Chick Chikalla
(25 JUN 1931, 7 JUN 2008)
Chick Chikalla Eulogies
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Pemberton, Gallup, Jessie Chikalla, Ewing, Troyan
West Point (22 AUG 2008)
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Troyan, Gallup, Pemberton, Ewing, C. Johnson
West Point (22 AUG 2008)
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Brownie and Dave Pemberton, Jessie Chikalla
West Point (22 AUG 2008)
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Mrs. and Gen. David Fridovich, Jessie Chikalla
West Point (22 AUG 2008)
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Troyan, Gallup, Chikalla, Pemberton, McAuslan x55
E-2: (50th, MAY 2005)
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Sitting: Bill and Anna Axup, Dave and Brownie Pemberton, Mike and Celia Gallup
Standing: Chick and Jessie Chikalla, Barbara and Chuck Ewing (50th, MAY 2005)
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Ruth Horst, Chick and Jessie Chikalla, Tom Horst (50th, MAY 2005)
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Chuck and Barbara Ewing, Chick and Jessie Chikalla (50th, MAY 2005)
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Chuck and Barbara Ewing, Bill and Corry (MAY, Woody and Sharon Black, McAuslan x55
Bill and Anna Axup, Chick and Jessie Chikalla, Mike and Celia Gallup
E-2: (50th, MAY 2005)
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| Standing (L to R): Weaver, Lewis, Turner, Chikalla, Gallup, O'Brien, Freed, Hadly, Wix, ?, Streett, ?, Reb Young, Quinn, Lenio, ?, Perkins, Thorsen, ?, Nieves, Sherman, Burroughs, Giza, Traut, Sloan, Gay, Paul Parks, Andrews, Ginter, Bates, McNair, ?, Lichtenberg, Nidever, Secord, Feagin, Cathey, Herren, ?, ?, Ludwig, ?, ?, ?, Ralls, ?, Shimunek, Macdonald, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Bob
Strickland Front (L to R): Soper, Newton, Dax, Chance, Schmidt, Shideler, Bergen, Matteson, Hargrove, Hornbarger, Steakley, Stevens, Drummond, Rudzki, Knierem, Wargowsky, ?, Stern, ?, ?, Livesay, Dickson, Michalove, Hagan, Landers, ?, Blitch, ?, Cardillo, Ordway, Trobaugh, Crancer, Maus, LaFrenz, Sydenham, Strom, ?, Howie Stone, Schepps, Raymond, Spellman, Sanderson ?, Wray , Fikaris, Stevenson, Sims, ? |
(10th Reunion 1965)
Larger Size
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Booras, ?, Mary and Jim Devereaux, Chikalla, Wiegand, ? (1956)
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E - 2
1st Row: Axup, Dorward, Lilly, Pheiff, Murray, Chikalla
2nd Row: Hansell, Gallup, Pemberton, Troyan, Ewing, Black
3rd Row: (MAY, Hoeferkamp, Donaldson (CO), Tebben
4th Row: Seay, Shideler (Absent: York)
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Adams, Schick, Matuzak, Martling, Bossert, Chikala (1952, Camp Buckner
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Chickalla, Benassi x55, ?, Patton, Adams (1952, Camp Buckner
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Tom Sims, Bill Welter, Chick Chikalla
Beast Barracks (1951)
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I am sorry to have to tell you that Jerry passed away this morning at 6:21 in the Wentworth Douglas Hospitall, Dover, NH. He has had a bout with congestive heart failure, but is now at peace. There will be a memorial service Friday the 13th, at Lee Church Congregational, Lee New Hampshire at 4 in the afternoon. A reception will follow in the church social room. Jesse Sat, (7 JUN 2008) Chick was my first room-mate in Beast Barracks, he coming from the US Army and me coming from Lafayette College (White Bucks snd all). Chick taught me how to survive Beast, something I thought was impossible before coming under Chick's wing. Chick was E2 and I was F2 and we swam together on the Army Team so we saw a lot of each other during our 4 years on the rock. I always, and still do, think of Chick as being a Soldier's Soldier. Well done old friend. Rest in Peace. Will Welter June 9, 2008) Chik, I came to admire you when we were at Buckner together, and I always regretted that we never served together. I know you must have been one helluva Officer and a "Soldier's Soldier". (MAY you find peace now. Lee Lee McKinney June 9, 2008) From those autumn days of 