William Clifford Maus

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Bruce L. Avant on December 23, 2001:

Like many others, I volunteered to serve with a new unit designated, F Company 51st Infantry (LRP)(ABN). Little did I know the extent to which my life would be affected by its commander, Lt. Col. Bill Maus. Following my service in Vietnam, I was assigned (ever so briefly) to the 82nd Airborne. Learning that Col. Maus was a battalion commander of a basic training unit at Ft. Bragg, I visited to pay my respects. He welcomed me with the enthusiasm of a long time friend, when in fact I simply was one of "his F Company boys". Colonel Maus immediately requested my transfer and I had the honor of serving two years as a drill sergeant under his command. I will always remember that it was his leadership that enabled the "lurps" of F Company to excel, to take risks and to have respect for themselves. Those that followed him never lived up to the standard he established. We are better persons for having known him. Many years later I was fortunate to have the opportunity to tell him personally just how very much I respected and admired him. I will always remember that grand smile...the respect shown to all regardless of rank...the high ethical standard he required on himself and others. I will continue to remember him always.

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