Posted by Amherst Robert Lamb on July 1, 2005:

I knew Major General John C. Bard as my first, First Captain. I was a plebe with the Class of 1957. If First Captain Bard ever said a word to me as a plebe it has long since vacated my memory bank, but ironically I have never forgotten John C. Bard. I don't know whether all plebes are so impressed by their first, First Captain but I was! He was tall, handsome, ramrod straight and possessed a commanding voice. In short he was the model by which I have judged all First Captains. I offer my apologies to the First captains of the Classes of 1955 and 1956 but I do not remember their names. After graduation in 1954 I never saw General Bard again. I went Air Force and of course he was Army. I do have a vague recollection of his appointment as Commandant of Cadets but I don't remember hearing his name again until yesterday's shocking email. The message was as if an image from my youth was stolen. I was profoundly saddened. The pride in all that I value about West Point has been diminished by his passing. My plebe image of the epitome of a West Point First Captain is now drapped in mourning. General Bard you will not only be missed by your classmates, but also by at least one lowly plebe. Amherst Robert Lamb, Class of 1957

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