COMPANY B-1 OFFICERS AND HISTORY


Company Commander

George Harman

Lieutenants

Larry Dosh, Peter Thorsen

 

John Granicher , John Starrett

First Sergeant

Chris Rupp

Supply Sergeant

John Moffatt




Plebe Year


The Men of B-1 - Plebe Year

1st Row: Lowerre ... Custis* ... Dosh ... Boyes* ... Harman ... Harriss ... and Hoge*.
2nd Row: ... Hermann* ... Knight ... Tennant ... and Woodson.
3rd Row: Granicher (nd) ... Peltz (nd) ... and Rupp (nd).
4th Row: Rehberg* ... Starrett (nd) ... Thorsen ... and Chandler (nd)
5th Row: Ballard (nd) ... Carabetta* ... and Gayle*.
6th Row: ... Baird* and Remson. (Missing Jim Young? Dick Szymcyk?
(* ex-51)


CIRCA 1951

Uncertainty lies ahead, but behind them Spike's boys leave a trail of reminiscences. We had our athletes; Dick and his putter, Chris and his autumnal head bumping sessions, Norm and his undaunted backhand, and the intermurder champs. We possessed scholars in star-studded Andy and Lone Ranger loving Porky. Sparky, John, and Moff were omnipresent with their tales of Isaac Walton. Jim led his Glee Club while George plunked his uke to the despair of all. Barry and Woody weekended with their pro drags while Chet moaned about his blind beasts. No one will ever forget Sarge's love of trains, Brandt's schmoo, Larry's bus-side manner, and Ray's be-nos. Jimmy Young led the Glee Club. Our Academy Award for acting goes to Pete and Jim for their two-man bike performance at Virginia Beach, and to Chief Rachek we give a fire-proof B-robe. It was a hard trail and enroute we lost Dick and two Petes, while Joe, John, Dan, Harry, and Lucky carry on with '52. Second Looies, Post - MARCH!


THE REST OF THE STORY

The nineteen Second Lieutenants coming out of B-1 marched forth as follows; five went in the Air Force, four in Artillery, seven in the Corps of Engineers, and three in the Infantry.

Decorations - In the march Bob Rachek was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action as well as the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge; John Ballard, John Granicher, John Moffat (with 2 OLC), Karl Peltz (with 1 OLC), Andy Remson (with 2 OLC) and Dick Szymczyk were awarded the Legion of Merit. John Granicher, George Harman, Ray Knight, John Moffat, Karl Peltz, Andy Remson, Chris Rupp (with 1 OLC), John Starrett, and Brandt Tennant were awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Brandt Tennant also received the Purple Heart.

Nine Meritorious Service Medals; eleven Air Medals, (John Ballard getting nine of them), four Joint Service Commendation Medals, seven Commendation Medals, and four Combat Infantryman Badges were earned by the members of the Class from Company B-1. No stars fell on B-1's shoulders; the average rank attained was Lieutenant Colonel and the average number of years served was 17.8; however when considering only those who stayed in for the long haul the average rank was Colonel and the average number of years served was 26.

Advanced Degrees – B-1 files earned fourteen advanced degrees after graduation from West Point. A Masters in Education, an MBA, eight in Engineering, an MA in English, and two PhD's. So there!

National Defense University - Two went to the Army War College, one to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and one to the Armed Forces Staff College.

Ur Little Biddy Buddy

BE THOU AT PEACE

Grip hands with us now, though we see thee not, Grip hands with us, ... Chet ... Ray R.... Karl ... John M. ... Ray K. ... Jim ... Dick ... Pete Boyes* ... Chris ... John S. John B. ... and John G.... Strengthen our hearts!

1.   Chet Chandler Died July 8, 1958
2.   Ray Rachek Died March 11, 1988
3.   Karl Peltz Died November 8, 1988
4.   John Moffat Died June 1, 1995
5.   Ray Knight Died November 11, 1995
6.   Jim Young Died December 30, 1995
7.   Dick Szymcyk Died September 30, 2000
8.   Pete Boyes (ex '51 no 600 no.) died January 29, 2001.
9.   Chris F. Rupp, III died on November 19, 2003
10. John P. Starret died on March 22, 2010
11. John G. Ballard died on April 18, 2012

12. John W. Granicher died on April 14, 2013


Still Kicking ... Larry Dosh ... Barry Harris ... George Harman ...Jim Lowerre ... Andy Remson ... Brandt Tennant ... Pete Thorsen ... and William Woodson.....LET'S ROLL ...Flankers!!! ...

