Peter Guild King

West Point, 1962

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by BG R.M. Ong (Ret) on July 7, 2020:

Pete King was my upperclassman (one year ahead of me) but I never met him as a Cadet during our 3 years together. I knew his name only as a key halfback of the Army Football Team, who scored touchdowns almost every game at Michie Stadium. I finally met CPT King at Tay Ninh, Vietnam in 1966. He was in charge of the PX where the Philippine Army soldiers did their shopping. At that time, a Post Exchange system was something new to the Filipino soldier -- because it didn't exist in our Army until 6 or 7 years later. Pete was most patient in explaining to us Filipinos, how a PX system works -- especially the limits on what articles we could buy -- because we wanted to send so many goods to our families back in the Philippines. And the PX prices were much, much cheaper than the prices of imported goods in the Philippine economy. Eventually, the Philippine contingent established its own PX branch inside our base camp. Pete was a key figure in helping us set up our PX. He was a fountain of knowledge and a fountain of energy. And of course, a fountain of patience -- while explaining stuff to Filipino soldiers who did not understand his accent, and vice versa. Eventually, CPT King left Tay Ninh for another assignment. But we Vietnam veterans will never forget our experiences with Mr. Nice Guy. Well done! Be thou at peace, Mr. PX man. And now, my final salute to a great upperclassman. Brigadier General Ramon M. Ong (Retired) Armed Forces of the Philippines USMA 1963

admin