Herbert Selig Lichtenberg

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Carl H. McNair, Jr. on December 18, 2009:

Herb Lichtenberg personified the motto of West Point, DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY, in all that he did, in his personal and professional life, inside and outside the gates of our Alma Mater. We will always remember him as a role model for all and mentor to many. There are many other words, such as FAITH, HOPE and LOVE, that likewise describe this dear friend who joined the same squad as I in 2d New Cadet Company on that fateful day, Jul 3, 1951, and roomed next door for those eight exciting weeks, encouraging and embracing one another as we moved through uncharted routines together. Of those original members, 1/3 did not graduate, almost 1/3 have passed on before, but none left a more indelible imprint on West Point and the class of 1955, than "Kelly" Lichtenberg. When he first introduced himself as Herbert S. Lichtenberg from New York, I shook his hand and returned the introduction with my own name, Carl "Herbert" McNair, Jr., from Florida. Realizing that we did not have the luxury of time and using such lengthy names as "Herbert" during the course of training, I asked him if I could just call him "Kelly" which seemed short and sharp - and name of a distinguished West Pointer who gave his life in WWII. He responded that it was fine with him, if he could call me "Blue Eyes" and we did. Thus was born his nickname "Kelly" and we never forgot that day or one another - nor the many years in between.--- And now you know the rest of the story - where the name was bestowed. Rest well, my friend - you have gone on to greater glory. Carl H. McNair, Jr., aka "Blue Eyes" President, West Point Class of 1955

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