Those who may attend the 65th look thusly now; spouses and widows included as appropriate.


Larry Dosh
W/ Betsy

Barbara Granicher
W John (nd)

John
W Grand Son

Barry Harriss
W/Phyllis At Tahoe

George Harman


George Harman
W Shirley

Larry Dosh . In 1973 Larry was named the Overseas Manager General Electric Company and he also retired from the United States Army Reserve the same year. Then in 1978 Larry transferred to the General Electric Aircraft as an Engineer.

On March 29, 2010 Larry reports, "This year for Betsy and I seemed to have slipped by without much exciting action . Still holding forth here in St. Petersburg and going to Ocala for a monthly luncheon with my high school classmates ( '46 ) ! Could have reported healthy as always , but I came down with pneumonia a few weeks ago . Thanks to antibiotics and my nurse ( Betsy ), who would not let me get out of bed , I'm back to full speed again . My daughter's son , Carsten , received his Eagle Scout award this week at Parch Barracks . And then on to college over there . Betsy's grandson in the State Department just left for his assignment in Kabul . Should be interesting . See you at the reunion next year .

On 4-9-10 Larry reports; "In 1956 I transferred to the Army Reserves . I started work with General Electric in the Jet Engine Department at Lynn , Mass . At the same time I joined the 187th Inf Brigade , USAR , became the Engineer Officer over the years . In 1988 I retired from General Electric as Overseas Engine Manager , with assignments at Munich , Germany ; Trohätten , Sweden , and Melbourne , Australia . At the same time I retired from the Army Reserves with rank if Colonel . I was awarded the Meritorious Service Award . Then I returned to my roots in Florida where I married my second wife , Betsy Robertson , on 01-01-01 . Betsy was my drag Yearling Summer . We had not been in contact for 50 years . We live in St. Petersburg , Florida . My daughter , Ellen , lives in Stuttgart , Germany ; my son , Steven , lives in Hilo , Hawaii . Each busily raising their families . " ( " ~ " ) Larry Dosh

On 3-27-12 Larry writes, "When the Ides of March roll around reminds me its my My Day time again. And its been a year of ups and downs. We're still on our daily ration of pills. The lab numbers continue to be OK. Betsy had an unwelcome surprise when results of a CAT scan showed she had had two minor strokes several months back, unnoticed at the time. The sole noticeable effect has been a slight loss of memory, otherwise AOK. Taking B12 vitamins to keep it under control. We have been keeping up with our high school class-mates. Betsy - '49 St. Pete High, 600+ - is one of two scribes constantly up dating addresses, etc. They get together for two picnics, Spring & Fall. On my side, we go to Ocala once a month for a luncheon. My class -'46 Ocala High, 106 grads - still manages to have 18 to 20 show up for reminiscing about the good ole days . Last November we flew to Amsterdam to start on a 12 day Rhine River cruise to Basel, and daughter, Ellen, living in Stuttgart, joined us. One feature was most of the passengers were miniature hobbists, doll houses, etc. And it was Christmas Markt season along the Rhine cities. On every stop we tramped over the old cobblestone streets to enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas stalls - and spend a few Euros of course. At Koblenz, we had an unusual event. The Rhine was at its lowest level in 200 years. And with that level of river bottom exposure, a WW II one ton blockbuster bomb appeared near the city dock. We left OK, but they evacuated 45,000 towns people prior to safe removal. Otherwise we are still holding our own here in St. Petersburg. Decided to join LA Fitness, see if we can trim up a bit. Getting mostly sore muscles. But as Betsy is apt to say: "Still above the grass and taking nourishment . ." Regards to all," Larry


