Gil Batchman
(21 JAN 1931, 29 AUG 2001)
Gil Batchman Eulogies
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Bob Schmidt and Vorece Batchman (50th, MAY 2005)
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M - 2
1st Row: Sullivan, Batchman, Bosshard, Mullan, Blanton, Katenbrink
2nd Row: Schmidt, Rock, Mendell
3rd Row: Burkhart, Enslow, Farrington, Burroughs
4th Row: Holbrook, Dryer, Cliff Jones (CO), Ben Franklin (Absent: McIntosh)
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Gil ~ Your smile encouraged us,your Cadetship inspired us, your life taught us much. I was privileged to learn from your example at Ft. Ord, Thanks for helping me be a more patient Soldier. JF John Feagin August 30, 2001) I got to know Gil well as a Cadet when we lived in adjoining Barracks in North Area. Nothing rattled Gil, he gave to words "Laid Back" new meaning. A natural athlete and a great guy, it was a pleasure to know Gil. (MAY he now rest in peace with our God. Bill Welter North Area Buddy August 30, 2001) I will always remember Gil as being cool, in the best sense of the word, as in cool, calm and collected. The best example of this was in February 2001), when there was a serious earthquake in the Seattle area. I tried several times to contact Gil and Vorece by phone to find out if they were O.K. After several operator intercepts telling me all circuits were busy, I did reach Gil. He said he was fine. He said he was down at his coffee shop when the quake struck. All the customers in the shop were going crazy, but Gil said, since he was raised in Los Angeles, he decided to just finish his coffee. Well done, Gil. Rest in peace in that cool place up above. Robert M. Hinrichs Friday, August 31, 2001) The thing that I remember most about Gil was his warm friendly smile which was always present. Bob Camp August 31, 2001) 50 years ago in Beast, Gil was already a man while I was still a boy never having shaved nor knowing how to. Gil taught me. A quiet true gentleman of character, compassionate and competent. We never really saw much of each other again until the mini in Colorado and the 45th. How fortunate I am to have had the opportunity to become re-acquainted with this wonderful classmate. Well done, Gil! Save us a place. Paul Parks August 31, 2001) Gil, You were a winner all your life and even in death, your class and style show through. You've always chosen the right rather than the easy way in life. You have been an example to all of us. Rest in peace, treasured classmate. James E. Drummond September 1, 2001) Gil.Memories rush back.Solid company mate ..image of what North Area flankers strived for .always friendly, fine athlete, great voice, unflappable.Hit of the party (with borrowed guitar) at the M-2 gathering after the .53 Inaugural parade.Newly wed Batchmans. hospitality in treating this bachelor to Vorece.s great cooking when you were in jump school.George Burkhart.s memorial service.. Mini-reunion in Aspen.. Your presence will continue to be felt in this Infantryman's heart. Will Holbrook September 3, 2001) Gil, from my point of view was, and still is, one I will always look up to. Coming from both ends of the Second Regiment and by some strange quirk of fate(since A-2 was in central area among the First Regiment)we didn't see as much of Gil as I would have liked. But when we met he would always have a smile on his face that would lite up the world and make you feel better. He will be missed. Rest in peace old friend. Thomas C West September 4, 2001) My dearest friend you will be missed. Thank you for sharing with me your life at West Point and giving me the opportunity to go there and see the campus. Rest in peace you will always be in my heart. God Bless GM Reed October 10, 2001) Gil, it is the second day of the New Year, I said Happy New Year to you, Mr. "B" I miss you so very much. January 21st is your Birthday, I cancel all the plans for the cruise, it would not be the same without you. Gil, will I ever get over the loss that I feel at this moment, every time I think of you I cry there is a hurt that will not go away I love you so much, and I am so very lonely., I will visit you one day next week. Love you Mr. "B" gmr January 2, 2002) Gil, it's January 2, 2002) I never thought that you would not be with me and this day. I miss you so very much will the hurt that I have ever go away. You're in my thoughts every day, when I listen to our music you're there, when I have dinner at a nice restaurant, or when I pass by a music store you're there. I will always be your girl. Love ya "Me" GReed January 2, 2002) Today is Easter Sunday. I really miss talking with you. I go by and visit you at least twice a month. You gave me so much, I remember you saying that you would always be with me, and you are . When I am driving and make a foolish turn, or a quick stop, I can see your facial expression. I love you Mr. "B" A Friend March 31, 2002) From: felicia batchman To: usma1955@west-point.org Subject: RE: usma1955: Fwd: [Fwd: Fw: Hi, I be Eboneesha!!!] Date: Thu, (10 APR 2008) 13:18:54,0700 I am not sure if i