Bernard John Mogan

West Point, 1965

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Bob Frank, L-1 & B-1 on July 15, 2012:

BJ and I were cadets in neighboring companies in Plebe year. We were also in neighboring divisions (those vertical sets of barracks in which we lived). Normally, a Plebe is lucky to get to know the 20-25 classmates in his company. However, in BJ's case, he was so widely known and respected by his Classmates, that I quickly became aware of and a friend of his. Our cadet days were filled with good times. When I joined the Department of History faculty in 1972, there was BJ on post. Now involved with his own kids as well as the cadets, BJ was again the much beloved Classmate. The tragedies he bore during that time were particularly painful, but he bore them with the grace that was his. Many years later, I would come face to face with BJ again. This time the occasion was the loss of Mike Deems, a Classmate with whom BJ had the deepest of bonds. Mike and he had been in Company M-1 together. BJ traveled all the way from Arizona to deliver a eulogy; and, on very little sleep, he delivered a moving and profound tribute. On seeing BJ and Dyanne this April in their home in Anthem AZ, I was reminded of the loyalty, grace and deep faith that characterized him. Upon my leaving the area to return home, I began missing him. Now, I miss him even more. BJ, you are missed, but will never be forgotten.

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