On March 27, 2013 Larry writes And another year has rolled by. As Betsy says : “ We are above the grass , and taking nourishment On the health front , the past year has been kind . Betsy had a two mini strokes a while back , but they have not had any noticeable effect . I have been getting treatments on my left eye retina , leaking a bit . Results have it under control . We recently enjoyed a visit from my son , Steven , living on the big island - Hawaii . He lives a few miles from the big volcano . Gets to see the steam from the lava flows into the ocean. Coming over he spent five days traveling with AMTRAK, taking the northern route , enjoying the scenery. Was great to see him, haven't had a visit in several years . We are also expecting our daughter , Ellen , for a month in June . She just celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary, still living in Stuttgart. Also haven't had a visit in several years . Just recently we did our bit to support the recovery, buying a new hatchback - Jeep no less . I was half expecting a canvas roof .And I can safely say no snow this year in St. Petersburg . ( " ~ " ) " Larry Dosh

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John Granicher After retirement in 1979 I spent nineteen years with Keller and Gannon in San Francisco. The small engineering staff provides services around the world for the military and increasingly for the high tech industry. I retired again in 1999. But Barbara, with many years as a high school administrator, continues with a busy schedule as a consulting educator. Barbara and I are inveterate travelers to just about anywhere. We have particularly enjoyed remote corners of China: Kashgar, Lijiang, Harbin and elsewhere. In 1999 we enjoyed a trip to Bhutan and another to Turkey and there are lots more places on our list. We have three wonderful daughters, all born in Army hospitals (Wurzburg, Ft. Carson and Tripler), three outstanding sons-in-law and six beautiful grandchildren. With three of the six in Anchorage, Alaska is one of our frequent destinations, good also for fishing and bear watching. The rest of our family is in the San Francisco Bay Area. When not traveling we divide our time between our home there and a vacation place at Incline Village at Lake Tahoe.

On 10-22-10 John writes, "It seems that I turned 83 last week, and that brings me to the time to check in, but I've been distracted by some great baseball. The Giants have really come alive, cruising by Atlanta and now doing a job on the Phillies. If Sanchez doesn't do it Saturday, we've got Matt Cain. AT&T Park is looking good and will host the World Series. Meanwhile I'm increasingly dependent on my walker, but Barbara and I still manage to get around (with a lot of help from Barbara). While we enjoyed four national parks this summer and fall I upgraded my mobility by renting a small electric scooter to keep up on the trails. Pretty slick. The highlight by any measure was Yellowstone, a national park since its authorization in 1872 by US Grant (one of our guys). The geysers continue to amaze and the bison , elk and antelope are abundant, active, highly visible, and exciting. Our family is growing up. Three (of nine) grandkids are in college and one more is applying. We still have eight year olds though, and with them Little League. That's as much fun as the pros. We look forward with much anticipation to the 60th." John Granicher


On 10-16-2011 John writes, "It's October 16, time for me to add one more - 84 at last count. I move a lot slower (Barbara doesn't) because some things just don't work as well as they used to, but we still get around. Our gathering on the Hudson in April was a delight and very rewarding with an admirable showing of classmates. We were so happy to bring a family group and to show them our class and West Point itself. We enjoyed it immensely. Two grandsons, 9 and 11, were seen dancing with girls at the evening festivities. I promised not to tell their friends. In June and July Barbara and I enjoyed 3 1/2 weeks in Alaska.. From Army experience and with family there we know it well, so we showed four friends around the state -- Sitka, Seward, Whittier, Denali, and Anchorage. Wildlife performed for us as advertised. A highlight was flightseeing over the glaciers and snowfields that feed Glacier Bay. A glorious day. SF Giants didn't make it this year, but the 49ers are on their way. Beat the Lions today. Very best wishes to all." John G


On October 16, 2012 John reports "Thank you, Thank you to the 51ers who share experiences. I do enjoy reading of the continuing contributions and activities that keep us going. I walk only with a walker, and that slowly, but my scooter keeps me going out and about. Barbara and I visit our family in Moss Beach, a little over an hour away. We celebrated my 85th there Sunday, two days early. Meanwhile we get frequent photo updates from Sue and Steve in Alaska -- moose hunt, bear and wolf face off, sailing in the 30 foot Poppy on Prince William Sound, and hiking the ridges. Sue teaches fourth grade. Steve is a federal prosecuter with plenty to do. Last summer we enjoyed the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, as many times before. It was a special pleasure to have dinner with Tom and Marji Foster who make their home in that delightful town. Go SF Giants! Grip hands." John G


