John Sheridan McDonald

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Miguel Nieves Jr. on March 31, 2010:

John McDonald, Dick Hargrove and I were roommates for three and a half years and never had a disagreement. We called each other "Brother," and were always best friends. Mac was really intelligent beyond belief. Each day he would scan the pages for each assignment, close the books and go to the firing range. As team captain and participant he managed to win 85% of all the intercollegiate matches. Quite a feat, really! And even more amazing: he would never tell you anything about it. Dick and I had to get the results by questioning him every time. Each night he would answer our questions on any assignment we needed help with, all while incessantly listening to musing and writing letters. And one Sunday he came back from a weekend leave and told Dick and I: "This weekend I went out with the girl I am going to be with for the rest of my life; her name is Betty." And the rest is history. Our friendship is also now part of history. Friendship is eternal, it doesn't die, ever. The years come and then, silently, drift away. But this thing, this that costs nothing, this thing priceless beyond measuring, never ends. No one can take it from you. So long Mac; we will be together again when we meet in the Long Grey Line. Be thou at peace. Thanks for your friendship, Brother. Miguel Nieves

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