Posted by John Murray on October 3, 2007:

Those of you who didn't know Bernie well really missed out! I had the good fortune of spending our last 2 years at our rockbound highland home with Bernie in Company D-2. Although I didn't get to know him very well then (we lived in different divisions and never had class together since he was always in the first sections) it did not take long to realize that he was a unique, multi-talented and brilliant guy. Those qualities, along with his great sense of humor, won the respect of all of us. I got to know him better as his Ranger Buddy. The two of us were not the most soldierly team in the course but we helped each other get through successfully. I had my doubts at one point, though - during our rapelling session in the hot Georgia sun we were told not to drink from the cool babbling brook since the water was contaminated. Dying of thirst, Bernie and I figured that the cadre just wanted to deprive us of necessary hydration and when no one was looking we stuck our heads in the stream and inhaled the best water we'd ever tasted. However, a few hours later we were too ill to make supper formation and had to remain close to the latrine. So, we each got bad spot reports, but we mucked out the 3 day patrol that followed (in fear of being recycled!). We'll miss you greatly, Bernie! Rest well!

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