Posted by Robert D'Amore on October 11, 2017:

Bud embodied the essence of all that West Point could have expected from an individual. He was a hero in combat- many times over. Bud was everything that Duty, Honor, Country engendered, yet he was a kind, loving man who immediately put you at ease and offered instant and reassuring friendship. If you saw the movie about Sergeant York starring Gary Cooper you would have known Bud. All the hyperbole that Hollywood could come up with to aggrandize that hero of another era would have fallen short if they were trying to fit it around our classmate Bud Moentmann. He was a quiet self effacing man who could do anything that had to be done. As a cadet Bud was good at everything and seemed to glide effortlessly through all the rigors and tests that the Academy and its new lifestyle presented. I became involved with him when he decided to wrestle intramurally and go after the Brigade Light Heavyweight championship. While it would have been reasonable to say 'I'll give it a try' and then fall short because West Point had to be the hot bed for the best collegiate wrestlers, Bud just did it. No fuss, no muss - come the finals there was Bud at the top of the heap, wearing the crown. I have no idea why he chose me to be his training partner, but day after day he and I would go to the gym and wrestle. Each day I would thank God when I got up from the mat with all bones and joints intact. I knew the other wrestlers were in for a world of hurt because they would not enjoy the same degree of restraint from Bud that I did. Our contact was limited following graduation but there was a pleasant interlude where we had frequent phone contact, keeping each other up to date with the little things that mattered. To Holly and Bud's children I offer my condolences for their loss, but I also feel happy knowing they got to enjoy one of the most fascinating and accomplished 'good guys' of our time. Be thou at peace, Bud. Go easy on St. Peter.

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