1.   Ed Mueller was killed in action in Korea on April 2, 1953.
2.   Matt Collins died on October 15, 1986.
3.   Punjab Anderson died on September 1, 1988.
4.   Gorman Smith died on August 13, 1998.
5.   Rodney Gilbertson died on November 13, 1999.
6.   Joe Fleming died on January 12, 2000
7.   Earl "Pud" Keesling died on December 18, 2001.
8.   Norman E. Dunlap died on June 1, 2004.
9.   John Strealdorf died on November 10, 2008.
10. Dick Haggren died on February 19, 2011.
11. Jerry Reeve died on February 17, 2013.
12. Fred Sartin died on December 21, 2013.

Those planning on attending the 65th look thusly now.

Bill Allen W Marge

Bill Barnett W Ruth

Jack Craigie W Marilyn

Jean Haggren W Dick (nd)

Don McGann WO Elaine

Ed Meyer W Carol

Update on Bill Allen ...Bill's last military assignment was with the 379th Bomb Squadron where he served until 1961 when he resigned his Captain's commission. From 1961 to 1967 Bill was employed by the United States Navy Avoceano. Bill then obtained a position as an engineer with the Topographical Engineers from where he retired in 1984. During his employment with the Topographical Engineers he returned to school and obtained a Masters degree in Astronautics in 1971. Bill and his wife Marge make their home in Clinton, Maryland.

On 3-15-10 Bill wrote to the class: "I well remember the date as I proposed to my bride of 58 and a butt years that night on Chapel Point, August 28, 1948. We were soon married 33 and a butt months later. For Marge, my bride, this was her 2d trip to West Point, her 1st on the infamous day of December 26, 1947, when we were buried under 4 feet of snow.. As for my participation in Operation Reveille Cannon, it was minor as I was recoverring from a combat injury suffered during Infantry Manuevers; the aggressor Forces charged our tossing cherry bombs to simulate hand grenades and one caught in my backpack, exploding next to my right ear. I spent 2 weeks in the Post Hospital, returning to Camp Buckner on August 27. The 1st I knew of the cannon activities was the next morning when my barracks all went to the shore of the lake to point out an empty raft in the middle of the lake.. It seems that another group had placed the cannon on the raft and towed it to the middle of the lake, then our barracks towed the raft to shore, dumped the cannon, then towed the raft back to the middle of the lake.. I would have been a participant, but my mates let me sleep because I had just gotten out of the hospital. The OC threatened to cancel all weekend activies; our final at Camp Buckner unless the cannon was returned to the proper position at Chapel Point. One member disguised voice, called the OC to tell him the location of the cannon and all of us went to it to prepare for its return to the proper location. You can just imagine the !st group when they saw the empty raft in the middle of Lake Popolopen. 5 years ago, Marge and I attented the wedding of our Pretend Grandson near Kingston, NY. The next day, which happened to be August 28. we revisited Camp Buckner and Chapel Point. A current First Classman was working on a boat and agreed to take our picture; it blew his mind when I told him we had agreed to get married on this spot 57 years before. This is my recollection of Operation Reveille Cannon."

Update on Bill Barnett...On graduation Will went in the Air Force and went into pilot train?ing. Will resigned his First Lieutenant's commission in 1955 to attend Harvard University where he obtained an MBA. Will was appointed a Captain in the United States Air Force Reserves and served in the reserves until he retired in 1972. Will has been President of Barnett Real Property, Inc since 1972. He and his wife Ruth make their home in Henderson, North Carolina.

