Martin Monroe Ischinger

West Point, 1963

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by BG R.M. Ong (Ret) on June 4, 2021:

Greetings from Manila, Philippines! Memorial Day 2021 here is bright and sunny -- and a good time to remember my West Point classmate, Marty Ischinger. Marty and I belonged to the same Beast Barracks Company during our initial Plebe Summer. Then we were re-assigned to different Companies, but next door to each other. Our academic grades were in the same bracket, so we shared many a classroom together and I really got to see him often and know him quite well. I do recall him as a carefree, outgoing fellow who was eager to make friends with everybody. And, best of all, he was a runt like myself with a great sense of humor -- kindred spirit, to say the least! Marty was also a superb athlete -- and a member of the famed Army Gymnastics Team, during his 4 years as a Cadet. His brain matched his brawn, because he also wore Academic stars on his Dress Coat, to complement the Major "A" on his Jacket. And to top it all, Marty -- during his senior year -- wore the stripes of a Cadet Officer, as proof of his leadership traits. Marty and I parted ways on Graduation Day, and our paths never crossed again. He joined the US Army while I served with the Philippine Army. I do know that we were in Vietnam at the same time, but somehow, we never met. We were also instructors at the same time in our respective country's Military Academies. He did put in 25+ years of military service before continuing to work in the civilian government sector. Well done, Marty. Be thou at peace! And now my final salute to my friend and classmate! Brigadier General Ramon M. Ong (Retired) Armed Forces of the Philippines

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