 |
MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly March 2003
Vincent Depaul Gannon, Jr. '46
No. 15602 * 7 Nov 1925 - 2 Feb 2002
Died in Sierra Vista, AZ * Interment at West Point Cemetery, West Point,
NY |
Vince Gannon was born in New York City. He grew up in the city and after
graduation from high school, attended Fordham University for a year before
enlisting in the Navy. In 1943, Vince gained his appointment to West Point
where he joined the Class of 1946 on 1 July 1943.
Life as a cadet in B2 Company presented few problems to Vince. His likeable
personality made him many friends. He was active in Catholic Church activities
and was on the basketball squad each year. At graduation, Vince became
a second lieutenant in the Infantry.
At Fort Benning, GA for Infantry schooling after graduation, Vince married
Denise Heinle on 31 August 1946 at the Fort Benning Catholic Chapel. From
Fort Benning, the Gannons went to Fort Riley, KS where Vince was a company
officer. He later became Aide de Camp to MG I.D. White, the CG at Riley.
When Gen White moved to Europe, Vince went with him as his Aide. In 1949,
when the call went out for Infantry officers to transfer to Armor, Vince
transferred with the full blessing of Gen White. He became CO of a tank
company, 1st Bn ,2nd Armored Cavalry in Europe before moving to Fort Knox,
KY in 1951 for Armor schooling. In 1953, Vince went to Korea where he commanded
a tank company and a recon company. Returning to the States, Vince was
assigned to West Point with the 1802nd Support Regiment.
While they were stationed at West Point, Denise developed melanoma and
died on 24 May 1955. Vince graduated from C&GSC at Ft. Leavenworth,
KS in 1958. It was during that assignment that he married the widow of
his B2 classmate, Gene Melo, who had died in a plane crash at West Point
in 1957. He and Jo Melo were married 14 February 1958. From Leavenworth,
Vince went to Hawaii with the 3rd Recon Sq., 4th Cavalry. Back to the mainland,
Vince attended the Armed Forces Staff College and then the Army War College
before commanding the 49th Bn, 69th Armor at Fort Benning. Next Vince served
in Vietnam in the J1 Section, MACV. In 1969, Vince became Commander, 3d
Brigade, 4th Armored Div in Europe. Vince returned to the States to become
Asstant Division Commander, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, CO. In
May 1972, Jo Melo Gannon died from heart problems at Fort Carson. Vince
returned once more to Europe where he served as DCSPER, USAREUR until he
retired as a Brigadier General in 1976.
Vince moved to Sierra Vista, AZ to spend his retirement years. He became
very active in community affairs in that area, a commitment he continued
for the rest of his life. In 1974, he married Virginia Chaffin in Sierra
Vista. That marriage was dissolved in 1978. Vince served with the greater
Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce as a member of the Military Affairs
Committee. He was also a board member on the City of Sierra Vista's Convention
and Visitor's Bureau. He was president of the Cochise County Children's
Board, past president of the Sierra Vista Rotary and past president of
the local Association of the United States Army Chapter. Vince also coordinated
Service Academy admissions with the Sierra Vista School District and its
ROTC program. He was recognized as Sierra Vista Citizen of the Year in
1989 and Rotarian of the year in 2000. Vince was also a dedicated member
of the Huachucans of Sierra Vista, helping that organization achieve its
goals and objectives. Vince married Wendy Schneider on 20 November 1986
in Sierra Vista.
Vince Gannon died 2 February 2002 from multiple organ failure. Survivors
include his wife, Wendy; brother, Reverend Robert; sister, Virginia; sons,
Vincent, Mark, Kevin, Jonathon, Christopher, and James; stepchildren Penny,
Peter, Melissa, Paul and George and eight grandchildren.
Vince Gannon made friends easily. He was well spoken and made everyone
feel as if they had known him forever. He was a dedicated son of West Point
and lived its precepts throughout his life. He was a true patriot in every
sense of the word who truly loved his country, the Army and West Point.
He will be long remembered in Sierra Vista for his unselfish work for
neighbors and strangers. He defined the meaning of community service. His
is a legacy that will never fade and will long be honored. In the year
before his death, he was presented a plaque by the Military Affairs Committee
of the Sierra Vista Chamber of Commerce. That plaque said it best and reflects
how he will always be remembered: "Vince Gannon - A soldier and civilian
extrordinaire."
One of Vince's sons wrote: "Most of what I know about my Dad's military
career I learned from others because he was not one to brag. He never relied
upon his rank for respect; instead he earned the respect of those who served
above and below him. I am very proud to be the son of Vince Gannon."
The Class of 1946 proudly adds those words from the Alma Mater that
would be so meaningful to our classmate: "Well Done, Vince; Be Thou At
Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article Project and his family
|