Posted by XXXXXX on May 18, 2008:

Gerald William Medsger NO. 16477 CLASS OF 1948 Died 18 September 1978 in Red Bank, New Jersey, aged 51 years Interment: West Point Cemetery, West Point, New York GERALD WILLIAM MEDSGER was expected at West Point on Monday, the 18th of September to plan the United States Military Academy Preparatory School's annual fall visit, and discuss admissions policy for aspiring cadets. He was a familiar sight at the Academy because he devoted so much of his life to prepsters, cadets, graduates, and the institution he loved. There could be no stronger supporter of the Academy and its ideals than was Jerry Medsger. Jerry had to pay his expenses to attend the first six weeks of "Beast Barracks" during the summer of 1944 — he was only 16 and could not be sworn in until he reached age 17 on 18 August — and his classmates never let him forget! He entered the Military Academy from Los Angeles, California, where he grew up, the son of Gerald E. and Evelyn Medsger. It was not the first time his young age had placed him in an unusual position. He graduated from high school at age 15 and had to wait a year before he could take the United States Military Academy entrance exams. That year was passed by taking a teaching job, his first, instructing mathematics and English at San Marino Prep School in California. Jerry was a "hive" in every sense of the word—he graduated sixth in his class — in spite of walking the area, sacking, and dragging. He was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers. Margery Bufano and Jerry were married in the Cadet Chapel on 9 June 1948, and they began service life together at Fort Riley, Kansas. Subsequently came attendance at The Engineer School and assignment to Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany, as airport engineer. He also taught mathematics and physics at the Education Center there, and Margery Susan was born in 1951. Jerry returned to The Engineer School, 1952-1953, where he served as a senior instructor in leadership with the Staff and Faculty. Company command came with jump wings from Fort Benning and assignment to the 307th Airborne Battalion, Fort Bragg, in 1953, and there son William Ronald was born in 1954. After the Engineer Advance Course, a "kingdom of isolated eskimos," as Jerry called it, awaited. He was assigned to Spotted Isle, Labrador, where he supervised construction of a coastal radar intercept station as the Resident Engineer. Jerry's love for academics continued through all his assignments. He obtained two Master of Science degrees, one in Civil Engineering from California Institute of Technology, and another from New York University — and earned numerous extra hours as he found time. He became a registered professional engineer, and an expert in operations research and computer technology. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and firmly believed you could and should learn from your job, and from everyone with whom you worked or came into contact, your experiences, and personal pleasure. He learned from everything he did! It is not surprising that he gravitated toward teaching jobs and assignments, interrupted only because he was also a good soldier and engineer. He returned to teaching as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Missouri in 1957-1959. After another tour in Germany with the 24th Engineer Battalion, his last assignment outside the academic community came with return to Fort Bragg and assignment as Chief of the Electronics Branch, Airborne, Electronics and Special Warfare Board, from 1963 through 1965. Jerry returned to West Point where he completed his service career doing what he loved best — teaching and working with students. He taught in the Department of Mathematics as an instructor, assistant professor, and finally, associate professor and executive officer. With his keen intelligence, he not only handled teaching in a top-flight manner, but also pursued further graduate study. He also spent time with his family, and worked with the Boy Scouts for nine years, seven of which he served as Committee Chairman. In 1969, Jerry became the Director of Institutional Research for the United States Military Academy, where he made significant contributions to the Academy. He was perfect for the job with his unique Army experience and educational background. He provided the Superintendent, Dean, and Academic Board with numerous papers, studies, and statistical analyses, and gave advice and technical assistance on all research matters. His constructive recommendations provided lasting benefit to the Academy. In addition, he authored fourteen professional publications and was active in fourteen professional societies, to include serving a term as director of the Military Operations Research Society. His many accomplishments led him to listings in Who's Who in the East; Who's Who in Engineering; and American Men and Women in Science. Jerry was a very proud father when Willy entered with the Class of 1976. After ten years with the United States Military Academy Staff and Faculty, he retired in 1975 with the rank of colonel, and became the Dean of Academics of the USMA Preparatory School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. As always, Jerry loved his job since he was working with academics and students. He enjoyed the challenge and worked with his usual diligence to make the school — and the students — better. Although Jerry was sometimes misunderstood by others because of his diciplined, hard-nosed nature, he really cared about people and his students — and he gave everything he had to them. After his death, it was discovered that he had been privately paying the educational expenses for a former Prep School student who showed promise but was not able to improve enough academically to enter the Academy. Only a few close associates and friends knew that Jerry suffered unbearably with Crohn's disease, and that its effects had limited his military career and influenced his retirement. He would not allow his medical condition to affect his job. A former student of Jerry's, who is now a cadet, wrote to Margery: "It is with great sorrow that I write to you this evening. I have just heard of the Colonel's passing and wanted to express my heartfelt condolences. The Dean was a great man; not in the sense of flamboyant heroes, but great in that he devoted his life to the service of others. His concern for my classmates and me helped us along the route to success at West Point and in later service to the nation. Do not grieve his passing, for his spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of his men." — Davis '58

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