew and loved him. He was popular and respected by his fellow students and teachers, as well as by his extended family and neighbors. He was faithful and active in his church, The Church of Christ.
Ed was appointed to the Class of ’62 by the Honorable Olin Teague of Texas’s 6th District and joined the rest of us for Beast Barracks on July 1, 1958. He was assigned to 6th New Cadet Company and was later assigned to B2. He is well remembered as a man of courage and conviction: kind, helpful and skilled in the Queen’s English (in a congenial Texas sort of way) and the Czar’s Russian. He had a good sense of humor without being frivolous. He was adventurous and could be counted on to bravely drag the unknown traveling companion of your weekend date. He was perhaps the best football player on a hapless B2 intramural football team that didn’t win many games, but he led us by example to give our best on the fields of friendly strife.
The guys in his platoon of 2nd Company at Camp Buckner had fun teasing Ed about Bailey bridges (which he was adept at assembling—2nd Company won the Engineer Trophy) and tried to tag him as ‘Beetle Bailey’ (it didn’t work, he wouldn’t answer).
Being the generous and thoughtful person he was, he invited a classmate to spend yearling Christmas with his family in Itasca. The classmate recalls fondly the love and hospitality of the Bailey home, the friendliness of that town and the universal admiration lavished upon Miller Bailey.
Ed chose Field Artillery as his branch (upon graduation). He attended the Officers Basic Course at Fort Sill, OK, the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, GA, and was assigned to the 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood, TX. He served as executive officer of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 93rd Artillery, until chosen as aide to two Assistant Division Commanders, Brigadier Generals Frank C. Newell and Charles S. O’Malley. In November 1964, Ed attended the U.S. Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker, AL.
Ed met Ann Dudley of Hillsboro, TX, and they were married in 1964, about the time Ed was selected for fixed wing pilot training at Fort Rucker. Their daughter Rebecca Ann was born in August 1965 while Ed was in flight school. He graduated in 1966 with orders to a flight assignment in Korea. Ed’s Korea tour was cut short in 1966 to return to Fort Rucker for helicopter transition training and reassignment to RVN.
Following his training, Ed took Ann and Becky to their home in Amarillo, TX. Before departure for Vietnam, Ed and Ann completed some unfinished business—boxing and sending clothes and other items to a Korean orphanage with which he had become involved. This was typical Ed.
On April 28, 1967, Ed reported to the 187th Assault Helicopter Company, 269th Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, Gia Dinh Province, South Vietnam. On October 11, 1967, Ed and crew had just finished lunch at Na Bhe when they received a mission to carry six naval personnel to a landing craft tender, where they were to land on the helicopter pad. As the landing was aborted, the helicopter settled into the river, rolled over on its left side and sank almost immediately. While the others on board survived, Ed’s jammed seat harness would not release, and he unfortunately drowned. His death was ruled an accident. On August 8, 1967, he had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross at Tay Ninh, Vietnam for actions on August 7, 1967. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster), the Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters (113). His grit and selflessness to the end surprised none of us who knew him.
Miller Bailey Memorial Funds were established in both Itasca and Hillsboro. In April 1973, Ed’s parents donated his cadet uniform and artifacts for display in what is now the Texas Heritage Museum at Hill College, Hillsboro, TX. In 1997, the renowned Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, TX, borrowed Ed’s dress uniform with tar bucket to display with his bio. While these are appreciated honors, they cannot match our sorrow or memories of Ed’s friendship, quiet humor and character.
Ellis Miller Bailey was buried at West Point on October 19, 1967 and is memorialized with a stone monument in the Itasca Cemetery, where his parents also rest. He is sorely missed by all who knew him—certainly by us, his classmates. He is a proud son of Texas and the Long Gray Line. “Well Done; Be Thou at Peace.”
Cullum No. 24367-1962 | June 10, 1965 | Died in Dong Xoai, Vietnam.
Interred in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Syracuse, NY
Edward Eugene ‘Eddie’ Krukowski grew up on the west end of Syracuse, NY, attended Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) where he did well in sports and academics. He then went off to West Point, which both he and his family had wanted. After West Point he attended the Infantry Officers Basic course, Airborne School and Ranger school at Fort Benning, then came home to marry his high school sweetheart, move to Fort Carson, CO, and then off to war. He was assigned as an advisor to a Vietnamese Unit. He went eagerly because he felt there was a cause to defend. While there Eddie wrote about the people, the children, and the country. Eddie had a love for people and a true faith in the good of others.
Eddie was a unique individual who inspired in others a devotion to himself. His exemplary character impressed and inspired those around him. In high school he was captain of his basketball and football teams and president of the student council. He tended to prove his words with deeds. In Vietnam he withstood a superior’s ridicule for his refusal to partake of the war’s questionable diversions, because he knew fidelity to one’s bride and family was a more eloquent proof of manhood, this total commitment to others attracted others to him.
