 |
MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly July 2002
Elmer Gene Sprague * '46
No. 15965 * 16 Aug 1924 - 11 Aug 2001
Died in San Antonio, TX * Interred in Ft Sam Houston National
Cemetery, San Antonio, TX |
E. Gene Sprague was born in the small town of Grant,
OK. His parents were school teachers and moved several times.
As a result, Gene's high school years were spent in Clayton,
OK where he graduated in 1942. His years in OK were fairly typical
for those times. He had a paper route and was active in Boy Scouts.
In fact, Gene was the first Eagle Scout in his county. His favorite
hobby was model airplanes. He progressed into radio-controlled
planes and his models were all pieces of art. He continued this
hobby for the remainder of his life. In high school, Gene played
basketball and played in the band. After graduation, he attended
the University of OK for a year before gaining his appointment
to West Point. He joined the class of 1946 on the banks of the
Hudson on 1 July 1943.
Cadet life presented no problems for Gene. His E2 Company classmates
described him as "a rare individual with a Western drawl,
a winning smile and natural athletic ability. His firm and tactful
manner in dealing with others will take him far in his Army career."
At graduation, Gene pinned on the bars as a second lieutenant
in the Infantry.
Following graduation leave, Gene and his Infantry classmates
attended the Infantry Officer's Basic Course at Fort Benning,
GA. Upon completion of the course, Gene was selected as "The
Field Soldier" of his class. He treasured this award more
than any other received during his lifetime. In May of 1947,
Gene joined 160 classmates at the Parachute and Glider School
at Benning. Gene and his classmate, Hale Baugh, set a new record
on the Army Physical Fitness Test during this course. They both
scored 496 out of a possible 500.
Gene's first assignment was to Japan where he joined the 511th
Parachute Regiment. The 511th returned to the States in 1949,
going to Fort Campbell, KY. There, Gene became Chief of Ground
Training for the 11th Airborne Division Parachute School. It
was during this assignment that Gene married Audrey Wray in Nashville,
TN on 3 December 1949. In 1952, Gene entered the Korean War,
assigned as L Company Commander, 32nd Infantry, 7th Division.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor for his actions
in combat.
Gene returned to the States for assignment with the Ranger Department,
the Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA where he completed the
Ranger Qualification Course. He then joined the 508th Parachute
Regiment at Benning. From there, he was APMS&T at the Citadel.
After graduating from C&GCS, Gene traveled to Germany where
he served with the 3rd Division and 7th Army. Returning to the
States, Gene served at HQ, CONARC before returning to Korea where
he commanded two battalions, one in the 1st Cav Division and
one in 2nd Division. Back in the States in 1966, Gene was assigned
to the Pentagon with ACSFOR. Gene's final assignment was to HQ
CINCPAC in Hawaii in 1970. He retired there in 1976 as a Colonel.
The Sprague's retired in San Antonio, TX. Gene built his own
home and then served as City Manager of Olmos Park, an enclave
in the center of San Antonio. In retirement, Gene took up a new
hobby, soaring, an interest he developed while stationed in Germany.
He became a licensed instructor and spent many of his weekends
teaching children the sheer joy of soaring. One of his most treasure
accomplishments was in 1987 when he piloted his glider, equipped
with oxygen, over Pike's Peak in CO to an altitude of 28,000
feet. Gene was also very active in his church. One of his greatest
joys was being a part of the Joy Singers, the senior adult choir.
He was a faithful member of that choir until his health prevented
him from participating.
Gene died 11 August 2001. Survivors include his wife, Audrey;
sons, Scott, Steven, Jere, Pete, John; daughters Michelle, Denise,
Aimee; brothers Benny and Joe and two grandchildren.
Gene Sprague was a loyal, faithful son of West Point. He lived
his life by the Motto: Duty, Honor, Country. His brother. Benny,
recalled: "Gene had a wonderful life and I am proud of everything
he accomplished. I think everyone that knew Gene will miss him
deeply. I know I will miss my 'big brother.'"
Reverend Donna Strieb, who conducted Gene's memorial service,
remembered: "Gene was a vibrant person and ever the leader.
He was committed and faithful not only to his family - of which
he was very proud - but also to his Lord. I remember Gene as
a man of faith, courage and dignity, a man with a servant-heart."
Gene's children collectively remembered their father: "He
was a courageous soldier, a proud son of West Point who loved
his country, the Army, West Point, and his family. He was a devoted
and loving husband to our mother, Audrey. We miss him greatly."
The Class of 1946 is honored to add the words that would mean
so much to our classmate: "Well Done, Gene; Be Thou At Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article Project and his family
|