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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jul '99
Howard Anthony Giebel * '46 ~ No. 15723 * 5 Jan 1925
- 2 May 1997
Died in the Bronx, New York * Inurned in the West Point Columbarium,
West Point, NY |
Born in the Bronx, NY, Howie was an excellent scholar
and athlete graduating in 1942 from Christopher Columbus High
School with honors. He entered Columbia University for a year
before joining the Class of 1946 at West Point on 1 July 1943.
Roommate Bill Wray recalled Howie as a cadet: "Howie
came to USMA after a year at Columbia. Academics were no problem
as he coasted through classroom work and managed to devote considerable
time to extracurricular activities. He was an excellent athlete,
representing West Point capably on the varsity diving team and
providing skill and competitiveness to many company intramural
teams." Howie graduated a second lieutenant in the Infantry.
Following Infantry basic schooling at Fort Benning,
GA, Howie was first assigned to the 65th Infantry in Puerto Rico
as platoon leader and then Company Exec. He then moved to Hqs.
Antilles Department until his return to the States in 1949. Assigned
to the 7th Infantry at Fort Devens, MA, he married Kathleen Christal
at Fort Devens on 17 August 1950. Shortly thereafter, Howie's
unit was deployed to Korea with a stop in Japan for replacements
and intensive training. His unit was part of the 3rd Division's
landing at Wonsan in November 1950 just before the Chinese Communist
Forces entered the war. Howie distinguished himself in action
and received the Bronze Star Medal for Valor. Howie returned
to the States in 1951 for the Infantry Advanced Course and was
then selected to attend Columbia University where he earned a
Masters Degree in International Relations in 1953. From 1953
to 1956, Howie taught at the Armed Forces Information School
at Fort Slocum, NY. In 1956, he was transferred to Panama where
he decided to leave the Army and try his hand at civilian life
in 1957. His love for and loyalty to the Army did not end as
he continued to serve in the US Army Reserve, finally retiring
as a Colonel.
He entered business as a Sales Engineer with Sier-Bath
Gear Co., Inc. and remained with that firm for many years attaining
the position of Vice President, Gear Systems. After Sier-Bath
was taken over by Ingersoll Rand, Howie became Marketing Manager
before retiring in 1989.
After Howie retired, he was able to devote more
time to his passions: Kay, his children, grandchildren, golf
and gardening. He was one of the unique few who could lay claim
to having scored two holes-in-one, on July 18 1980 and September
28, 1989. Howie died from colon cancer on 2 May 1997. He is survived
by his wife, Kay; daughters, Kathleen and Barbara; son, Howard;
a brother, Kenneth and four grandchildren.
That Howie was loved and admired by family and
friends is attested to by the thoughts and remembrances of those
who thought so much of him.
His brother, Ken, delivered the eulogy at Howie's
funeral. Excerpts tell of the affection felt: "He was a
devoted husband to Kay and a loving father to his children, but
without a doubt his greatest role in life was the love and devotion
he had for his four grandchildren, Tricia, Maura, K.C. and Eddie.
When grandchildren began arriving ten years ago, his beautifully
manicured yard was transformed into a playground; his garage
became a toy box, his house, the site of countless birthday parties
and family get togethers. Gramps loved being around his grandchildren.
He taught them all they needed to know in order to lead a balanced
and happy life . . . to say 'yes' instead of 'yeah', when to
plant flowers, how to swim and snorkel, how to hit a 9 iron on
a downhill lie. I guess what he was really trying to teach them
was, that while it is important to work hard and do your best,
you also need to take some time just to have fun. Gramps has
been an anchor for this family, giving it an identity and a spirit
which will be difficult to sustain in his absence. His loss is
a tragic one for all whom he leaves behind. Today, sadly, is
an ending, but joyfully a new beginning that has no end. We all
miss and love you, Howie and will never forget you."
Friend Bob Marvel wrote: "Howie is sorely
missed. He was a conscientious worker. A worker in the community,
he did volunteer work for many Pelham and Westchester agencies.
He is noted for the work he did for the United Way. He loved
his home and gardens. One could often find him working hard around
the house. However, he also often was found sitting and enjoying
what he had created. A caring man; a vital man, who is greatly
loved."
Bill Wray remembered: "He was an exceptional
person - affable, considerate, kind, always generous of his time,
resources and talent and a loyal, wonderful friend."
His loving wife, Kay, recalled: "Howie was
a very caring person who would stand by you no matter what happened.
I was very impressed by all the young people who wrote telling
me things they remembered about him and how he had helped or
advised them. He loved his family and adored his grandchildren.
He was very firm but underneath that he would do anything for
you."
To these words of love, admiration and respect,
the Class of 1946 would like to add the words that would mean
so much to Howie, a true son of West Point: "Well Done,
Howie; Be Thou At Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article Project and his wife, Kay
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