1950) at the Prep School on Stewart Field, Gerry Chikalla has always been, to me, a person really enjoying life. Memories of those days will live forever with me and I am sure many others. Nature and athletic pursuits were his realm. Outdoor activities and a good beer were his relaxations. Our military assignments never crossed, but while he was assigned to the Frankfurt Community I, as a civilian, accompanied him to the official opening of the new USO booth in the Rhein-Main Terminal. He always had a sincere interest in troop welfare activities. For Gerry, I am sure we can all say he lived a life that was a credit to himself and the ideals of West Point. Farewell, Bob Deardorff June 9, 2008) When you and I trained so hard and finally won the canoe championship on Lake Popalopin, Camp Buckner, our plebe year, I knew that you were made of something very special. Your life was special and we all know that one of the chosen few has been called home. Al Parker June 10, 2008) When we met at Camp Buckner we discovered that not only were we both from Wisconsin, but we were probably the only two members of '5(5 if not the entire Corps) who knew how to play Skat and Sheepshead, two great German card games. But, we never could get anyone else interested enough to learn how to play. After graduation our paths didn't cross again until '67-70 when we served together in the Tactical Department at USMA, Chick representing Infantry Branch to the Corps and me representing the Corps of Engineers. Then, upon promotion, we became the two branch chiefs in OMI. There was never a more professional soldier in those positions; nor were there ever better neighbors than Jessie and Chick. The cadets were in absolute awe of Chick as a soldier's soldier. Although we never served together again, we did share one common experience which we used to reminisce about; my tour in '57-59 as an ROTC instructor at Norwich University and Chick's final assignment there as PMS and later as Commandant of Cadets. I visited Chick twice in his final months and although he had failed physically, he never lost his indomitable spirit. Along with all of his classmates, I shall miss Chick greatly. A good friend and a great soldier. Tom Horst June 15, 2008) Chik quickly became the most recognizable member of our Class that initial summer of 1951). He had a distinctive rugged, tough appearance that told all who came in contact with him, "that here's a soldier". He maintained that strong physical appearance throughout his career. He simply looked the part of a leader; he inspired confidence in his soldierly abilities from first-meeting; and certainly his distinguished combat record and decorations bore that out. As we never had the opportunity to serve together on active duty, I only learned another side of Jerry after we had both retired ... and from a young Air Force Captain at Langley AFB in the early 1990)'s. This young officer was a Norwich University graduate during "Colonel Chik's" days as PMS&T. I was treated to at least 100 tales of Chik's exploits as a teacher, a mentor, a coach and supporter and a friend of emerging young professionals. Jerry was indeed legendary at Norwich and he put his brand of leadership in each of associates there. James E. Drummond June 18, 2008) At 4pm on 13 June in Lee NH Chick had his Memorial Service, Internment at West Point is scheduled for 22 August. Dave (Pembo) Pemberton, Chick's LCA, attended along with Mike Gallup,Charlie Johnson, Dick Lilly and Rod Vitty. Other Attendees (about 300) heard tributes to Chick from: Pembo; The President of Norwich University where Chick's last active assignment was as Commandant; The Football Coach at Phillips Exeter Academy where Chick was Line Coach for 16 years; American Legion Rep; Rotary Rep and others. Pembo reports Jessie and family are doing well. In sadness, -w Bill Welter Wed, (18 JUN 2008) One of the first things I learned about Chick was that his Wisconsin background equipped him with an impressive set of outdoorsman's skills. He came to West Point to sharpen them, and to pick up a few tactical pointers on his way to becoming a dedicated and unyielding infantryman. That was his focus the whole four years, and