Gerald George Chikalla

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Tom Horst on June 15, 2008:

When we met at Camp Buckner we discovered that not only were we both from Wisconsin, but we were probably the only two members of '55 (if not the entire Corps) who knew how to play Skat and Sheepshead, two great German card games. But, we never could get anyone else interested enough to learn how to play. After graduation our paths didn't cross again until '67-70 when we served together in the Tactical Department at USMA, Chick representing Infantry Branch to the Corps and me representing the Corps of Engineers. Then, upon promotion, we became the two branch chiefs in OMI. There was never a more professional soldier in those positions; nor were there ever better neighbors than Jessie and Chick. The cadets were in absolute awe of Chick as a soldier's soldier. Although we never served together again, we did share one common experience which we used to reminisce about; my tour in '57-59 as an ROTC instructor at Norwich University and Chick's final assignment there as PMS and later as Commandant of Cadets. I visited Chick twice in his final months and although he had failed physically, he never lost his indomitable spirit. Along with all of his classmates, I shall miss Chick greatly. A good friend and a great soldier.

admin