On July 1, 2013 Barbara writes, " Father’s Day dawned bright and blue at Lake Tahoe this year… a perfect day for John Granicher’s Celebration of Life picnic. Family and friends gathered in the Aspen Grove to share memories and recall special events. Our three daughters and their husbands had planned carefully and well. Each of the nine grandchildren took a turn at the microphone, recalling special times with their grandfather; his chess challenges to them… never allowing a win, but always patient in answering their questions. Zane, age 11, is the only one who ever won a match and is he ever proud of that achievement. Lauren, age 21, can hardly believe it. The German pancakes John kept as his secret recipe, sharing it only with the three youngest. Nate and Logan recalling John’s support at their baseball and basketball games for a total of 16 seasons… even when he had to sit in the car and watch this Spring. Being there as five of them graduated high school and began college experiences in a variety of western universities… and visiting Bozeman last summer before Drew graduated. Listening to Stu’s knowledge of spiders and his interest in absolutely everything. He’s a reader! Sarah, age 21, as she explores her own interests and brings tales of leading a summer campof 20 six and seven year olds in Alaska. Clara entering UC Berkeley this Fall. Seamus sang. A very special treat.John would have loved it. Thank you to George Meighen, George Harmon, Barry Harriss, Larry and Betsy Dosh for your contributions to John’s Memory Book and for the cards." Barbara

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Barry Harriss On leaving the Army Buddy became an Armament Systems Engineer with the McDonnell Aircraft Company, a position he held until 1961 when he went to the Marketing Department of the General Electric Company; a position that eventually led him to a participating role in the Apollo program at the Kennedy Spaced Center. Next Buddy was named Director of Public Works of Putnam City, Florida and held that position until 1985 when he went in an identical position with the City of St. Johns and retired in 1992. Buddy did not stay retired for long; he accepted a position in the Signal Department of the Florida East Coast Railway in 1994 and continues in that position. Bud and his wife Phyllis make their home in St. Augustine, Florida where their son Bill, is the City Manager. They have two daughters, Carolyn and Susan, both living in Pompano Beach, FL.

On 3-24-10 Buddy reports as follows: " My day was not ignored - I was serenaded by the whole congregation at our church, Covenant Presbyterian OPC, then our pastor announced that I was only 182 years old and had not reached the level of a prophet, like Jacob, or Joseph. Rest of the day was spent going to see children, etc . But what was the important happenings of the day was my son's announcement that he had decided to retire from his City Manager position. He's keeping it quiet for now, for other political reasons, but probably before the summer is over. My oldest daughter has regained her strength now through regular visits to an Eastern medicine clinic in Ft Lauderdale, and is soon to go on the liver transplant list. The younger daughter has been thru all that and now is working part time as a Veternarian Technician. Phyllis is still working out at the gym every opportunity - 5 days a week. I guess I'm about as healthy as anyone here, and better than some. Have put in my application to volunteer at Flagler Hospital as a parking lot taxi driver, just one or two days a week. I knew the experience with a golf cart would pay off someday. Plans for the family to go to the 2011 Reunion are underway, and I'll be sending the form and money real soon. Everyone please have a blessed day. Bud Harriss

On 11-12-10 Barry wrote, "At George Harman's request I finally found the page in your website about B-1. and hasten to applaud your efforts at historical accuracy. I did want to pass on a note or two. George and I compared notes about a couple of nicknames; neither of us remember ever hearing John Moffat referred to as "Moff". Just John was our remembrance, and having roomed with him in '50-'51 I think that's accurate. Also I roomed with Donn Chandler in yearling year, and seldom heard him called "Chet" . Bill Woodson and I did travel to Washington every chance available, seeing those "pro drags" was the purpose. I don't know much about his later history besides the psychology firm. It is a shame that Bill can't take time to join us at the reunions. One can only hope. He was a great friend, and I hope to see him. I cant say that Jim Young and I made friends at school. I just never got to know him well, and I feel less than whole about that. One who was in the plebe picture that I remember was Joe Carabetta (the caption is mispelled). Joe died while we were still at the academy but I don't remember the circumstances. He is listed in the Register with the Class of '52. He was turned back from our class, and then died during his cow year. The person identified as "Gayle" is a mystery to me, but I do have vague memory of Dwight Rehberg, Dan Hoge and Peter Boyes. These last three were at the USMAPS at Stewart Field while I was there. Boyes had been in action before and had won the DFC and Air Medal with 3 OLC. I don't know the circumstances of their disappearance from the roster of B-1. Hope this helps. write back if you need any more info, or just senile ramblings of an old man. locobud@bellsouth.net " Bud Harriss


