Posted by Marlin E. Schmidt, LTC USA (Ret) on May 11, 2010:

CPT Dick Bauchspies was my sponsor and company commander in my first assignment as a 2LT in Neu Ulm, Germany. I first met him in Feb 1963, late on a cold and snowy night at the Bonhoff, where he had made a 2d trip to pick me up, since I had debarked at the wrong station. He took me to his home where Barbara welcomed me, fed me and made me feel as one of the family. The next morning, Dick inspected me to ensure that I represented well the class of '62 to the Battalion Commander. Dick was the best mentor that an immature, green LT could have. I know that I made made many mistakes, but his kind counsel pulled me through and I survived until I could stand on my own for a full Army career. Many times after a tough day, he would take me home for Barbara to add me to the dinner table. He also took me on some wild flights to introduce me to Army aviation, but I never cared for it much. Several years later, returning to Ft Benning from a Special Forces assignment in Vietnam, I discovered that he was stationed there. Upon making a courtesy call, he generously insisted that my wife, baby & I move in with them until quarters for us were available. That turned out to be a month, so we judiciously gave them a break by taking a week's vacation to Florida. None the less, they were sincerely happy when we returned with tales of our travels. I regret that after Ft. Benning we lost contact. I am sure Dick & Barbara would have inspired us further. My greatest hope now is that I will have a grandchild at West Point to whom I can donate my ring for the meltdown, just as he did.

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