On Tue, 2/15/11, William Barnett wrote: "Dear Classmates, My day is Feb.19th when I will pass the 83rd milestone. My plan is to live to be 100 - so far, so good! My health is good though I'm missing one original part and I have one replacement knee. My trophy wife Ruth will celebrate with me our 56th Anniversary on March 5th - so far, so good! We have four children (2 boys & 2 girls) and ten grandkids (5 boys & 5 girls) with no known plans for more - so far, so good! They all live in North Carolina and keeping up with them is our primary activity in semi-retirement. I say "semi-retirement" because I have a computer and a cell phone at home, and go to the office about once a week. One of our sons now runs the company and I look over his shoulder on occasion. We are real-estate developers concentrating on grocery-store neighborhood shopping centers in the Southeast. As with most real-estate, things are slow now, but we think better days will come back. As some of you know, I opted for the Air Force upon graduation and flew F-84s in Korea. That was the beginning of my love for flying which has ranked behind only my family and my work for 59+ years. That love is now a fond memory as I sold my last airplane, a Beech Baron, last September. It was a painful decision, but I knew it was time to be realistic about my age and continuing competence. My children were getting worried I didn't want to tarnish my personal record of never having had an accident, particularly with any of them or the grandkids on board.So, I "hung it up". There's a lot more to a life than any of us can condense into four paragraphs, but enough for now - I'll see you at the Reunion!" Bill Barnett


On 2-20-2014 Bill writes, "Today is my day - marking 86 years of good living completed - sure I would do some things differently if given another chance but, on balance I really can't complain. Five things I would not change are:

1. Go to West Point
2. Become a USAF fighter pilot
3. Marry Ruth Farmer
4. Have four children and ten grandchildren
5. Start a new family business now managed by my second son.

My health is excellent as is that of my wife. This condition has caused us to postpone moving into a CCRC , no date set. I am almost completely retired- go to the office about once a week just to see what is going on - read the business publications and wonder why none of the incoming telephone calls are for me!! Ruth and I both love to travel and do so extensively - still miss my airplane which I sold now three years ago - commercial aviation has many hassles! That brings me back to my ten grandchildren. Keeping up with their many activities keeps me entertained and helps make my life good! See you at the 65th!!" Bill Barnett

Update on Jack Craigie...In 1964 Jack retired with a physical disability as a Major. He then took a position as an engineer with TRW and served in that capacity for twenty years. In 1984 Jack joined the RAND Corporation as a Senior Engineer and remained there until 1995 when he retired. During most of his time at TRW and RAND Jack was a systems analyst in the world of strategic command, control, communications, and intelligence. After retiring, Jack began a personal research project involving the history and operations of the honor codes at the USMA, USNA, and USAFA. Jack and his wife Marilyn make their home in Los Angeles, CA. Cullum 7014 LTG Laurence C. Craigie, Class of 1923, was Jack's father. For the last few years Jack has returned to USMA each May to present the Class of '23 award to the outstanding swimmer in the graduating class.

On Sat, 9/18/10, Jack Craigie wrote: It's a wonderful life! The periodic but relentless loss of admired and beloved classmates and spouses reminds those of us who remain just how lucky we are. So we pop more meds and vitamins than we ever thought possible, thanking God that we can do so. For Marilyn and me, there are enough young relatives to produce more weddings (three this month) than funerals. This weekend, in beautiful Westlake Village CA, I will baby-sit my lovely three year old grand- daughter and her year old live wire brother while the grownups attend a wedding reception. Next weekend, after another family wedding in Philadelphia PA, we'll have lunch with Bruno and Susan Giordano. Like many 51ers, the two focii in my orbit are family and West Point. For me, the latter encompasses the Class of 1951, the Army Swim team, and my decade-long study of honor. In February, I was the after-dinner speaker at the annual Induction Banquet of the Cadet Honor Committee. The next day, I was drafted to make a few remarks to the swim team on the pool deck. (If you're a G4P, remarks on request.) In May, I, again presented the Class of 1923 Award to the outstanding male swimmer in the Class of 2010. I also met with cadets and staff to discuss the honor project. On one of the occasions in which I was the guest of the Honor Committee Chairman at lunch in Washington Hall I noted that the First Class cadets are emphasizing the importance of taking care of their troops: the Plebes get first shot at the trays of food (which is quite good). The Corps is NOT going to Hell! Marilyn and I plan to attend the 60th, but we''ll need a tardy slip. She can't get away from her 2nd graders on Thursday; so we'll show up Friday evening. No Italy trip this year, but there's always Viagra Falls. John H." Jack" Craigie