the demands of academics, the intrusions of the tactical department, even his exasperation with pencil heads,- his endearing appellation for all kinds of dolts,- were only minor distractions along the way. He was a legend in E-2 for many reasons, not the least of which was that he was the strongest man any of us ever knew, a thing we all recognized well before we had to face him in plebe wrestling. And it wasn't just physical strength. The academic department held no terrors for him; you could walk into his room and find him working the knife, burying arrows in a pile of newspapers, playing Shaafskopf with Mike and Pembo, only occasionally studying. He was no less a legend when he went to the Infantry. No one who crossed his path ever forgot him, and the stories still abound, far outside the Army. Tom Bell tells a great one about flying his C-123 into a strip somewhere to pick up an infantry platoon. Used to seeing troops amble in and drop into the seats, he was amazed to see this platoon storm into the airplane at high port,- until he saw Lt. Chikalla storm in right behind them. No one in any outfit he commanded ever had an easy life, but when the rounds began to fly, every man aboard could concentrate on the job at hand; they knew they were an elite force, and he had their back. Our world is a less safe and less colorful place without him. We mourn with Jessie the passing of her great and good man, our model for excellence. Wiedersehen, Chick. Chuck Ewing June 27, 2008) Chick: Your legend and lore will live long after you in the minds and memories of all of us. Will be forever indebted to you and your Infantry Battalion from the 101st Airborne Division for your quick response and backfill for support of our Cadet Summer Training at USMA in 1972) when the 82d Airborne was called out suddenly for another mission. You responded immediately, deployed your unit from Campbell and met every mission with one of our sharpest support units ever, due to your 24x7 leadership and command presence. Camp Natural Bridge never looked better and you made it so. In our every encounter from Lake Frederick to Bull Pond, you were never without your trusty, collapsable rod and reel under the seat of your M151, you knew every fishing hole on the 16,000 acre reservation. Who would have ever guessed you had served in OMI yourself on a previous tour? Know you have now found your resting place among larger lakes and bigger fish, with fair weather and a cool breeze, for all of eternity. Save a few big ones for us and hope you will continue to be our guide. Faithfuly, CARL Carl H. McNair, Jr. Class President July 3, 2008) Chick was a faithful attendee at our Lutheran Chapel service each Sunday afternoon in the cadet chaplain's office. He, Pembo, Dan Ludwig and I would sit together and worship, with Chaplain [COL] Paul Gabbert from Bronxville leading us. We had great Christian fellowship together, which was especially meaningful during plebe year. I will always remember this about Chick, and he now rests in peace with the Lord, awaiting the resurrection on the last day, when all believers in Christ will meet Chick again in our heavenly home. Thanks for the memories, dear friend. Dick Harold "Dick" Hoeferkamp July 7, 2008) Pembo Pemberton, Chick's LCA, reports Chick will be interred at West Point Cemetery 1330 hours, 22 August 2008). Chap. Col Williamson will conduct service. Section 10, Row J. #175 B. There will be a reception in the AOG building for attendees immediately following the service. In sadness, -w Bill Welter Sat, (12 JUL 2008) I am almost certain that it was in beast barracks on the bayonet course that Chick gave the dummy an uppercut with his rifle butt and broke the butt in the narrow part. The first classmen were very impressed and all of us classmates were in awe. God bless you, Chick. Stan Harvill 15 August 2008) My room mate in Beast Barracks, and Fall semester plebe year (John Binder ex '55) was with Chick at Stewart Field. He used to tell marvelous stories about Chick's feats of strength. One had to do with a time when he and Chick were on the town and walking down the street. They were accosted by a group of supposed toughs driving by. Chick stepped