Ed already lived the creed of DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY even before West Point. To him Duty meant something to be loved, done cheerfully, unflinchingly, without questioning the consequences to himself. Duty already transcended a glum “following orders” because he already believed that he had a duty to love other men, to devote himself to them without regard to himself. He was also aware that to him HONOR was an active verb whose direct object was others, and to do this by his actions.
Ed was the first soldier from Syracuse to die in the Vietnamese war and was thus honored and remembered. West Point only broadened the spectrum of his vision: by devoting himself to our Country’s service he found he could thereby best honor the people who are our country. At the Point he came to understand that his ideals and our country’s coincided. It is one’s Duty to Honor one’s Country. He became convinced that West Point’s creed thus contained the substance of laying down his life for his friends (or fellow beings).
To those who did not know him, these outright claims may seem suspiciously exaggerated, but those who knew him will know his true stature. In their association with Ed, they felt themselves richer; those same have lost him, and by that loss are much poorer.
Someone once said, “You lose a life; you gain a bigger life.” Ed Krukowski died with all his ideals intact; he died doing what he believed was right. He lived his life for his faith, his family, and his country. When he died he left a wife and infant son. He had the pleasure of knowing his son for a brief period before his tragic end. His son Mark now has a son Edward to carry on his name and memories. What more can any of us desire? Ed died in a firefight defending our country and our way of life. We had prayed for Ed to be brought back safely. He was, only not to this world. And so we say, “Well Done. Be Thou at Peace. You will never be forgotten.”
Cullum No. 24015-1962 | January 9, 1965 | Died in Vietnam
Interred in West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY
Tommy Reach was many things to many people: husband, son, father, brother, friend, leader, soldier, scholar, but Duty and Honor always come first. His death, while under enemy attack in My Yen, Vietnam, must not be in vain. This young man’s sacrifice should inspire all who come after to put forth a maximum effort toward the preservation of freedom and personal liberty. Surely, the world will be a better place for Tommy’s young son to live in because his father, and others like him, have made the supreme sacrifice while in the service of their country.
Tommy was born on 20 March 1940 in the Ware County Hospital in Waycross, Georgia. His early years were active and at times hectic, but Tom had the knack of making the best of trying situations and often managed to add humor to them. A broken arm, suffered at the age of four, left him with a “trick elbow” that was always handy to surprise, amuse, and sometimes, startle, his friends.
Grammar school in Waycross was just a “breeze” for Tommy, allowing him all the time he needed to work at his then current life’s ambition—to become a cowboy! Roy Rogers was his hero.
Tommy moved with the family to Decatur, Georgia, in 1952 and entered the local high school two years later. School work came as easy to him there as it had in grade school, and he devoted much of his time to the “Junior Achievement” program. Tommy had a natural talent for the modern business methods taught in the program, and it came as no surprise when his projects were highly successful. He graduated near the top of his class in 1958 and entered West Point that same year, having won a competitive appointment made available by Senator Richard Russell.
Plebe year is always the hardest, but, as usual, the resourceful Tommy actually seemed to enjoy the challenges. Periodic visits from his oldest brother, who lived nearby, helped to overcome the homesickness at first, and, in practically no time, young Cadet Reach was acclimated to his new environment. By 1960, when he might have gone home during his summer vacation, he chose instead to go to Europe with some of his friends.
The 1962 Howitzer says of Tom Reach: “When he wasn’t ‘dragging,’ playing tennis, or reorganizing the CCA, he was busy making friends. ‘Hivey,’ athletic, and active, Tom was always a big asset to his Class.” He was a cadet lieutenant in his first class year, and his extracurricular activities during his cadet days included membership in the: French Club, Debate Council and Forum, Handball Club, Ski Club, Parachute Club, and Skin Diving Club. He also played squash and was on the Pointer staff all four years.
During his last year at West Point, the light of love entered Tom’s life, and he and Rory (Rosemary) made plans to be married after graduation. Their plans materialized in the summer of 1962 when the two were married in the Yonkers Methodist Church, Yonkers, New York. The trip to Tom’s first duty station at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, was their honeymoon.
In July 1963, while they were stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the happy couple was blessed with a blond, blue eyed son, William Thomas Reach Jr.
When Tommy Reach uttered his final words in that lonely bunker in My Yen early in the morning of 9 January 1965, he knew that although he had lived a short life, he had lived a full one. He had enjoyed the blessings of a loving wife, a fine young son, devoted parents, and a life without compromise or shame.