On Sept 16, 2011, Jack writes, "I guess my report is pretty standard, with the usual three elements - family, health, and West Point. With virtually all of the family and Southern California, we get to celebrate birthdays regularly, if not frequently. It's fun having two grandchildren under the age of six. Neither one has outgrown me yet. Health is good -- my cholesterol numbers are better than Marilyn's; so she cannot chide me about eating bacon. West Point is still a central focus in my life, also with three elements: the Class of 1951, the swim team, and the cadet honor committee. Marilyn and I loved the 60th reunion except that it seemed to come to an end all too quickly. A month later I was back at West Point as I am every year, presenting the Class of 1923 award to an outstanding swimmer. I also get to check in with the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic and the cadet honor committee. We can be proud of the people that populate the Military Academy. The place is not going to hell. Finally, as I reported elsewhere to the class, I get to see two or three classmates out here in La La Land every now and then. All the best." John H. "Jack" Craigie


On September 17, 2013 Jack writes, " Jack Craigie’s “Marilyn and I are both in good health and happy. (Needless to say I’m a lot happier than she is.) Most of our family members live in Southern California, which is great. Marilyn is still doing a super job teaching her little second graders, most of whom are English second language students. When she gets home I have a nice salad waiting for her; but that is as far as my limited culinary skills go. After dinner we watch Jeopardy and one of those travel shows. On weekends we check out a Netflix film. We have gone through over 500, with about 100 being in Italian for her and in subtitles for me. We also have acquired some good DVDs of our own. One is quite special. From Wikipedia (modified): The West Point Story is a dramatic anthology television series shown by CBS in 1956-7 and by ABC in 1957-8. In February the Timeless Media Group released the series in a four-disc DVD format, and they can be ordered online. The West Point Story, produced with the cooperation of the USMA, was said to be based on actual files documenting real-life dramatic occurrences at West Point. Since the programs were approved by the Army and the Military Academy, they are positive and inspirational stories, not Catch 22 sarcasm or pacifist liberal criticisms in vogue today. I would like to see a more balanced approach, but that seems to be out of style, too. Among those appearing on The West Point Story are Clint Eastwood, Barbara Eden, Larry Hagman, Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, and Leonard Nimoy. Classmates Bill Louisell and Jim Brett were advisers on one or two shows. Bill did great in a speaking part in one of them. Marilyn and I have enjoyed watching about 20 of the 39 episodes of The West Point Story. They were never going to win any Emmy awards, but these shows are better than the majority of network programs then and now. The quality is a bit uneven. I graded the individual shows with that in mind, but, OK, I’m a nerd. About 20 years ago I proudly announced to my family -- the kids were still around at that time -- that not only had I predicted the five Miss America finalists, I placed them in exactly the same order in which they finished. My son was impressed; my daughters rolled their eyes upward; and Marilyn gave me a Michael Corleone Sicilian stare. Oddly enough, I’ve never watched another Miss America contest. At any rate, I would be happy to share these West Point Story videos with the class, if there is any interest. At this year’s Founder’s Day brunch I was the only 51er attending. During 2013 I have seen Dave and Patee Schlatter, Ray Sargent, Bob Macklin and Buzz Aldrin – and I’m sure several more whose names escape me. Marilyn and I did not make it to Italy this year, but we hope to do so next year. I walk a couple miles a day, and on the good days Marilyn and I are holding hands. I’m still plugging away on my honor project. An overview or details are available on request. God willing – on two counts – I’ll have printed copies at our 65th."

Update on Dick Haggren...On his retirement he was decorated with the Defense Superior Service Medal for superior meritorious service on joint staffs and other joint activities of the Department of Defense. Dick then obtained a position as a Senior Staff Member and later as Manager of Tactical Simulation with BDM Corporation. He retired again in 1990. Dick and his wife Jean make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Assembly noted in 1997 that, "Dick & Jean have been doing some full?time grand-parenting, but will experience a major change of pace this summer when they travel to Alaska for the 6th time in 7 years in their motor home. Dick has been doing a fine job fighting off the effects of Parkinson's. He essentially willed away those familiar tremors and is now confronting limitations on his mobility."

