David Benton Vann

West Point, 1965

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Edward Dye on October 9, 2015:

I was in 6th Co New Cadet Barracks in the summer of 1961, as a member of the Class of 1965. Like every new cadet I felt that upperclassmen were everywhere and nothing was hidden from their scrutiny. One evening I was ordered to remain after the class was dismissed from formation. Two other cadets were ordered to do the same. While we braced, every upperclassman from at least two companies filed by the three of us. They looked from toe to head and back and forth. Finally the last one passed by and the three of us were told to face one another. While our jaws were not allowed to fall, we were stunned. I was looking at two identical twins, John and David Vann, and they were looking at a bewildered cadet who looked enough like them to be their triplet brother, maybe not identical, but enough resemblance to cause each of us to be accused of that for which the other was guilty, and I am sure enough to confuse the upperclassmen. David and I became friends. His quiet, steady demeanor was a pleasure to be around. We often laughed about the confusion which was the cause of our introduction. About two years ago we communicated for the first time in about fifty years.....and laughed about those days. It does not surprise me to see the outpouring of love and respect for him, as evidenced by these eulogies. He was truly a good man who will be missed. May his memory be cherished forever.

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