On March 8, 2012 Barry writes, "First I would like to say thanks, I don't think there's another class which has such close ties as '51. I am still a railroad fan to the max, and Phyllis still puts up with it. The backyard layout has been upgraded recently ( the work never stops) and locals still call, wanting to see it. We are both in tolerable health, for 84, but the cost of all the medical attention required is rather daunting. Having opted for civilian life in 1958, we are not eligible for Tricare, but we get along on a decent plan for retirees of the State of Florida. I hope the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave is not able to do anything bad to the thousands who depend on the promises of long ago. Bill Harriss, our son, retired fro managing St Augustine city affairs about 18 months ago, and went directly to a high level post at the local sheriff's office. They live next door, making communication easy. Our two girls both are here in Florida; Carolyn lives here in St Johns County and is (still) in the Real Estate business, looking for some tiny ray of improvement. The other one, Susan, has just moved back to Fort Lauderdale to be closer to her sailor, a yacht captain working the Bahamas area. She continues to be very involved in Avatar, a world-wide group which is involved in a self-improvement program. It is really inspiring to read of the lives and activities our classmates are involved in, and I say to them all, "Keep Going". Many thanks to you, and to Lou Michael. Beat Navy, Please." Bud Harriss


On Thu, 4/26/12, Bud Harriss wrote: "Welcome my Band of Brothers Brother, life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forgive the ones who don't, just because you can. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands - those of you who served in Viet Nam know this. If it changes your life, let it. Take a few minutes to think before you act when you're mad. Forgive quickly. God never said life would be easy, he just promised it would be worth it. Today is Band of Brothers' Day; send this to all your brothers, fathers, sons and fellow veterans you know. Happy Brothers' Day! To the cool men that have touched my life; here's to you!!! I was never a hero, but I am thankful I served among them. A real Brother walks with you when the rest of the world walks on you.


On 3-6-2013 Barry writes, "Trying to make it ontime this year, which is unusual for me. The usual problems of age continue, but hopefully will not accelerate so much. A bit of vertigo, a bit of diabetes, but not so bad that I need to stick my finger. I have noticed a definite decline in hearing acuity, but Phyllis just says I don't listen. She is a faithful gym rat and it is doing a lot of good for her, but I'm barely out of bed when she is gone early to get on a working machine. The trains are still running around the backyard layout, but sporadically. I have to really contain myself whenever the new catalogs are out, just like the gardeners do. There were over 1000 feet of track on the ground at one time, when I had a steady helper, but after his death it wasn't the same, and now it is sometimes a month or so between train days. Son Bill retired fromthe City of St Augustine a couple years ago, and spends his time working on his house or on his golf swing. Both daughters are still OK; one lives near us and attends chuch with us; the other one lives downstate. Our youngest granddaughter finally landed an engineering spot with the Georgia DOT and she and our only great grand live with her married sister in Shellman, GA Founders Day is only a week away, but we've both concluded that we'll miss it this year, and pay our doctor bills instead. Grip Hands." Barry

