John Richard Wasson

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on November 14, 2004:

John Richard Wasson Born November 15, 1928 - KIA June 25, 1953 The entry in the Register of Graduates is only two lines and very cryptic. Translation into readable English follows: "John Richard Wasson - Born Indiana 15 November 1928: Infantry: The Infantry School 51: 325 Airborne Infantry Regiment 51: 65 Infantry 3 Division Korea 53: Killed Korea 25 June 53 First Lieutenant (Purple Heart)" The memorial in the October 1954 issue of the Assembly tells the rest of the story. It reads: "John Richard Wasson - Killed in Action June 25, 1953, near Sangdong-Ni, North Korea. Aged 24 Years." In March 1949 while yet a yearling at West Point, John Richard Wasson, affectionately known as 'Dick', became aware of the challenge to serve God while serving his country. Under the guidance of the teachers of the Sunday afternoon Bible classes he accepted the promises of Ephesians 2:8 'For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God', and fully dedicated his life to serve the Great Commander in Chief of Christian soldiers wherever God might see fit to lead him. The remaining two and one-half years at the Point were glorious days of service in the Academy and in the Post Sunday School. His new life radiated what Christ can do in a completely surrendered Christian. His humbleness and meekness won him friends wherever he went. At Benning, Fort Bragg, and then to the great test in Korea. While he lay wounded in a hospital during Christmas 1952 his comforting words and cheerful spirit dispelled his own suffering as he used this opportunity to bring many to the Lord who had never known Him as their personal Savior. Returning to the front he led his men valiantly, always seeking Divine Guidance going from trench to trench. Even in the very face of danger he would talk to his men, urging them to turn to the Lord of Hosts before it was too late. Having a premonition that his work was almost finished and that soon he would hear the voice of his wonderful Savior saying to him 'Well done thou good and faithful servant', and realizing he could not talk to each of them individually, he wrote a personal note on June 23, 1953 to each of his men. He went as he had lived, serving God, his country and giving his life that those of us left here could continue to worship and follow our Savior wherever He sees fit to send us. 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' "John Richard Wasson's body lies at rest in Dublin, Indiana, and the tombstone bears his testimony as found in Philippians 1:21. 'For to me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.'" A letter to Dick's widow from his Regimental Commander follows: Office of the Commanding Officer 65th Infantry Regiment My dear Mrs. Wasson: "I extend my most profound sympathy to you in the recent loss of your husband, First Lieutenant John R. Wasson, who died in the service of his country on June 25, 1953 near Sangdong-ni, North Korea. He was killed in action by enemy artillery fire while on reconnaissance of a new area into which his company was moving. As a member of this command, John was admired and respected by all of his associates. He was an excellent officer, performing all tasks assigned to him in a cheerful and efficient manner. As the Company Commander of Company 'I', he continually gave counsel and guidance to his men, each of whom he knew by name. I enclose a letter which he issued just prior to his death, giving moral direction and spiritual stimulus to members of his command. Please understand that news of his loss will be felt keenly in the organization. Once again, personally and for the officers and men of this command, please accept my sincere sympathy." Very sincerely, Chester B. de Gavre, Colonel Infantry, Commanding And Dick's letter to his Troops follows: MEN OF "I" COMPANY: In the midst of this situation we are concerned about having trenches, bunkers, and weapons, but I have something that I want to share with you that is more important than all of these and any others. As thinking men I challenge you to consider these facts seriously: 1) Life here on earth is very uncertain and short. We have seen this to be true many times. 2) Death seems to have no explanation or solution when we face it so vividly and brutally. God has shown me the solution to these two puzzles in the promises of the Bible. I must share them with you, for they must be personally understood and claimed to be yours. First, God promises that we may have ever-lasting life by believing that Jesus is the Son of God and receiving Him as our Savior from sin (John 3:16, 1:12) Second, God assures us that Christ Jesus has won the victory over death and the grave once and for all (1 Corinthians 15:54?57, Romans 8:38?39). Now God does not lie. His Word is true. I simply want to challenge you to seek to know Christ, for with Him there is eternal life and joy, but without him there is only uncertainty and sorrow. Read your Bible, the Book of John, or ask the Chaplain about it. Be sure where you stand; let nothing sidetrack you. This is the most important matter in the world. Let God give you His solution. It works! "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:18) If you know Him already, I challenge you to live for Him daily. John R. Wasson, Company Commander.

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