William Lee Schwartz

West Point, 1959

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by James E. Walsh, Jr. on December 16, 2014:

Bill was in K-2 and I was in A-1, so we really did not know each other well as Cadets. However, in the late '60's while instructors at West Point, we both lived in the New Brick area just doors apart on Winans Road. I was glad to have attended Bill's Jewish service, burial, and reception on Monday 15 December. We laid Bill to rest as the sun was sinking on a cool but clear December afternoon. This was following a very moving ceremony at the Jewish Chapel, with lots of remembrances of Bill. Most emotional and poignant were those given by Bill's son, Pete, and his daughter, Lauren, who I was happy to see and remember from our West Point days when they were two young children a few houses away in the late 60's. I am really glad to have known Bill and proud to have him as a Classmate. He epitomized the essence of what it means to be a West Pointer and a member of the BEST CLASS ever. The Class was disappointed when he was not selected as a Distinguished Graduate when nominated by us, but glad he knew how highly he was regarded by the Class of 1959. He was an excellent supporter for West Point and I know proud of all he did for our alma mater. A number of the many he informed of and assisted in gaining admission to West Point were present at his Jewish service and some expressed their gratitude for his help. Bill was a first choice to be an editor for our book of lessons learned which we presented to the Class of 2009, "Leadership: Combat Leaders and Lessons." Although he contributed to the book, at that time he was heavily involved as the Military Academy Liaison Officer in central California and that, along with assisting Joyce with her health problems, he was concerned he could not devote the time and effort to give the proper attention to that obligation. In all his service and support for our Class, if he could not give his best, he would let me know and that was most appreciated. If Bill volunteered for a job you knew he would do it and accomplish with exceptional effort. Bill's name will live on in the service to our Country that all he assisted will continue to provide and in the exceptional support he provided to West Point and to our Class. THANKS BILL! JOB WELL DONE! May God Bless You and your family! JIM Walsh - Class Secretary

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