Cullum No. 24344-1962 | May 5, 2007 | Died in Walkersville, MD
Interred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
He was a husband, brother, father, classmate, athlete, teacher, and soldier, but most of all Robert Albert Redmond was a warrior who didn’t know how to quit. Long odds never deterred him from fighting for, and attaining, the challenging goals that he set for himself.
Bob was one of twins born in Utica, NY, to Dr. and Mrs. Albert Redmond. In addition to his twin sister Sandra, there was sister Carole, and brother Dick, stepbrother Doug, stepsister Margaret and half sister Elizabeth. By the age of 14, he had willingly accepted the responsibility of living on a farm and was driving tractors, hay balers, and birthing livestock. At 16, to bring in extra income for the farm, he worked at the local golf course, eventually becoming head groundskeeper. He did all of this while attaining star academic and athlete status in high school.
After high school, Bob entered Hamilton College. His freshman year, he earned varsity letters in football and ice hockey. As a guard for the Hamilton football team, he weighed in at 186. He was wide in the hips, broad in the shoulders, short in stature, and built low to the ground. At Hamilton he earned the nickname “Tree Trunk” or “Trunk.”
In 1957, when Hamilton’s hockey team played Army, Bob scored the winning goal, something that probably did not endear him to his upperclass hockey teammates. It did, however, get the attention of the West Point hockey coach.
Bob Redmond entered the Military Academy with the Class of ’62. Later in life, he told his wife that it was the best thing that ever happened to him. He played Corps Squad hockey until knee problems forced him to the more sedate activities of golf and sailing. His classmates dubbed him “Rojo,” in part due to his name, but more for his sharing his expertise in Spanish, a trait he exhibited throughout his life as he helped classmates and friends. His classmates best remember him as “the cadet who most consistently defeated the Tactical Department” and in particular for his part in transporting the reveille cannon to the top of Washington Hall.
“Rojo’s” goals were to graduate and join the Field Artillery. He accomplished both. Bob graduated in the lower quarter and took great pride in later attaining two master’s degrees and a Ph.D., putting asunder the notion that he was a “Goat.” From his Ph.D. came his third nickname, “Dr. Bob.” He had outwitted the “system” and proved that low academic standing was not necessarily an indicator of intelligence or a predictor of future success, in or out of the military.
Upon graduation, Bob attended the Field Artillery Basic Course and subsequently Airborne and Ranger Schools at Ft. Benning. His knees, from his collegiate and academy athletic endeavors, were bad enough that he was initially medically disqualified. After three months of weekly visits, his doctor gave up and waived his condition with the comment that “you’ll just be here again next week if I fail you again, won’t you?” Bob successfully completed Airborne School and was in the last week of Ranger School when he was pulled from school due to the “Cuban Crisis.”
For the next 20 years “Bob”/“Trunk”/“Rojo” served his country with distinction in Viet Nam, Korea, Japan, and at Department of the Army, among other locales. It was during one of his several Viet Nam tours that he suffered a paralyzing back injury during a parachute jump and was evacuated to the States.
After an operation on his back, he was told he would never walk again. True to his nature, Bob obtained a second opinion and had another operation. He then spent almost every waking moment in the pool at Brooke Army Hospital until he was cleared to return to full duty status.
Bob was especially proud of his four year tour as an assistant physical education professor at West Point, where he played a critical part in the determining the standards for the first class of females. It was during this assignment that he met and married the love of his life and helpmate Patricia (Pati) Tyson. (His first marriage had ended in divorce.)
After very successful tours in Japan and on the DA staff, Bob elected to retire and attained a Ph.D. in exercise physiology with specialties in cardiovascular and metabolic physiology. He displayed his entrepreneurial talents by starting what would ultimately become the largest windsurfing school on the East Coast. When he wasn’t instructing, he worked with cardiac rehabilitation patients and volunteered as a coach for the West Springfield (VA) High School crew team. He also helped his daughter win the Junior National title in sculling doubles.
“Dr. Bob’s” last career was as the Vice President for Operations of the Frederick YMCA, the largest YMCA in Maryland. His last retirement was in 2004.
Bob and Pati loved to travel in their RV, visiting family and friends, playing golf and skiing, windsurfing, and giving back to his community though his church and working with young people.
Cullum No. 24367-1962 | June 10, 1965 | Died in Dong Xoai, Vietnam
Interred in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Syracuse, NY
Edward Eugene ‘Eddie’ Krukowski grew up on the west end of Syracuse, NY, attended Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) where he did well in sports and academics. He then went off to West Point, which both he and his family had wanted. After West Point he attended the Infantry Officers Basic course, Airborne School and Ranger school at Fort Benning, then came home to marry his high school sweetheart, move to Fort Carson, CO, and then off to war. He was assigned as an advisor to a Vietnamese Unit. He went eagerly because he felt there was a cause to defend. While there Eddie wrote about the people, the children, and the country. Eddie had a love for people and a true faith in the good of others.
