Posted by BGen RM Ong (Ret) on May 23, 2010:

Dick Eckert was my classmate at West Point, but I never met him until the first day of our Yearling (sophomore) year in Camp Buckner. We found ourselves in the same Platoon and he had been designated as the Platoon Sergeant -- the #2 man in our Platoon, outranked only by the Platoon Leader, who was a Firstie (senior) and a member of the graduating class. All of us in the Platoon soon learned that Dick was the best choice among us for that top position of responsibility -- a sort of "primus inter pares (first among equals)". Dick�s performance soon showed his traits as a born leader. He set the example and made sure we followed his high standards in every aspect of our summer training, from barracks cleanliness to mission accomplishment. Ever cheerful, he had a friendly smile for everyone and a helping hand to those who needed it. Dick had the physical and mental tools to get the job done, and he used them well. I remember an incident when I had guard duty one weekend -- and my date (read: future wife) was visiting me that same weekend. The only way to "escape" from guard duty was to be the adjudged the sharpest-looking soldier at Inspection (Guard Mounting). Dick knew of my problem and decided to help me become that best soldier. He called on the other members of the platoon to help out and they all pitched in, from cleaning every piece of equipment, to preparing a spotless rifle (I took care of the spit-shined boots). Dick personally helped me put on a sharp-creased but wrinkle-free uniform, and he looked satisfied when I walked out of the barracks to join the Guard Mount Inspection. I returned to the barracks with a huge smile on my face -- and the whole Platoon cheered their victorious project! We parted ways after Yearling Summer. I became just a plain, Mr. Average Cadet while Dick went on to greater heights of achievement. I also remember watching a football game at Michie Stadium and saw Dick for the first time in a football uniform. "Hey, that�s my Platoon Sergeant!" was my first thought. Then Dick caught the ball after kick-off and returned it almost untouched for a touchdown! I knew then that my ex-Platoon Sergeant was someone really special. I did not know much about football at that time, but I learned more as the years went by and I was elated when the Football Coach announced that Dick was his choice as the Quarterback of the Army Team. At the start of our Senior Year, perhaps I was a bit surprised as anyone else, to learn that Dick had been selected as First Captain of the Corps of Cadets -- but I knew full well that Dick could handle the job. And as the days went by, we learned that the Superintendent, the Commandant and the rest of the Tactical Department had made no mistake in carefully choosing Dick Eckert for that awesome task. I was one of the few classmates who had a close-in view of Cadet Eckert in his daily routine -- I lived in the 4th floor of the same barracks (the famous 8-1/2 Division) occupied by the First Captain and his Brigade Staff -- and I would meet them in the hallways quite often. Dick always found time for a smile and/or an occasional chat with me. Dick and I parted ways on Graduation Day and our paths never crossed again. He served in his country�s Army and I served in mine. Both of us saw service in Vietnam but we never had a chance to meet each other. I learned almost 20 years later that Dick had transferred to the Medical Corps soon after Vietnam. These are my final memories of an old barracks-mate, a Platoon Sergeant who became a First Captain. And now, here is my final salute to an officer and a gentleman. Well done, amigo -- be thou at peace! Brigadier General Ramon M. Ong (Retired) Armed Forces of the Philippines USMA 1963

admin