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George Harman Prior to my QA appointment to USMA in August 1947, I was assigned to the Engineer Detachment, 1802nd Special Regiment at West Point. I returned in 1958 as Aide de Camp to the Superintendent, LTG G.H. Davidson. Not many can claim serving in three ranks; enlisted, cadet and commissioned at the Academy. During graduation leave I met and married Shirley Ross, a registered nurse, before my assignment to the Engineer Basic Course at Fort Belvoir. The next 19 years flew by as assignments came and went. Our most memorable tour was at West Point from 1958 to 1960. In August 1970 I retired to Jacksonville, Florida where I had served as Deputy District Engineer in the early 1960’s. This last move was the 24th relocation of quarters in the 19 years of commissioned service. During that time we became a family of five with son Larry, daughters Chris and Patty (adopted}. Among my retirement occupations were public relations director for the local Goodwill, City Purchasing Officer, Associate Managing Director for the City owned electric utility and part time math instructor at a community college. Shirley started an antique and collectable shop at a cooperative mall and did well until her post-polio syndrome forced her to close in 1989. As Shirley’s health slowly ebbs my role in attending to her needs has increased. To better fill that role my health is important. I walk several miles 5 mornings weekly and play golf the other two mornings. Since retiring my golf handicap has gone from a low of 9 to a current unmentionable. We are avid Jaguar fans and have continued our season ticket holdings since the team joined the NFL in 1995. George Harman.

Dear Classmates...Wow, 83 today, healthy and counting. No major events since My Day 2009. The Jaguars had a not so good season last year when they lost their final 4 games. We are expecting more from them this year. Should they fail to make the playoffs Del Rio will be job hunting. My daughter Patty and husband Sam have been joining me on Fridays at the Naval Air Station golf course. My old foursome dissolved when the admiral gave up the game due to ill-health. His wife joins our group frequently. I still walk every morning that I am not golfing but have had no significant finds other than dollar bills and coins. Shirley's health is not good. The post-polio plus the effects from the chemo and radiation 5 years ago for small cell lung cancer are major factors. According to her oncologist she is one out of four patients that make it through 5 years. In May her beloved Boston Terrier underwent euthanasia by our veterinarian and depression from that loss has contributed to her decline. Your prayers will be appreciated. Starting next week she will be receiving home care ordered by our family doctor. She will not be attending any Jaguar home games until her strength and stamina improve and the weather turns cooler. We will shoot for the November 14 game with the Texans. The following day Shirley will turn 82. So long as I am capable I will continue to be the primary health care provider for my bride of 59+ years and for that reason we, or I, will not be attending the Class reunion next spring. We will be there in spirit! Go Jaguars...Go Army...Beat Navy!" George Harman Class of 1951, Cullum No 18064


George writes, "September 5, 1927 fell on a Monday(Labor Day) as does 2011 as I mark my 84th birthday. Sadly Shirley will not be here to celebrate with me and our children. As most of you are aware, she passed away on July 21, 2011 and now rests eternally in Section 9, grave 71 at the National Cemetery here in Jacksonville, Florida. Along with some friends I drove out to visit her grave on August 21. I was somewhat astonished to see her stone marker already there. I had been told that it would take 60 days to get it. This National Cemetery opened just two years ago and is located ideally in rolling terrain northwest of the city. With the commencement of NFL preseason I called The Jaguar mascot, Jaxson de Ville, to arrange for some recognition of Shirley's love for the Jaguars during one of the preseason games. He said he would work on it. A few days later he said it could be done at the Atlanta Falcons preseason game on August 19 or the first regular season opener with the Titans on September 11. Since the latter date marked the 10th anniversary of 9/11 I opted for the Falcons game. I was asked to furnish a brief bio of my military service and info on Shirley relative to her being selected as the Jaguar Fan of the Year in 1999 in the VISA Hall of Fans at the NFL football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I attended the game accompanied by daughters Chris and Patty. During half time we were escorted from our seats to the South end zone in Everbank Stadium. During the first time out in the third quarter we walked to the goal line and the stadium PA announcer proceeded to speak of my enlisted and commissioned service and then related that my wife, Shirley aka Granny Jaguar, had passed away and spoke of her role as a Jaguar fan since 1995 when the Jaguars entered league play. I should mention that the presentation appeared on both jumbo TV screens at either end of the stadium before an attendance of close to 40 thousand. On returning to our seats at the opposite end of the stadium I received numerous high fives and thanks for my service from the fans along the way. Definitely a Night to remember!