over and proceeded to tear their car door from its hinges. No further words were spoken. Another and more peaceful story was related by one of our classmates whom I do not remember. There was a move at Stewart from one barracks to another. The classmate had to make several trips to carry all of his gear, and on the last trip was walking across the quad carrying a tennis recket and some other light impedimenta. He encountered Chick, who had his entire gear, foot locker and all, on his shoulder. Chick said, '"Need any help?" I never got to know Chick well while we were at WP, but enjoyed the stories. Walt Landers 15 August 2008) Some memories of Chick are as follows: 1. One of the greatest Infantry, Airborne, Ranger Officers to ever serve in our wonderful U. S. Army! 2. Chick and Pembo put me on the truck in Ranger School at Ft. Benning after I hurt my knee, and had to drop out. 3. Chick came to Ft. Bragg as a member of the 101st Abn. Div. football team while I was in the 82nd Abn. Div.--the 101st beat us. 4. Chick, Jerry Hagen, and I went thru one of the first MATA Courses at Ft. Bragg, N.C. in 1962) enroute to Vietnam. Chick was assigned as an Advisor to the VN. Rangers in 1963).. Tom, Wil, Bill Hadley, and I were with the VN. Abn. Bde as advisors, and Charley Johnson was with SOG. Chick was on jump status, so I saw him several times. 5. Chick went back to Vietnam twice, and I think that he probably served more months there than any of the rest of us-31/2 years by my count.. Once with the 1st Inf. Div.for a year about 1966)-67, and the third time for 18 months with that special Sector/Area Advisor Preogram after that. 6. I was stationed at West point in 1970)-72 when Chick brought his outstanding Inf. Bn. from the 101st Abn. Div to support the Cadets one summer. Was wonderful to see that proud Battalion Commander at West Point! 7. My wife, Henry, and I were so pleased to have been at Ft. Bragg when Chick and his wonderful wife Jessie were there .also. Chick was the Deputy Chief of Staff, XVIII Abn. Corps-and his workouts every day about noon were something to see.plus he did an outstanding job! 8. I got to know several great officers while i was working at Ft. Polk, La. at the Joint Raediness Training Center from 1993)-2006 who had been fortunate to have been cadets at Norwich University while Chick was in charge of the R.Ot.C. program from 1981)-85/lots of great comments from them. My attempt to say "THANKS" to Chick and to Jessie! Dan Moses (17 AUG 2008) CHAPLAIN Col. Gregory Williamson SPEAKERS Lt. Gen David Fridovich Col. (REt.) David Pemberton REPRESENTATIVE OF SUPERINTENDENT, USMA Col. Samuel Johnson Chick is survived by his wife of 53 years-Jessie; daughters Patricia and Susan; grandchildren Elliott and Audrey. Jessie thanked everyone for atendance at the service and for the comfort of their support at this time. She praised Chick's roommates, David "Pembo" Pemberton and Mike Gallup, for arranging everything to include refreshments after the service at the Association of Graduates Building. Lt. Gen. David Fridovich was Chick's Deputy while Chick was PMS at Norwich University. Col. Samuel Johnson (Charlie Johnson's son) presented the memorial United States flag to Jessie and the family on behalf of the Superintendent. The Class of 1955) was well represented, and several family members attended, also. Also present were officers and their families who had gained so much from Chick's leadership and friendship during Chick's U.S. Army career to include the following: a. Former USMA Cadets while Chick was with OMI. b. Former Norwich University Cadets while Chick was PMS. c. Officers from the 3rd Inf. Div in Germany. d. Officers from the 101st Abn. Div. e. Others whom I met only briefly. Lt. Gen. Fridovich and "Pembo" gave outstanding tributes to our great Classmate and Friend! We were so fortunate to hear from both of them, and I know that Chick's family greatly appreciated their remarks and stories. After the service, we went to the AOG Building for "...refreshment and remberance..." " BEST WISHES AND LOTS OF PRAYERS FOR THE CHIKALLAS!" Dan Moses Class of 1955) Funeral (22 AUG 2008) |
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