On the night of January 16th of this year, an Aero-Commader  crashed into a snowy mountain near Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania, taking the lives of three people, among which was that of John I. Saalfield. John had been to Detroit on business and was only a few miles from his home when the company plane ran into ice and turbulence and failed to clear the last mountain before landing. That one moment ended a life full of promise and yet full of achievements "well done," a life which once over, left a tremendous gap in an entire community as well as in the hearts of the many who loved him.

John was born on January 19th, 1927 in Akron, Ohio, the third of four children born to Robert and Margaret Saalfield.John's family life was an enviable one and his own character emulated the friendliness, devotion and high ideals which surrounded him. Since Jon's early childhood, he was determined to become a part of the great traditions of West Point. Following this dream, John entered the Culver Military Academy in 1941, graduating from there in 1944. John then took one year at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, and entered West Point in July of 1945.

Life at West Point never presented any insurmountable obstacles to John, and even the rigors of Plebe year never caused him any undo hardship because in every undertaking, he exhibited a ma- ture attitude, a sense of humor and a courageous heart. The remaining three years even amplified these fine traits and whenever a classmate had a problem or sought advice, John was always there to lend a helping hand.

John was the type of individual other people enjoyed being with and whenever an occasion for sociability arose, John was always near the center of activity. Of course in John's eyes, the center of his social life through most of his cadet days was the little girl from Smith College, Til Hall, who became his bride right after the Forty-Niner "cup baby" the following year.

A month before graduation, John was informed that due to a back injury which culminated in an operation in January at the Point, he could graduate but could not receive a commission with the rest of his class. Although his association with West Point was somewhat severed, Academy never lost his respect for the Academy or for his classmates. In the fall of 1950, John undertook the job of being the ASSEMBLY column editor for his class, a job which he hoped that even in his civilian capacity would keep him in touch with his classmates and one which he performed faithfully until this year.

After his marriage, John accepted a position with the Pure Carbon Company in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, and thereby began his short but brilliant business career, a career which was an inspiration to all who had the honor to know him. During his eight years of employment at the company, John rose from the ranks, until only a year ago, he was made President of the organization at the age of 29.

John also served his community well, living always by his belief that to love mankind meant to give one's time and energy in serving it. At the time of his death John had held and was holding the following positions:

President of The United Fund of Ridgway
Director of The Elk Co. National Bank
Member of The Board of Trustees of The Elk Co. General Hospital Member: of the Vestry of Grace Episcopal Church
Chairman of The Board of Public Assistance.
Economic Chairman of The Carbon Section of NEMA
County Committeeman of The Boy Scouts of America
Past President of The Elk Co. Country Club
Past President of The Industrial Council of St. Marys, Pennsylvania
County Republican Finance Chairman
Member of the Young Presidents Organization of America

In a resolution adopted by the men of this community, the following words were recorded, "In the death of John I. Saalfield, there has been lost to this country one of its foremost citizens, a man of keen intellect, a builder of constructive force, and a counselor of great wisdom. It shall be noted in our records that this resolution shall stand forever as a tribute to the life and worth of him and the appreciation of his noble character and the eminent services he rendered to the people of this community."

The inspiration he gave to all who knew him will always be felt. In thirty years of life, he accomplished what few men do in seventy. His life was filled with happiness and fulfillment. He left behind his parents, two brothers, a sister, his wife-Til, a son John, Jr. age 7, a daughter Jane age 5, as well as hosts of friends who will never forget his greatness. West Point served him well and he in turn served mankind. This world's loss is heaven's gain.

-Captain John G. Albert and H. H. S.