On May 23 I had spinal surgery to correct weakness in my left arm. This followed a physical therapy attempt to cure the problem. The surgery did not improve the condition either. Unfortunately, I contracted an infection (Proteus) which has had me injecting antibiotics through an established IV insertion in my left arm 3 times daily. The initial wound kept draining and a strange grape-like growth with stem emerged. The drainage continued and my surgeon informed me he would have to revisit the wound and correct the problem surgically. That was done on August 23. On September 2 I returned to have the stitches removed. The wound had healed nicely. However, the Proteus plus another infection were found from the culture and I have been referred to an infectious disease doctor this Wednesday to determine how best to treat the two infections. There was some good news from my surgeon. I can start golfing again! Have not had a club in my hands for over 3 months. A brief mention of attending our 60th Reunion. Daughter Patty was my companion and often served as my voice when my laryngitis kicked in. It was a memorable event, especially for her since she had never been to West Point. Beat Navy!!!" George Harman

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Need Pic
Jim Lowere


#1 Andy Remson
Still 825

#1 Andy Remson
Still 825

Brandt Tennant
w/ Margo

Pete Thorsen
w/ Nancy

Woody Woodson


Jim Lowere Upon graduation Jim went in the Artillery and after completing the Basic Artillery Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma served as Battery Commander with the 213th Field Artillery Battalion in Korea from 1952 to 1953. In 1956 Jim resigned his commission as a First Lieutenant and went back to school. He first obtained a Master of Science degree from the University of Buffalo and later a Phd from SUNY. Jim has been associated with Clarkson College as Associate Professor of Mathematics.

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Andy Remson On retirement Andy became a Principal Staff Member with the BDM Corporation until 1992 when he joined the BRTRC Corporation as a Principal Analyst. Andy makes his home in Alexandria, Virginia. He is the last classlmate still working 8 to 5.

On Thu, 5/20/10, Andy Remson wrote: Dear Classmates, Some of you may remember that I commanded the 19th Engineer Battalion in 1967-68 in Vietnam . When I left the unit I recommended the battalion for a Meritorious Unit Award for their work in opening a portion of QL-1, building some 30 bridges under difficult conditions, and providing direct support to the 1st Cavalry Division and the Americal Division. The recommendation was sent back numerous times – people who could type well did not get assigned to engineer battalions in Vietnam . Eventually it reached the approving authority, and Gen. Parker upgraded it to a Valorous Unit Award. It was sent back for a final retyping and disappeared off the face of the earth. (That probably happened to a number of other awards in Vietnam ) In spite of the man bites dog probability, the Valorous Unit Award for the 19th Engineers was recently revived and approved by DA. I went to Fort Knox last weekend for the presentation of the Award to the current 19th Engineer Battalion, which just returned from Afghanistan. As part of the same ceremony, we dedicated a plaque to the 105 soldiers of the battalion who did not return from Vietnam . It was a very impressive ceremony. More than 300 19th Engineer veterans from Vietnam and their families came. I talked with people I had not seen for more than 40 years. In addition, we invited as many of the relatives of our KIA as we could find to the ceremony, and many of them attended. It was an interesting and moving weekend.Andy Remson

On Jue 7, 2010 No. One wrote, "Last month I went to Fort Knox to dedicate a memorial to the men of the 19th Engineers who died in Vietnam and to receive the Valorous Unit Award for the time I commanded the battalion. We invited all the relatives we could find, and the first person I saw when I arrived at the hotel was the twin brother of the officer who was my S-2 who was killed after I left the battalion. The family appreciated being invited to the ceremony, and they gave me the attached photo. One of the guys from the 19th produced the second version, with the caption deleted. Warm Regards," Andy Remson


On July 5, 2012, #1 Andy writes, "Today is my birthday. The guys who handle the celebratory fireworks still set them off one day too early! I never expected to be here for my 85th birthday. However, the ancient Greeks had a theory that the good die young. In that case, I may well have a good bit more time. The important question, of course, is not how much time we have but what we do with the time we do have. I spent 30 years serving in the Army and have now spent almost as long working for civilian companies. I have been supporting the Army Research and Development people – particularly those developing countermine and counter IED (Improvised Explosive Devices). The work can be rewarding – the new equipment has saved lots of soldiers’ lives. It can also be frustrating. The Congress and the DoD have made the acquisition process so tortuous that it is little short of miraculous that any new equipment at all actually gets fielded. Working full time does interfere with my leisure activities, but it keeps me off the streets and (mostly) out of mischief. But I do have time to stay in contact with a large number of classmates, wives, and widows. What a great group of people!" Andy Remson


