Richard Raymond Steinke

West Point, 1962

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by BG R.M. Ong (Ret) on September 9, 2020:

I was a Plebe and Dick Steinke was a Yearling (one year my senior) in the same squad. Our rooms also shared the same floor in the Barracks. Dick was an extremely bright fellow -- and wore stars on his collar to prove it. I recall his being strict and demanding as a Yearling, but in his last 2 years as a Cadet, he turned out to be the quiet type -- studying his books when not doing other official duties. In his senior year, he showed his military leadership as well, by being designated as our Company Commander. He ran Company E-2 with smooth, clockwork efficiency and made sure that his Platoon Leaders and Company Staff did their jobs well and with a minimum of fuss. Dick and I parted ways after his graduation and our paths never crossed again. I served my country, while he served his. Much later, I was surprised to learn that Dick had been dismissed by the US Army for his refusal to serve in Vietnam. I never found out the complete story about this aspect of Dick's life. Perhaps I never shall. My final memory of Cadet Richard Steinke is that he was a nice guy, brilliant, quiet, hard-working -- and a good friend. May he rest in peace! Brigadier General Ramon M. Ong (Retired) Armed Forces of the Philippines USMA 1963

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