Francis J. Waldman

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on July 17, 2009:

Francis Joseph Waldman, Jr. Born December 17, 1927 -- Died July 15, 2009 Francis Joseph "Frank" Waldman, Jr. was born in Staten Island, New York on 17 December 1927 and was appointed to West Point from the 16th Congressional District. At West Point his classmates made the following observations: "If it's an argument you want at any time, in any place, on any subject, just call on Frank. With a gift of keen reasoning power, backed by a brilliant universal knowledge, he could make a doubting Thomas of Einstein himself. His qualified social agility, generous consideration for his friends, high rank in academics, plus a dynamic personality combine to make Frank a `top-notcher' in every field." During his cadet days Frank was on the Pointer Staff all four years, a member of the Russian Club for two, and on the Duty Committee, on the Forum, and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. On graduation Frank went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to Fort Dix, New Jersey where he served through 1952. He then was assigned to the 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Division in Korea. On completion of this tour Frank was awarded Combat Infantryman Badge. On return to stateside he was appointed a Company Commander with the 278th Regimental Combat Team where he served from 1953 to 1954. Frank then went back to school and earned a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1956. Next Frank was assigned to Headquarters United States Army Reserve, Europe where he served from 1960 to 1962. Frank's next assignment was with the 36th Armored Tank Battalion in Germany and served there until 1963. Then Frank went to school again, this time to experience some service integration, he attended the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. On completion Frank was assigned to the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Department of the Army where he served from 1964 to 1966. On completion of this tour Frank was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. From 1967 to 1968 Frank was attached to the United States Embassy, Republic of Vietnam and on completion of that tour was awarded a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. On return to the States Frank was appointed Battalion Commander in the 3rd Infantry and then in 1969 attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania and on completion was assigned to the 5th Division. Frank retired in 1977 in the rank of Colonel; he and his wife Sheila made their home in Falls Church, Virginia.

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