oN JULY 5, 2013 Dos writes, " As the last echoes of the 4th of July fireworks die away, I am reminded that it is time to write a My Day message. I must begin by confessing that I do not have much to report. At our age, however, no news is good news. The most important thing to report is that --to my delight and somewhat to my surprise – I am still looking at the grass from the green side. As long as that is true, we really should not complain. I am still working full time. In fact, after wearing the uniform for more than 30 years, I have now supported the Army as a contractor for an additional 30 years. Even as a slow learner, I believe I am beginning to get the hang of it! However, I do not know how long I will be able to continue. The congressional “sequestration,” together with the usual drawdown reductions, has really reduced the Army Research and Development Program, which I support. I may have to take “early” retirement at only age 86! On the bright side, however, as paid work diminishes, I may have more time to stay in contact with classmates, wives, and widows. What a great group of people!" Andy Remson

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Brandt Tennant Upon graduation Brandt went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 63rd Infantry Regiment 25th Division in Korea where he served from 1952 to 1953. On completion of this tour Brandt was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy, the Purple Heart for wounds in action against an enemy, and Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1959 Brandt earned a Master of Science degree in Engineering from Texas A&M and transferred to the Corps of Engineers. He was then assigned as Assistant Professor of Military Science at Norwich University where he served as such through 1969. In 1970 Brandt was assigned to the American Battle Monuments Commission and served until 1971 when he retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. Brandt and his wife Margo make their home in Toledo, Ohio.

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Peter Louis "Pete" Thorsen, ... was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on 22 December 1928 and was appointed to West Point on a Senatorial appointment. His West Point classmates recall: "From Wisconsin, the land of beer and dairymaids, Pete came to West Point. With him he brought a wry humor and IOU poopsheets for his buddies to sign. He also had, or has developed during his stay, a great many abilities that will make him a success in whatever branch he chooses. His many fine characteristics have won him numerous friends and make him a sure bet for the future." During his cadet days Pete went out for Basketball and Football and was on the Howitzer his plebe year; he was Ticket Representative his yearling year; was with the Chess and Spanish Clubs plebe and yearling years; and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year. Upon graduation Pete went in the Artillery and after completing the Basic Artillery Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma reported to the 553rd Field Artillery Battalion and served there from 1951 to 1952. His next assignment was to the 517th Airborne Field Artillery Battalion in Europe and served until 1953. In 1959 Pete was assigned to teach in the Electrical Engineering Department at West Point and did so until 1962; he also managed to earn a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in 1961; he managed to be a professor and a student at the same time. In 1963 Pete attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and in 1964 went to the Aviation Logistics School. Next Pete went into diplomatic work being assigned as Assistant Army Military Attache to the USSR from 1965 to 1967. Then from 1967 to 1969 Pete served as Battalion Commander with the 28th Artillery. This was good experience as Pete's next duty was as Battalion Commander with the 5th Artillery in Vietnam where he served until 1970. Next Pete went with the Office Assistant Chief of Staff for C&E, Department of the Army where he served from 1970 to 1971 when he was named Defense Attache to Poland where he served from 1971 to 1974. Then Pete was named Chief of the United States Military Liaison Mission at Potsdam, East Germany where he served until 1977. Pete's last military assignment was to Office Assistant Chief of Staff for Inspection, Department of the Army where he served from 1978 to 1979 when he retired from the Unit­ed States Army as a Colonel. Pete was decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation on his retirement. He had previously earned the Distinguished Service Medal, 4 Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, 4 Bronze Star Medals, 9 Air Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and 2 Commendation Medals. Pete and his wife Nancy make their home in Wilmington, North Carolina.

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Woody Woodson Upon graduation Woody went in the Artillery and after completing the Basic Artillery Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 1954 Woody resigned his Second Lieutenant's commission. In 1964 Woody earned a Phd degree in Psychology from Boston University and has been a practicing psychologist since. The November 1997 Assembly noted, "William Woodson earned his PhD in psychology and operates an independent firm specializing in organizational development with emphasis on diversity in the workplace. Clients include Texaco, AT&T, and Harley-Davidson. He's nearing completion of a book, "Strangers in the Workplace."