Donald Emerson Reid

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Carl H. McNair, Jr. on September 13, 2010:

IN SADNESS AND IN MEMORY OF DON REID: First, and in sadness, let me express our deepest condolences to Joyce Reid and the children of Don Reid upon his passing earlier this month and interment at Arlington Cemetery on Thursday, FEB 15. Although Don was originally a member of the Class of '54, and later turned back to the Class of 1955 in Company A2, he was a giant among us. I have perhaps told more associates over my lifetime about Don Reid's love and commitment to West Point than any other I know in any class or generation. Not only was Don a five year man, but he aspired to attend the academy from childhood and upon turning seventeen (born in Peabody, MA, 4 August 1928) with his mother signing his recruiting papers on his birthday so I am told, he joined the Army and served two years in the airborne (wearing those silver jump wings proudly his five years as a cadet). Upon first being offered an appointment to Annapolis, he joined their Class of 1952 and served as a Midshipman until his 2d class summer when he was offered his appointment to West Point. He resigned from Annapolis and was sworn in with the West Point Class of 1954 on July 5 1950, 55 days short of his 22d birthday. Don was an upper-class football manager and I was a "plebe" football manager following his leadership and came to know him well. We also served on the Public Information Detail for four years, but In First Class year, Don became ill and was evacuated to Walter Reed. By pressing his case with the medical authorities, he convinced them that he was still physically fit for the rigors of his Infantry career to come. He was then set back to our class wherein he earned his major "A" in football and never lost his love for Army football, watching old films all the way up to his recent years when affected by the dreaded Alzheimer's. As young LTC Dan Reid, just back from the battlefields of Iraq, said of his dad during the graveside services at Arlington, Don's final thoughts were always of the Corps and the Corps. What a fitting tribute with over fifty of his family and friends gathered for his final salute on a clear, cold, 24 degree day, a wind chill of 10 degrees, snow and ice abounded. I know Don must have smiled upon us "Winter Rangers" gathered in his honor. At the reception later, I shared with young Dan the story of our first meeting him over 40 years ago ,- at our 10th Reunion at West Point in June 1965. Don had brought young Dan, age five, to the reunion also Ike's 50th year Reunion for '15 and the Alumni dinner dance that evening in Washington Hall. The Reids had brought Dan with them to the banquet and Jo Ann and I were seated at the same table together with '55. By 9PM, young Dan was sound asleep with his head on the table and I asked Don why would you bring a five year old that far that late for an Alumni Dinner. Don's simple reply was "I want him to know and love West Point as much as I do." That was the Don Reid we knew may he rest in eternal peace. I would like to openly thank Jack McCloskey, our Class LCA, who, along with his wife Judy, assisted Joyce and the family with compassion and concern throughout Don's illness and passing. Jack, Dan Moses, and the other classmates and spouses in the Fayetteville area were a great comfort over these months of illness. Dan and Jack drove up to DC and joined me for the viewing the night before as we met with the family and heard wonderful stories of Don's life and paternal leadership with them. Don was laid to rest in his Blue Mess, with full decorations and wearing his beloved West Point ring, as soft music in the chapel echoed his favorite Academy and Army tunes. His three children, Donna, Mary and Dan were all there with the grandchildren. After the funeral on Thursday, family and friends gathered for a reception/luncheon at the Fort Myer Officers' Mess with Joyce Reid and all of the children. Classmates attending were: Jack McCloskey, Chuck Roades, Ray Gunderson, Dan Moses, Tommy West, Rich Miller, Bob Russell, John Sloan, myself and George Robertson (Class of 1958). May Don rest in honored glory among the Saints, remembered for his good work on this earth and may his family and friends find comfort in our memories of yesteryear. From graduation day, June 7 1955, when Don was 26 years, 10 months of age, he was our oldest living classmate, and will be long remembered and sorely missed by us all. Carl H. McNair, Jr. President, USMA Class of 1955 21 February 2007

admin