Posted by XXXXXX on May 18, 2008:

Joseph Philip Seymoe NO. 16741 CLASS OF 1948 Died 21 January 1968 in Vietnam, aged 41 years. IN REFLECTING UPON THE CHARACTER of the man in whose memory this obituary is dedicated, I was drawn back again and again to the words of another great soldier, General Douglas MacArthur, when he was making his farewell address to the Corps of Cadets at West Point after receiving that institution's highest award. The General slowly articulated the motto of the Military Academy, DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY, and said: "These three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn." While these words have deep significance for us all, I think they particularly exemplify the life and character of our departed friend and compatriot, Joe Seymoe. Joe's desire to serve his country in the ranks of the military was rooted deep in his early childhood. Those who knew him during his formative years have recalled how often he spoke of a military career and how intensely he yearned to serve with honor and distinction. The twenty years that have elapsed since our graduation from West Point have shown the sincerity and intensity of this determination. For in these years Joe carved out a wide, varied, and distinguished career that not only is the envy of us all, but also deserves our most dedicated emulation. His valorous service during the Korean war, marked by the unusual distinction of serving both as a combat fighter pilot with the USAF (having 100 missions to his credit) and as combat infantry commander, leading a company of over 200 m e n in the rigors of war; his inspirational leadership in the ROTC program at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia (at which station he met Bunny); his calm and patient efforts to mold boys into inspired men while serving as an Army representative at the United States Air Force Academy; his outstanding performance while in the Alaskan Command which still stands as an example for those who have followed; his mature and professional judgments in handling the military affairs of our nation while serving in Washington; and the final full measure of his service as attested to by his gallant actions in Vietnam, in the last of which he repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire in a series of heroic efforts to relieve a beleaguered outpost of comrades — all stand as tribute to and proof of his dedication to the goals he sought to achieve and, in fact, did achieve. While Joe was a true son of West Point who reflected all the great and noble truths and principles that were instilled in us there, his nobility of character was also exemplified by his undeviating loyalty to his family. He was, indeed, a devoted husband, a tender and affectionate father, and an appreciative son. No matter how demanding the duties of his profession, the comfort and welfare of his family were always of deep concern to him. The tenderness and affection displayed toward his family were reflected also in his dealings with others. His God-given ability to get along with people, his compassion for the less fortunate, and his charitableness towards human frailties will always be remembered. Yet, along with this gift for friendliness was a strength of character that refused to compromise where matters of honor, integrity, and moral principles were concerned. As a leader, Joe was able to obtain the best results and inspire the best efforts of all those responsible to him, by reason of his own personal example, his understanding of their problems, and his patient guidance and help when needed. Understanding and taking pride in the fact that his tragic and untimely departure was accompanied and marked by courage, dedication, and self-sacrifice is perhaps the most moving tribute we can pay him. I reminisce again to other words of General MacArthur in his farewell remarks at West Point: "The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training — sacrifice. In battle and in the face of danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes which his Maker gave when He created man in His own image. No physical courage and no brute instinct can take the place of the Divine help, which alone can sustain him. However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his country is the noblest development in mankind." We have known many soldiers, but none more noble than Joe. We, who are graduates of West Point, take special significance from his example, for none has more truly manifested in his life the principles embodied in our Alma Mater's motto: DUTY, HONOR, AND COUNTRY. It is difficult, indeed, to say good-bye to Joe Seymoe. But we are comforted in knowing that our Good Lord will bless and keep him until we shall meet again.

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