Posted by XXXXXX on November 2, 2008:

Duane L. Emerson '48 No. 16503 19 Feb 1924 - 6 Oct 2001 Died in Rochester, MN Interred in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, IA Duane Lee Emerson was born to Ward and Gladys (Wiley) Emerson in Cedar Rapids, IA. His early youth was spent in and around Cedar Rapids, where he graduated in 1942 from Franklin High School. He learned to caddy at the local country club golf course, following in the footsteps of his father, who also had been a caddy in his youth. He entered the military service in 1943 after graduation and attended Arnherst College (United States Military Academy Preparatory Program) prior to entering the Academy in 1944. Here he became known as "Whitey" to his classmates, because his hair was pure white. He did very well academically and was an ardent athlete. Plebe year he was on the track team, but he offered his athletic skills to the intramural teams in the following years. Initially, he was a member of the Class of 1947 on a three-year war time academic track, but when the Academy reverted to a four-year program in 1946, Whitey chose to join the Class of 1948, the first post war four-year class. He was a Cadet Corporal and, subsequently, a Cadet Lieutenant in K-1 Company, attesting to his leadership qualities. One of his favorite tunes was "In Old Coe College," which often was harmonized on the stoops of barracks in the evenings before call to quarters by his fellow Iowans. He was on the Honor Committee and its secretary in his first class year, which reflected the high regard his companymates had for his integrity. Upon graduation, Whitey chose Field Artillery as his branch within the Army, where his academic prowess would compliment his leadership skills. Initially serving in a Field Artillery Battalion in Germany, his next challenge was in academics. He earned a Master of Science degree in physics in 1954 from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, and a Master of Science in mathematics in 1960 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He followed the latter achievement with a tour of duty in the mathematics department at USMA from 1960 to 1963. His was an interesting career, as he had an abundance of assignments that capitalized on his academic achievements, particularly in the Special Weapons field. An International Staff assignment in NATO preceded his Army retirement in 1977, which terminated 29 years of commissioned service, including tours in Korea and Viet Nam. His military service rewarded him with two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. After a brief retirement and a try at marriage, Whitey remained true to his leaning toward things academic by pursuing a second career as a mathematics professor at Luther College, Decorah, IA, 1981-1992. While there, he also served as coach of the women's golf team which allowed him time to pursue his love for the game of golf. Whitey, after a lengthy illness, died on 6 Oct 2001 in St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, MN. He was unmarried at the time of his death and is survived by a nephew and a niece. His parents and his only sibling, William, preceded him in death. He was laid to rest with well deserved full military honors in his beloved Cedar Rapids. Whitey is fondly remembered for his engaging toothy grin, good humor, natural intelligence, and intensity in athletics. Well done, be thou at peace. - A classmate ...This Midwestern gentleman has given his fellow cadets inspiration and guidance through his knowledge and genial nature. - 1948 Howitzer

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