should be insulted or grateful for this note. As a daughter of a "black" west point cadet class of "55" I watched my father butt his head against all kinds, wanting to prove his inferiority because of the color of his skin. There are many blacks who just needed a foot in the doors that were denied to them. believe me when i say, they proved themselves and more when they got in. Do not lump the ones who played the system with those of us who did, and always will play by the book. I find it insulting that there are some who still believe that this is a normal way of thinking. I know where i came from. I have been taught by the best, and will always teach my own to remember the backs of those on which we stand to be where we are today. I have read and even shared the thoughts that are posted to me. Some have helped me remember my father, and some have made me cry, and many have made me laugh. I believe that i will even vote better because of them. But as a "black" daughter of a "black" cadet, today i am only sad. Felicia, daughter of Gilbert Batchman class of "55" To: felicia batchman Copies to: usma1955@west-point.org Subject: usma1955: Deepest Apologies on Behalf of the Class of 1955) From: Carl H McNair Date sent: Thu, (10 APR 2008) 23:05:27,0400 Felicia: I received your e mail this afternoon along with that written earlier by one of our classmates and waited until I returned home from the office for the solitude of evening to prepare a message of apology on behalf of the Class of 1955). I am personally chagrined that you, your family and especially the honor and memory of your father, our classmate and faithful friend, Gil, were exposed to such unintended disdain from one of our own. I am confident that it was sent without malice aforethought, although thoughtless and insensitive. Such dark humor of the message originator could not envision the hurt and pain it would cause, especially to you and your mother, Vorece, whom we all respect and admire. What was sent is most regrettable, while your reply was remarkable in its tone and tenor, evoking feelings of remorse by all who knew and bonded with your dad over our four years as cadets. He stood tall among us, literally and colloquially, a gentle person with a heart of gold, a broad smile and a kind word for everyone he met. My own personal memories of Gil run deep through our careers where we both served in the Infantry, completing the same training and similar assignments. But perhaps our closest and final linkage came in retirement during our 45th Reunion at West Point, after your dad had suffered his stroke and was moving haltingly, yet was proudly there among his faithful and loyal classmates. My wife (also a catastrophic stroke victim confined to a wheelchair since 1984) and I shared a van with your mom and dad from point to point and relished those rides and lengthy conversations together. His moral and spiritual strength showed through his disability while your mom's love, concern and care for him were an inspiration to all. For my wife and me who have borne those same challenges of paralysis and immobility, your dad was a hero and your mom the heroine. In the eyes and hearts of the Class of 1955), the color of the skin is not a discriminator nor a detractor, it is the faith, hope, brotherly love and mutual respect for one another that engenders brotherhood within the Long Grey Line. Your father stood tall in our ranks, was honored in death as he was honored in life, graduating from the Military Academy and receiving his diploma and commission in the US Army from the President of the United States as did all members of the class, Black, White, Hispanic and Asian Pacific. The Class of '55 was and remains today a Band of Brothers and Gil was a brother to us all. Finally Felicia, you are an inspiring, sensitive and loving daughter, not simply to speak out, but to speak with the warmth and gentle tone for which your dad was also known. I assure you that your voice, and his, have been heard and will never be forgotten in the Class of 1955). Gil would be so proud, as are we, that you spoke from your heart. We understand and share your sadness. We too are disappointed, but be assured that you, your mom and family have the deepest apologies of the Class of 1955), one and all. You will receive many messages from classmates and prayers for understanding and forgiveness will be uplifted on behalf of all of us, and none will be more sincere or more heartfelt than my message to you tonight. (MAY we remember your dad now as he was remembered beside his First Class picture in the 1955) yearbook, "HIS SMILE ALWAYS REMAINED" , playing his ukulele, a pipe between his teeth and a broad grin upon his face. We pray that he smiles upon us today for the lesson learned from you, his loving daughter, and from a misintended message that went awry, praying also that such will never, never happen again. With love to your mom and family. Faithfully, CARL Carl H. McNair, Jr. Major General, US Army (RET) President USMA Class of 1955) |
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