Update on Don McGann...Don was promoted to Major General (Reserves) on June 1, 1981 and retired in rank in 1986 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. In his civilian capacity Don served as a flight instructor for United Airlines. He holds ratings and has instructed in DC-6s and DC-7s; Boeing 727s, 737s, 707s, and 720s; and Caravelles. His civic affiliations include memberships in the Military Affairs Committee, Denver Chamber of Commerce; Vice President, Amigos de las Americas, Denver Chapter; West Point Society of Denver; West Point Admissions Program; Air Force Association; Reserve Officers Association and Airline Pilots Association. Don and his wife Elizabeth Elaine make their home in Lakewood, CO. They reared three children, Kathleen A., Daniel J., and Patricia M. McGann. The birth of Shamus Patrick McNutt (to daughter Tricia) on 22 December 90 was their best Christmas present ever!! As if being married to Don didn't keep her busy enough, Elaine is president of “Clipped Wings" in Denver and their condo association, along with instructing in the Handicapped Ski Program. With son Don volunteering in February to serve with the AF Reserve, and daughter Kam an MD in Philly, the McGanns serve in many ways and places. Don and Elaine report that oldest daughter Kam, MD pediatrics, had a baby boy in June and she and husband Ted changed jobs and moved to St. Louis. Youngest daughter Tricia and Tim and children ages 4 and 1 1/2 moved in with Elaine and Don while their house is being built in Golden. Son Dan, who flies for UA, will marry in September.


On 7-16-13 Don writes, " On May 21, we were absolutely thrilled to attend the presentation of the Distinguished Graduate Award to Bob Yerks. There was no doubt in our minds that Bob had earned this honor, but it took some 5 years to happen. Essentially, in the preliminary years, he was a strong competitor. Bob's family ,classmates and friends took up some 5 tables in the Mess Hall. Classmates Bill Stockdale, George Meighen & I attended, as did Marie Foss. This is indicative of the respect & admiration of Bob's service and valor. By his pro bono efforts in Liberia during the 1990's he almost singularly gained a truce in the decade long civil war. African leaders attest to this. Only recently due to security restrictions can it be revealed that this humble soldier's decisive information at great personal risk contributed to the conviction of the Liberian thug, dictator, Charles Taylor, who was sentenced to 50 years in jail at The Hague for his War Crimes. Realize that Bob was also nominated for the Peace Prize in 2000. My pride of Bob is extraordinary. The esprit of our class is superb. God Bless." Don McGann

Update on Ed Meyer...Shy was named Chief of Staff of the Army in 1979 and he served as such until his retirement from the United States Army after thirty two distinguished years of military service in 1983. On his retirement, as a four star general, he was decorated with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in a position of unique and great responsibility while serving on a joint staff or with other joint activities of the Department of Defense. Since his retirement Sky has served on the Board of Trustees Association Of Graduates, United States Military Academy since 1990, and in 1993 became Chairman of the Board. Shy and his wife Carol (McCuniff) make their home in Arlington, Virginia. They reared five children; Thomas J., Timothy M., Douglas E., Nancy C., and Mary S. Meyer.

On Mon, 4/19/10, Alan Esser wrote: "Yesterday's mail included a copy of "Salute", the spring edition of "The Magazine of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA". The cover is a portrait of Shy Meyer with a caption that reads, "General Meyer, A Man of Faith, Family, and Country". I may be alone, but I was not aware that Shy had been so honored. The magazine traces his military career and describes his support of the church during and after his active duty. A copy can be obtained from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA at P.O. Box 4469, Wash, DC 20017-0469. Congratulations, Shy." Al Esser!

On Sept 16, Andy Remson, Class President, wrote, "Dear Classmates Wives, and Widows, Last week at Fort Benning Shy Meyer received the prestigious Doughboy Award. The Doughboy Award is presented annually on behalf of all Infantrymen past and present to recognize an individual for outstanding contributions to the U. S. Army Infantry. The term doughboy originated in Texas where soldiers trained before World War I. The infantry soldiers became covered with dust from the white adobe soil and were called "adobes" by mounted troops. Over time this term became "doughboys". The Doughboy Award is the highest honor the Chief of Infantry can bestow. As you will recall, our classmate Bill Richardson was among the previous recipients of the Award (in 1999). Please join me in congratulating Shy for this well-deserved award!" Andy Remson

