Born and raised in Panama City, FL. Had appointment to Naval Academy (wanted to fly F-4s off carriers) but flunked the Navy’s color vision test late in my senior year of high school. I went to West Point in mid-June of 1965, took the entire battery of exams, and received a telegram on 29 June that I had been accepted to that year’s class, and should report on 1 July. Fortunately, I was able to fly out of my little town the next day and reported in with nothing but a telegram for orders.
I guess it was enough because the rest, as they say, is history. I struggled academically, but managed to finish in the great, unwashed middle of the BOTL. Selected Infantry and volunteered for Ranger and Airborne school and requested the 101st Abn in Viet Nam. Had a short tour in the 82d, before reporting to Jungle School, enroute to Viet Nam. Led an Aero Rifle Platoon for 8 months, and commanded D Trp, 2-17 Cav for 4 months. (Three of our classmates were KIA in the Cav Sqdn and OpCon Ranger Company during my tour. Woodrum, Sawtelle, and Smith.) Went back through the states and picked up my bride on the way to my next assignment in Germany (3 years in the 1st AD). Spent 28 years on active duty, and ended up with three tours in the 82d Abn, and 2 tours in the 1st AD. Commanded 3 companies (totaling 42 months) and 2 battalions (also totaling 42 months), attended the National War College, and spent my last 5 years as an Inspector General (including 2 years as the Commandant of the IG School).
- Telegram from Senator Smathers
I received a telegram from Senator Smathers at 1715 hrs, 29 June 1965, offering congratulations on being accepted into USMA. I caught a flight out of Panama City, FL, at 0715 hrs, 30 June and flew to JFK. Bus to Port Authority, and then to Highland Falls, arriving around 2000 hrs. Found a room over a… Read more: Telegram from Senator Smathers