Posted by Terry Powers on January 7, 2023:

JOHN J. FATUM 1949 Cullum No. 17303-1949 | November 25, 2020 | Died in Columbus, GA Interred in Fort Mitchell Cemetery, AL John Joseph Fatum, the son of Oscar Fatum and Zita Fatum, was born in Ottoville, OH. As a child, Fatum was fascinated by toy lead soldiers much to the consternation of his pacifist mother. Life magazine photographs of international news stirred young Fatum's imagination for a life of adventure. During World War II, Oscar served as a physician in the South Pacific. Out of concern that adolescent Fatum needed more male influence, Zita arranged for him to transfer to Campion, a Jesuit boarding school in Wisconsin. Fatum, along with his roommate Edwin Daley, S.J., debated whether they should quit school and enlist into the Army to fight in the war. Instead, Fatum enrolled in the Academy in 1945. The West Point values and ideals of Duty, Honor, Country shaped and inspired Fatum. He devoted his life trying his best to live up to them. Fatum was very proud of the Academy's history, traditions, alumni, and contributions to the country. Fatum credited West Point for teaching him how to be a leader. Following graduation in 1949, Fatum attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, GA. While there, he fell in love with Mary Ernestine ("Tina") Wells, a beautiful southern lady raised in Columbus, GA. Shortly after Fatum proposed to Tina, the Korean War broke out, and Fatum received orders to go to Korea. They married a few weeks later, drove to California for their honeymoon and Fatum boarded a naval ship headed to Korea. Fatum recounted a story from his time fighting with the 7th Cavalry Regiment as a 23-year-old second lieutenant during the Korean War. While deep in enemy territory, his platoon found a child whose family had been killed. Fatum wanted to help, but he had a mission to continue to proceed north. Not knowing what else to do, Fatum gave the child all the money he had in his wallet and sent him south with directions on how to find safety and seek help. About 15 years later, the child was commissioned as an officer in the South Korean Army and sent a thank you letter addressed to Lieutenant Fatum, U.S. Army, United States of America. To the astonishment of all, Fatum received the letter of gratitude for his kindness and inspiration. Several years later Fatum organized a reunion with the young man when Fatum returned to Korea in 1969 as a battalion commander for the 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Fatum had three children: John, born at Fort Campbell, KY in 1952 while Fatum attended Paratrooper training; David, born in Columbus in 1957 while Fatum attended Special Forces training at Fort Benning; and Stephen, born in South Bend, IN in 1959 while Fatum served as an assistant professor of military science at the University of Notre Dame. Fatum served for 30 years in the Infantry. He was a Ranger and airborne certified. He served as a Green Beret in Vietnam and, while assigned to the Pentagon, he worked in the area of counterinsurgency. During his career, he earned the Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and Combat Infantryman Badge with star. Fatum attended the U.S. Army War College and taught military history as a professor of military science at St. Peter's College. After his retirement in 1979 at the rank of full colonel, Fatum and Tina returned to Columbus to be close to her family. He joined civic organizations and volunteered his time generously. For almost 40 years, he proudly served as a member of the Lions Club and received its highest national honor for distinguished service. He also taught English as a second language, tutored high school students, and advocated for better mental health care. Fatum was curious and a lifelong learner. He earned a master's degree in international relations from the University of Notre Dame, an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a Master of Education from Columbus State University. Fatum believed it was his civic duty as a citizen to be accurately informed about current events. He sought out scholarly educational programs and read leading publications for national and world news up until the last week of his life. Fatum's Catholic faith shaped and sustained him. While a cadet, Fatum was a daily communicant at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel and active in the Catholic Choir and Acolytes. In retirement, he attended Mass weekly at St. Anne's Catholic Church. He believed one of the best ways to express his faith was through small acts of kindness. Fatum's sons recall his favorite expressions that captured his spirit. When something would go wrong, Fatum might say: "Remember the five P's: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance." Fatum sometimes would wake up his sons with a morning greeting: "Up and at them, Mr. Fatum," or "Today is another day to excel." Fatum believed in the power of positive thinking and would teach his sons that "Many problems are just challenges to be solved." He inspired them by observing, "The first sign of a leader is someone who assumes responsibility." Fatum, at age 87, attended his 65th reunion in 2014 with his second wife, Shirley P. Fatum. He took delight in seeing the campus and cadets again and reconnecting with experiences that had shaped his character. He felt honored and grateful to know that he had his place in the Long Gray Line.

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