David Wilson Patton

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Paul Parks on July 4, 2012:

The visitation was 26 June from 1700 to 2100. At 1800 Leo Shea Wede, a Jicarilla Apache Medicine Man conducted a burial smudging ceremony in which most attendees participated. And as part of the ceremony, I was made a warrior. He was assisted by a member of Benavidez-Patterson Chapter of the 82nd All Airborne Organization to which Dave and Leo also belonged. Two members of the chapter formed an honor guard at the open casket during the smudging until the funeral vigil began. At 1900 The Rev. Fr. Robert A Gross, Rector Holy Spirit Episcopal Church conducted The Funeral Vigil. There were about 8-10 Eulogies, none of which I have copies nor could I understand except my own for which there is no copy just the following outline. I observed that 3 July would mark the 61st anniversary of Dave and I becoming cadets. I talked of beast barracks and our fortunate assignment to Kappa Dos. I then spoke of plebe boxing quoting Bob Schmidt's Eulogy then transitioning to yearling summer quoting Leon McKinney. Talked of graduation and start of our careers. Mentioned Elvira's magnificent obit listing all Dave's decorations then went on to illustrate that what is in a soldier's chest is more important than on it. Referring to the awards for valor, Dave's Silver Star, two Bronze Stars for Valor and the Purple Heart, reading excerpts from Dick Fontaine's Book " Vietnam and The West Point Class of 1955". I observed that Dave had plenty in his chest to support much more on his chest. Mentioned our traveling together to the 45th reunion and debriefing the West Point Society of El Paso on our return. At that time, Dave admonished the younger grads in attendance not to wait 45 years before going to their reunions. He then admitted or boasted of crying during the singing of the Corps. Next I mentioned Dave being honored at The Air Defense Artillery Association Annual Veterans' Day Gala in 2005 as the Vietnam Era Vet. I concluded by thanking Elvira for steadfast support of Dave during his hospitalization and for above and beyond care giving after his discharge. The 27th was the funeral as planned. The 1st Armored Division funeral detail was magnificent at the church and at the cemetery. The mass at Saint Mark featured music and vocals by a guitar player and a second vocalist. The interment had a burial service by a catholic priest and another Indian blessing by Leo Shea Wede. A reception followed at the Centennial Banquet Facility on East Fort Bliss. All Pall Bearers except me were family. There were no other West Pointers at any of the events except the interment which MG John Oblinger (Ret) attended. He is also a member of the Airborne association. Don't know what you make out of all of this, but it is my report. Grip Hands, Paul Paul Parks 26 June 2012

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