Posted by William T. Huckabee, III on February 15, 2013:

(From the Class of 1957 at the John C Bard Memorial Service, Cadet Chapel, July 2005) To Class of 1954 and the Extended Bard Family: Fifty-two years and ten days ago 721 anxious young men entered West Point through the Sallyport from Jefferson Road to Central Area. There we were taken in tow by members of the First New Cadet Detail under the command of New Cadet Batallion Commander, John C. Bard -- our King of the Beasts. A few weeks later John Bard was designated to serve as Brigade Commander of the United States Corps of Cadets -- the Cadet First Captain. In that capacity his manner, demeanor, and bearing set and maintained a standard of excellence that has had no need to be altered. Throughout their careers many of my classmates served with and under John Bard. I heard from four of them in the past two weeks; all attested to his remarkable leadership where it counted most -- on the battlefield. My only meeting with John after we left West Point was in 1977. He was serving here as the Commandant of Cadets when our class gathered for our 20th reunion. He went out of his way to mingle with us and let us know how special we were to him. I let him know in no uncertain terms how much his influence on me as a Plebe had impacted my life. It was a terrific and memorable time. The curiously formal bond between Plebes and their Firsties endures -- it never completely withers away or dissipates. We hold a special affection for the Class of 1954 and, obviously, for John Chapman Bard in particular. To the extended Bard Family and to the Class of 1954 we, with respect and deep sympathy, extend our sincere condolences. William T. Huckabee, III Class of 1957, First Captain

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