Eddie was a unique individual who inspired in others a devotion to himself. His exemplary character impressed and inspired those around him. In high school he was captain of his basketball and football teams and president of the student council. He tended to prove his words with deeds. In Vietnam he withstood a superior’s ridicule for his refusal to partake of the war’s questionable diversions, because he knew fidelity to one’s bride and family was a more eloquent proof of manhood, this total commitment to others attracted others to him.
Ed already lived the creed of DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY even before West Point. To him Duty meant something to be loved, done cheerfully, unflinchingly, without questioning the consequences to himself. Duty already transcended a glum “following orders” because he already believed that he had a duty to love other men, to devote himself to them without regard to himself. He was also aware that to him HONOR was an active verb whose direct object was others, and to do this by his actions.
Ed was the first soldier from Syracuse to die in the Vietnamese war and was thus honored and remembered. West Point only broadened the spectrum of his vision: by devoting himself to our Country’s service he found he could thereby best honor the people who are our country. At the Point he came to understand that his ideals and our country’s coincided. It is one’s Duty to Honor one’s Country. He became convinced that West Point’s creed thus contained the substance of laying down his life for his friends (or fellow beings).
To those who did not know him, these outright claims may seem suspiciously exaggerated, but those who knew him will know his true stature. In their association with Ed, they felt themselves richer; those same have lost him, and by that loss are much poorer.
Someone once said, “You lose a life; you gain a bigger life.” Ed Krukowski died with all his ideals intact; he died doing what he believed was right. He lived his life for his faith, his family, and his country. When he died he left a wife and infant son. He had the pleasure of knowing his son for a brief period before his tragic end. His son Mark now has a son Edward to carry on his name and memories. What more can any of us desire? Ed died in a firefight defending our country and our way of life. We had prayed for Ed to be brought back safely. He was, only not to this world. And so we say, “Well Done. Be Thou at Peace. You will never be forgotten.”
The material below this point is a site a work area.
The '54 Crest
28th Infantry Regiment Black Lion Award is intended to go to the person on his team "who best exemplifies the character of Don Holleder: leadership, courage, devotion to duty, self-sacrifice, and - above all -
an unselfish concern for the team ahead of himself."
"The Army moves as a team, eats as a team, and fights as a team."
The '55 Crest
Don Holleder Remember - The Soldiers you will lead Always Come First
Vann and Holleder
9 Army A's
The '56 Crest
The '57 Crest
Can Do
Gen Van Fleet addressing the Corps prior to the Navy Game
Constructed under supervision of Jay Gould "54 and the Ord Dept from a German Rocket Gun captured at Kasserine Pass. First used in the Duke Game.
COL "Red" Reeder granted the Cheerleaders Corps Squad status to obtain financial support for their spirit-inducing initiatives.
Bob Mischak - - It should be pointed out that Bob was an All American selection, but is not recognized by the Academy as such because of the organization which selected him.
Ubel scores 3 Times against Navy - Vann's facking results in Peter getting tackled - #10 on the ground behind Ubel
Vann to Sisson
Army's B Squad
Vann to Mischak.
Uebel Intercepts
Cody to Don Holleder
Lasley
Frank Hicks
Burd
Bill Purdue
Cody
Meador Mgr
Ron Melnick
Ralph Chesnauskas
Pat Uebel
Tommy Bell
Sisson headed for another score
Peter Vann stuffs the ball in Jerry's gut
Leroy Lunn & Jerry Lodge
Uebel after taking the handoff from Hagan
Attaya - Army's Fullback
Sisson - one of 3 Great Ends
Bob Mischak
Ralph Chesnauskas
Bob Farris
Vann moving out of the pocket
Peter Vann 10, Billy Chance 38, Herdman 68
Ken Kramer
Joe Lapchick
Kirk Cockrell
Lodge going down tosses to Paul Schweikert for score.
Dick Zeigler
Bob FarrisPlayed the 2d half of the Navy Game blind in one eye.
Pat Uebel
Tommy Bell
Peter Vann
Freddie Attaya
Mike Zeigler
Jerry Lodge wearing #67, playing fullback.
Johnny Wing
Lowell Sisson
Norm Stephen
Jack Krause
Dick Ziegler
Jerry Lodge
Leroy Lunn
Norm Stephen
Jerry Lodge
Corps of Cadets for Navy Game
Can Do
"The Army moves as a team, eats as a team, and fights as a team."
The '54 Crest
The '55 Crest
28th Infantry Regiment Black Lion Award is intended to go to the person on his team "who best exemplifies the character of Don Holleder: leadership, courage, devotion to duty, self-sacrifice, and - above all - an unselfish concern for the team ahead of himself."
For What They Gave on Saturday Afternoon 