View a eulogy for William Norman Baucum, USMA '63, who passed away on May 13, 2021.
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William Norman Baucum
West Point, 1963
Be Thou At Peace
Posted by BG R.M. Ong (Ret) on June 5, 2021:
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Greetings from Manila, Philippines! Memorial Day 2021 here is bright and sunny -- and a good time to remember my West Point classmate, Bill Baucum. Bill and I belonged to different Regiments, so I got to know him mostly from our Summer Training at Camp Buckner, at the start of our Yearling (sophomore) year. Bill was a big guy, well over 6' and with powerful muscles to match. And he had a big heart as well. He never hesitated to help us smaller guys -- and that meant carrying more than his share. Big weapons (machine guns and BAR or Browning Automatic Rifle), extra ammo, you name it, Bill was the first to volunteer in transporting them. And always with that quiet, friendly smile. Yes, he exemplified the word "teamwork" and we all admired him for that trait. Bill 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 both in Vietnam at the same time, but somehow, we never did meet over there. He didn't stay long in the active service, but he had a full stint with the Reserve Army before he retired; and then he continued as a businessman. Well done, Bill. 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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