James Alfred Gaiser

West Point, 1968

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Mark Hubbard on January 24, 2013:

I only know about Jim Gaiser from speaking to his sister, Carol St. George and from what I found about him on the internet. I learned that Jim was beloved by his men and was willing to do whatever was needed to share the burden of those soldiers he was in charge of. He really cared about his troops and displayed this in the little things he did to make their lives as comfortable as possible. For example, you could find him climbing onto the water tower to light the diesel fuel so that the men could have a warm shower. Several days prior to November 7, 1969, as a FDC officer, Jim led a forward raid party consisting of one 175mm gun, a contingent of FDC personnel and an ammunition supply unit to a newly established but temporary firebase near the Cambodian border to cover infantry movements in that area of operation. During the early morning hours of November 7, Jim's firebase came under intense enemy rocket and mortar fire. While directing the defensive strategy of the perimeter forces, a mortar round landed near his position and Jim was killed. It's stories of soldiers like Jim that make me proud to have served in the military. May the memory of his life, service and sacrifice never be forgotten. God Bless Jim Gaiser! Mark T. Hubbard USNA '76

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