Posted by BGen Ramon M. Ong (Ret) on August 15, 2005:

Steve and I entered West Point together and found ourselves in the same Beast Barracks Company. At the start of the Fall Season, we joined the Army Swimming Team together as breaststroke swimmers. He was a great athlete and set many Academy records. I was no match for him and so I became the Team Manager who posted all swimming records (including his) on the Gymnasium wall. When Steve wasn't swimming, he was an avid fisherman who cut short his sleeping hours so he could go fishing at dawn along the shores of Lusk Reservoir. I never joined in that hobby because he scared me off with this warning, "To catch a fish, you must first be smarter than the fish." June 5, 1963 was our Graduation Day and also my wedding day and Steve was one of my ushers who "crossed sabers" at the West Point Chapel. That was the last time I saw him because I returned to the Philippines to serve in my Army while Steve served in his. In 1966, we were both sent to Vietnam almost at the same time, but our paths never did cross. I learned about his untimely death only several years later. Goodbye Steve, I know you would have become a great career officer if you had lived longer. I shall always remember your competitive spirit, your infectious smile, your deep Mormon faith and most of all, your golden head bobbing in and out of the swimming pool, always many, many yards ahead of me. And now, my final salute to a great officer and friend! Brigadier General Ramon M. Ong (Retired) Armed Forces of the Philippines

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