William Childs Westmoreland

West Point, 1936

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by dan christman, '65 on August 5, 2005:

MEMORIES OF WESTY Our '65 classmates? stories about General Westmoreland brought back poignant memories. For me, one stands out - - my very last encounter with Westy, in the spring of 1999. I cherished the session, in great part for the insights it provided about the leadership style exhibited by ?our Supe.? Susan and I made it a point to invite back all the former Superintendents to Quarters 100 while we were privileged to live in that historic home. Both of us felt that Quarters 100 belonged to the Academy and to history ? certainly not to its ?temporary occupants.? Returning Superintendents and their spouses taught us so much about leadership and the rich tapestry that is West Point?s history. Westy and Kitsy came twice, and their last visit was certainly the most memorable. After hosting them for cocktails at Quarters 100 that spring, Susan and I drove together with Kitsy and Westy to a restaurant across the river from the Academy. In 1999, General Westmoreland was declining a bit in health, but he maintained the same graceful stature, the same military bearing, the same love of the Academy and cadets that were reflected in the collected notes. Kitsy, of course, as ever, was a wonderful conversationalist and dinner companiuon. Naturally, throughout the evening, conversation centered on Westy?s experiences as a cadet and as Superintendent. Towards the end of the supper, he told a story about the spring of his senior year, when he was First Captain, Class of 1936. He explained that he very much wanted to invite General of the Armies John J. Pershing to be the graduation speaker during June Week. He decided to approach the Superintendent and make the request formally, on behalf of the class, during an office call with the Supe. As Westy recalled it, he entered the Supe?s office, and while standing at attention, outlined the desire of his class. The Superintendent appeared absolutely impassive, giving Westy no nod of encouragement; indeed, as General Westmoreland relayed the story, he said the Supe appeared cold and indifferent to his request. He knew for certain that nothing would come of the ask. But several weeks later, Westy heard the announcement from the USMA Public Affairs Office that the graduation speaker for June Week would be none other than General Pershing! As Westy told me the story, I could see this wry grin spread across his face. It was a grin that said simply, ?I knew I influenced the outcome, even though the Supe never gave me the courtesy of acknowledging the request.? It was also clear he was not fond of the indifference to his request that was exhibited by the Supe. Somehow, I thought that Westy?s obvious love of cadets and the exuberance which he showed to everyone - - his recollection of names, his presence at all of our events, his leadership ?from the front? - - emerged from experiences like this. Each of us forms his own leadership style based on assessments of what works and what won?t work, beginning by looking at others. There was more than a small chance that Westy said, in the spring of 1936, ?IF . . . IF, I am ever fortunate enough return to my alma mater as Supe, I will learn from this experience. Commanders lead by inspiring trust and confidence. That?s not what I saw here.? But leadership, trust, and confidence were what we saw in General Westmoreland. For that, we shall always remember him. Dan Christman LTG (Ret) 55th Superintendent, USMA

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