Posted by Ronald L. Salvador '54 on June 19, 2010:

Eulogy for MG Daniel A. Raymond As a young Artillery Lieutenant in 1957, I was assigned by the 7th Infantry Division G-1 to fill one of many vacancies in the 13th Combat Engineer Battalion caused by a shortage of junior-grade Engineer officers. I was laboring as an Electrical Officer responsible for supervision of the new central power plant in the Division area when the new Battalion Commander, LTC Dan Raymond, arrived from Fort Leavenworth. I immediately was impressed by his low-key, persuasive approach to leadership and his ability to issue mission orders without detailing how to accomplish those missions. He also seemed easily amused as, on evenings when it appeared the fledgling power plant would experience an overload, I was required to contact senior commanders in certain division areas to inform them they would be without central power for the night. He would sit at a table in our officers club listening to my conversations with a knowing smirk on his face, especially when the conversation with the senior commanders grew lengthy and he knew I was being raked over the coals verbally from the other end of the phone line. Little did I know then, or for years later, that Dan Raymond was letting me learn about tact, diplomacy and fortitude in dealing with senior officers. Also, I did not find out until later how proud he was of the manner in which I responded. Several months later, I was extremely shocked, but gratified, when he selected me, an Artilleryman, to command one of his line companies, a task which I savored and accomplished successfully for eight months. During that period, he never told me how to do the job. In fact, I felt that he continued to test me by giving my command some of the toughest jobs the battalion was assigned. I never have forgotten the trust and confidence he had placed in me to do the tasks he directed. In 1968, in a MACV BOQ dining room, I had the good fortune to see General Raymond again when he was Construction Chief for SE Asia. We laughingly reminisced at length and caught up on interim years. We lost touch as years passed, we both retired, and we went on with our lives. However, I could never forget the tremendous influence this wise man had on my life. He had been for me a mentor, a role model in leadership, command, and character, and I realized that I had attempted to emulate him throughout my active duty career and in retirement where leader techniques were different. Fortunately, a few years ago, I initiated an exchange of correspondence with the Old Man in which I revealed to him all of those things he had been and meant to me. He, in return, remembered the solid relationship we shared during his command. A great soldier, a consummate leader, a mentor to all, a great friend, and the most outstanding commander I experienced in all of my 25 years service -- this was the Dan Raymond I knew and admired. Be Thou at Peace, General. You did well for more of us than you were aware, and we all thank you.

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