William Bryant Bachman

West Point, 1965

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jack Barwis on September 24, 2008:

Bryant and I were Cow roommates (along with Pat Kenny, as I recall). By this time we three were ready to test the limits of the West Point system with our version of happy hour. With luck, our indiscretions were not discovered, at least not by Major Meese, who himself was fond of Kentucky elixer. Of course, being several years younger than both Bryant and Pat, I was merely following the example of my elders! I followed Bryant's example in other ways too. Able to discern important from trivial in Cadet life, his clear perspective of our daily toil was calming. Undaunted by the slings and arrows of the WP system, he perservered by intellect, and an unbending inner strength of character. Surely those virtues were evident to the WP officer corp as well. While our paths crossed only once after graduation, I had a deep admiration for his values that stay a part of me. Does the crucible of West Point form us for life or is it the connection with classmates with whom we share the experiences of that place form us? Chuck Boohar and I were able to visit Bryant in his final hours. I was able to see again the flicker of life in his eyes, the inner strength on display. That is a gift, his gift that I will continue to carry for the rest of my days. Bryant, be thou at peace. I extend my sympathy to BJ and the Bachman family...he is at rest.

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