David Benton Vann

West Point, 1965

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Col. James P. Kress, USA (Ret) on October 10, 2015:

I was privileged to know David Vann and his incredible family for more than 47 years. We initially served together beginning in 1968 while we both served a tour of duty at the University of Minnesota as R.O.T.C. instructors. Since then we and our two families have maintained close relations as each family moved, served and traveled at home and abroad. Of all of the people that I have known throughout a 28 year military career and subsequent work spanning more than 12 years with various DOD and intelligence agencies as well as with government weapons contractors , I have developed a deep and abiding respect for only four very special warriors. David is one of those exceptional Patriots. To me he exemplifies all of the virtues that one seeks to find in a husband, father, grandfather, a selflessly loyal friend and confidant, and yes especially an exemplary soldier. When I think of David's passing I am vividly reminded of the riveting scene in the movie "Patton" when the general's aide-de-camp is killed in a German air strike as the U.S. forces are attacking the Germans in Africa in 1943 at El Guettar. Patton stands by the coffin and says that his aide was a splendid soldier and he concluded by saying that "he had no vices." That is the David Vann, my dear friend and comrade-in- arms who I knew and will dearly miss. May God Bless him and his wonderful family. Colonel James P. Kress, USA (Ret.)

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