Charles Wilson Bagnal

West Point, 1956

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Robert St. Louis on July 3, 2015:

Charles Bagnal exemplified the finest qualities of a true southern gentleman. Whether leading his battalion of cadets on the Plain at West Point or soldiers in combat, he did it with decisive effectiveness, but he was equally able to charm all in a social setting. He always projected a sense that he was in total command of the situation. The Secretary of the Army, Stanley Resor, noticed these qualities as well while he was serving in the Pentagon in 1969 and selected him to be his Military Assistant. Charlie still found time to show me the ropes when I was assigned there to fill his old job on the Army Staff. Not so long after that, I had the privilege of attending his promotion ceremony to Brigadier General, the first in our Class. His calm demeanor while accepting this highly sought but well deserved recognition of outstanding service was typical of his ability to handle any situation with a steady hand. Nothing fazed Charlie; his many combat decorations prove that. When we met at the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot's Association reunions, the air crews from his famous Pink Panthers Cobra attack helicopter unit gathered around and clearly showed their great affection for their former commander. He was that good and the Army recognized it with additional promotions and awards. Even so, he always deferred to his wife Patsy, who he loved dearly and showed it at every opportunity. We know Charles is with the angels but his loss is painful. May he rest in peace.

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