Bill Owens W Betty

Everette Parkins W Theresa

Carol Reeve W Jerry

Howie Steele W/ Dotsy

Sandy Vandenberg W/O Anne

Bob Yerks W Iris (nd)

Update on Bill ...On graduation Ozark went in the Artillery and after completing the Basic Artillery Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma reported to the 88th Airborne Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion where he served until 1952. His next assignment was to the 48th Anti Aircraft Battalion in Europe where he served until 1956 when he resigned his commission as a First Lieutenant. Returning to Dahlonega, Georgia Ozark settled in to run Owens Farm, Inc., where he and his wife Betty make their home. The January 1991 Assembly noted, "Bill Owens was inducted into the Georgia Egg Commission's Hall of Fame. A prominent member of the Georgia egg industry for many years, Bill is only the 4th person ever to receive the award."


On December 14, 2012 Bill writes, "Having read so many "MY DAYS", and this being my first response to "MY DAY," this is to report that on Dec 14,1927 @8:am I came into this world, and on turning 85 at 8:am this morning, Ifeel great just to be here - along with the rest of you. I'm still walking, gardening , repairing my 1/2 as old as I am house as needed, and driving (although the ball doesn't go as far). I congratulate Lawry Mintz and Andy Remson for keeping us all informed. Andy, I still remember long, 10 day trip to Mexico City as Honor Guards in Sept 1950 to return captured flags being held at West Point since 1848."

Update on Everette ...Parky's last military assignment was to the Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Parky retired with rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1973. In 1974, he became associated with Borg Warner as an Engineer. Parky makes his home in Ottawa, Illinois.

Update on Gerald ...Jerry's last military assignment was to the United Kingdom from 1971 to 1974; and would you believe it, he was awarded a fourth Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. Jerry retired from the Air Force in 1974 with the rank of Colonel. After retirement he accepted a position as an engineer with the Turner Construction Company in Hong Kong and served from 1974 to 1976. Then Jerry went to Iran as an engineer with the Harris Corporation and served there until 1977. From 1978 to 1987 Jerry was the Manager of the McDonnell-Douglas Space Shuttle Program, and from 1987 to 1991 was the Engineering Manager for the Grumman Space Station. From 1991 to 1993 Jerry served as Consultant to the HNTB at the Miami Airport. Jerry retired for the second time in 1995. He and his wife Carol made their home in Melbourne, Florida.

Update on Howie ...Howie's last military assignment was to the Staff & Faculty at The Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was awarded a third Legion of Merit on his retirement in 1981 as a Colonel. Since his retirement, Howie has been engaged in Investment Management. Howie and his wife Dotsy make their home in McLean, Virginia.

Update on Sandy ...Sandy accepted his last military assignment in March 1978 as Vice Commander in Chief, Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam AFB, HI. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1981 with the rank of Major General, and was decorated with a second Distinguished Service Medal. Sandy and his wife Sue made their home in Tucson, Arizona. Sue died of cancer and Sandy remarried. His second wife is Anne. Sandy's father was Cullum 7199 General Hoyt S. Vandenberg Class of 1923 who was Air Force Chief of Staff and Director of Central Intelligence.

Update on Bob ...In 1975 Bob became Commanding General of the Military District of Washington where he served as such until 1977 when he returned to the Army War College as Commandant and served until 1978. Bob's last military assignment was as Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, United States Army, Washington, D. C. He retired in 1981 with rank of Lieutenant General. On retirement he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility. Since retirement Bob continues to contribute as Executive Vice President, United Service Life. He and his wife make their home in Gainesville, VA. For the 40th reunion the sons of Dick and Joyce Breakiron (Major, USA) and Bob and Iris Yerks (Captain, USA) volunteered to serve as '51 Class aides during the 40th.


On February 7, 2013 Andy Remson, Class President wrote, "Dear Classmates, Wives, and Widows, The West Point Association of Graduates has announced that the following individuals have been selected as Distinguished Graduates for 2013:


LTG BOB YERKS '51
GEN John W. Foss '56 [Pete's brother]
Anderson '61
LTG Ted Stroup '62
LTG Joe DeFrancisco '65
GEN Boonsrang Niumpradit '71 [Thailand]


Let us all congratulate Bob on this well-deserved honor!!