Posted by XXXXXX on May 17, 2008:

Howard Edward Adams NO. 16643 CLASS OF 1948 Died 23 January 1975 in Alexandria, Virginia, aged 49 years. Interment: West Point Cemetery, West Point, New York ONLY A FEW WEEKS after he was suddenly stricken on Christmas Eve, 1974, West Point and her Class of 1948 lost one of its most dedicated and well-loved sons. His passing has created in many lives a void that can never be filled. Howard joined us from Buffalo, New York, to begin a military and civilian career that was as varied as it was successful. His cadet days were marked by the same happy blend of seriousness and good humor that was to characterize Howie's generous and warmhearted approach to life. After graduation and his first duty at the Ground General School at Fort Riley, Howard married Sarah Ann Bowman in December 1948. Their first station together at Fort Benning was followed shortly by Howie's assignment to the 16th Infantry, 1st Division at Nurnberg, Germany. Here as earlier in service schools and at West Point Howie continued to add to the already large company of those who were privileged to know him as a friend. Returning from Germany in 1952, Howard joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps staff at New York University, and in 1954- 55 completed the Advanced Infantry Officers Course again at Fort Benning. Then followed tours at West Point in the Department of Military Topography and Graphics (now Department of Earth Space and Graphic Sciences); at the Command and General Staff College; and in Korea with the G3, 1st Cavalry Division. Howard's next assignment reflected the Army Staff's recognition of his very special personal and professional qualities. In 1960 he was assigned to the Navy's Atlantic Fleet, Amphibious Forces, stationed at Little Creek, Virginia. As Plans and Operations Officer for Landing Force matters, Howard became a highly distinguished member of the Navy/ Marine Corps Staff. Following this three-year tour of duty with the sister services, Howard undertook graduate studies in International Relations at Tulane where he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in 1965. This study led to his assignment to Headquarters, Department of the Army, first with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and later with the Chief of Research and Development. In 1969 he carried his Research and Development experience with him to the Army's Combat Developments Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he retired as a colonel in February 1970. Shortly after his retirement Howie joined Singer Corporation in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he worked for nearly five years as a valued and respected senior training specialist, developing a number of unique and critical training programs which were to be used by industry and state and local governments throughout the country. He had only recently been promoted to Senior Engineer for Programs in the Singer Simulation Products Division when he was struck down by a cerebral hemorrhage. While his entire service shows an extraordinary dedication to the military ideals acquired at West Point, even more intense was Howie's devotion to his family. Although conflicts of duty to "family and profession are always perplexing, through sheer intensity of effort and a clear sense of responsibilities, Howard always seemed able to keep his family at the center of his life and still give a full measure of service to his profession. His charming wife Sally and his two lovely daughters, Susan and Jennifer, were the bright stars of his world. Anyone who ever entered their cheerful and congenial home must leave in the warm reflection of a deep and radiant love. If it were required to choose one among the many virtues Howie possessed, loyalty must be our choice. His loyalty to his wife, his daughters, his friends, and to West Point was conspicuous in every situation. Howard's loyalty manifested itself otherwise in his uncommonly generous and great-hearted nature. Never too busy to give of himself or his time, he took upon himself personal responsibilities for other people that many would shun or avoid. Any friend or acquaintance who needed help in any difficulty, large or small, always found Howie and Sally at hand often before he knew he needed help. Tireless, constantly active, eager, intense, enthusiastic, ever ready to embark on a new project, a new adventure, help a friend or neighbor, lend a hand—always with a quick smile, ready wit and easy good humor, a warm and engaging demeanor—this is Howie Adams. He would not want us to make this essay any kind of solemn testimonial. Instead, he would expect us to raise our glasses, tell another story, have a laugh at ourselves, and get on with the job. First in our yearbooks, first on every roster and drill roll, Howie will ever be first in our memories as a true and devoted husband, father, soldier and friend. —A Classmate

admin