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General Goodpaster was from the West Point
class of 1939, where he graduated second in his class. Less than
four years after his graduation from West Point, Goodpaster commanded
an engineer battalion in North Africa and Italy during World
War II.
General Eisenhower brought him to headquarters
where he was one of his most important advisors. General Goodpaster
was Staff Secretary and Defense Liaison Officer to President
Eisenhower from 1954 until 1961.
He attended Princeton University, where
he received a master's degree in engineering as well as a master's
degree and a doctorate in international relations.
He served within the Joint Staff, was the
Chief of Staff, Supreme
Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, and served as the staff
secretary and defense liaison officer for both President Eisenhower
and President Kennedy. His last active duty assignment before
retirement in 1974 was as Commander-in-Chief U.S. European Command
and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. In all, he served four
presidents. He retired as a four-star general after his NATO
command in 1974
In 1977, he was Summoned from retirement
to become the 51st Superintendent of the United States Military
Academy where he revitalized the institution and initiated reforms
that have maintained the U.S. Military Academy foremost among
universities and military colleges worldwide. He served in that
position until 1981.
He eased the women's transition to West
Point, ordering that the women would be made to feel welcome.
In 1984 he was awarded the U.S. Medal of
Freedom as well as military decorations including the Distinguished
Service Cross; the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Oak
Leaf Cluster; the Army DSM with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters; the Navy
and Air Force DSM's; the Silver Star; the Purple Heart with Oak
Leaf Clusters; and many foreign awards. He is the author of For
the Common Defense, published in 1977.
GEN Goodpaster was recognized as a Distinguished
Graduate of West Point in 1992.
General Goodpaster died in Walter Reed
Army Medical Center at the age of 90, and is survived by his
wife; two daughters, and seven grandchildren.
Well Done! Be thou at peace.
Washington Post Article
New York Times Article
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