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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly WI '63
James Morris Gridley No. 15765 Class
of 1946 Died 7 February 1962 at Walter Reed General
Hospital, Washington, D.C., aged 37 years. |
James M. Gridley ---- classmate, husband, friend, but
above all, soldier-departed this world Tuesday afternoon 7 February
at Walter Reed General, Hospital after a valiant struggle against
the ravages of acute leukemia. As the first notes of Taps sounded
across Arlington Cemetery the "long line stiffened and straightened..."
with the realization that one of its foremost members had become
a cherished memory. Memory? Perhaps, but to those who knew him
well there are more than just memories.
From his entry into this world on 14 September 1924 until
his departure 37 years later Jim lived, worked, and played his
many roles with all his heart and all his might.
Born in Oklahoma City, the son of then Lieutenant Cecil J.
Gridley and his wife Maysie, he had one older brother John, a
younger brother Bob, and a little sister Ellen. Jim always aspired
to follow the military heritage of his father and spent his youth
as an "Army brat," following his father to distant
camps and stations from China to Washington. He realized one
of his most important ambitions when he entered West Point with
the Class of 1946. The years -which were filled with learning
and service were climaxed by his graduation as an Infantry lieutenant
and his marriage to Natalie, the lovely daughter of the USMA
Adjutant General, Colonel Leland S. Smith.
It is interesting to note now what his roommates wrote of
him in his HOWITZER biography: "The Oklahoma Chamber of
Commerce could not find a stauncher supporter than Jim, -whose
unswerving loyalty to the Sooner state is only, surpassed by
his craving for boodle. Always full of fun and with a cheerful
word for everybody, his carefree exterior could not conceal a
deep-seated devotion to duty; and with these added to his natural
athletic ability and persevering ways, the Army cannot fail to
get a fine officer. We shall always remember Jim as a good wife,
a faithful friend, and above all a soldier's soldier."
Now with his shining gold bars pinned to his shoulders, his
roles of husband, father, and Army officer streamed together.
Natalie and Jim started their journeys at Fort Benning and thence
to Japan, Fort Riley and back to Benning where he graduated first
in his class from the Army Ranger School. They then attended
the Infantry Officers' Advanced Course prior to Jim's entering
combat in Korea. By this time they had three children, Sharen,
Myra, and James Bartell (Bart),
In battle Jim displayed the bravery, courage and stamina which
were to be shown in a different way during the last months of
his life. His outstanding, military achievements were acknowledged
by formal decorations by both the Belgian and United States governments.
Some of us well remember his highly skilled and tireless efforts
as operations officer of the 7th Regiment of the 3d Infantry
Division.
After the armistice, Natalie and children joined Jim in Okinawa,
where they spent a wonderful year before returning to the PMS&T
office at Gettysburg College, Pa. It was while Jim was here that
the Army finally gave full recognition to him by selecting him
for early promotion to major on the "truly outstanding''
list. It was a happy day when after being on this list a year,
he pinned on the oak leaves in June 1958, just before finishing
C&GSC at Fort Leavenworth. Jim's last troop assignment was
at Fort Lewis, Wash., with the 1st Battle Group of the 8th Infantry
Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division. He was operations officer
once more. While on a corps maneuver at Yakima Firing Center,
he was informed he had been selected to attend the University
of Southern California for two years to acquire his Master of
Science degree in mechanical engineering (missiles). Between
classes Jim acted as chief cook and bottle washer while Natalie
"moonlighted" by working as a teller in a bank. It
almost seemed that fate was preparing them for their tragedy.
After graduating with honors, Jim packed up his family and spent
an entire month crossing the continent, camping all the way-tents,
cots, and even a sleeping bag.
Jim had barely reported for duty at Arlington Hall in Washington,
D. C., when he went over to the Pentagon for his regular annual
physical examination -- and here began his last but epic struggle.
Despite the final nature of acute leukemia, Jim never lost his
faith that he could conquer even this disease. To help medical
research, he agreed to take experimental drugs which aggravated
the pain and accentuated the damage to other body organs. All
this Jim bore with a smile on his face and remained a pillar
of strength and thoughtfulness to his family.
Jim's philosophy toward the end might well be considered by
those of us remaining. He said he had no regrets, no bitterness
and only thankfulness that God had given him a full and happy
life and had allowed him to provide for his family so that they
would have no material want. And if Jim could add a few words
to those we say in tribute, they might echo to Natalie, his family,
and his friends the refrain of the song "You'll never walk
alone-."
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