16950 HECKMAN, HARVEY TIPTON
9 May 1924 - 20 March 1991
Died in Spring House, Pennsylvania.
Body donated to medical research.
Aged 66 years.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, HARVEY TIPTON HECKMAN grew to 'Flanker' size, entered the Army in 1943, and started on the path that would lead him to West Point. En route to the Academy, Harvey saw WWII combat in the European Theater as an artilleryman with the 99th Division. Receiving a congressional appointment to USMA, he returned to the States to prep for the entrance exams. It was his good fortune to be assigned to the USMA Preparatory School unit at Cornell University. There he met his future wife and life companion, Vera Wagner. It was noted in the 49 Howitzer that Harvey was "one of the few to realize the bright dream of marrying the girl he had when he entered Plebe year."

Harvey had an easy time academically, and was noted for his speed in completing writs and his proficiency at the drawing board. At one point, he got so far ahead of the class in MT&G, the instructor ran out of work to assign him and sent him back to his room. Harvey played Army football and was a member of the track team as a plebe. He confessed later that his incentive for this activity was more to gain admission to a training table than it was to become a jock.

Upon graduation, Harvey rejoined the Field Artillery. The Korean conflict broke out the same time he completed his year of training. Harvey soon found himself "running the ridges" as a forward Artillery observer with the 1st Cavalry Division. Harvey was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and the Purple Heart. Returning to the States, Harvey was assigned to Ft. Bliss for guided missile training before being assigned to Army Field Forces Board #4.

In 1954, Harvey and Vera decided to leave the Army and settle into the less transient lifestyle of civilians. After a couple of quick moves, they finally found their ideal spot near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Harvey worked in King of Prussia as an aeronautical engineer for General Electric, helping to design and install equipment used in Apollo mission capsules, the Minuteman missile system, and the space shuttle. It was in this area that Harvey and Vera lived and worked for the next 40 years.

Harvey enjoyed painting and singing and was an active member of the Bryn Mawr "Mainliners" Chorus for many years. He enjoyed gardening, helping Vera with her antique business, and traveling.

In addition to his wife, Harvey is survived by his two daughters: Mrs. Karen Copp and Mrs. Laura Taylor, and five grandchildren.

Harvey had not only the size of a flanker but the laid-back attitude as well. He was a fine cadet, a good soldier, and a loving husband and father. He will be missed but long remembered by his family, classmates, and many friends.

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