Ralph P. Brown

West Point, 1963

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Brig. Gen. R.M. Ong (Ret) on May 28, 2019:

Memorial Day 2019 is a good time to remember my classmate Maj. Ralph P Brown, USAR (Ret) Everyone in our Class called him "Bear" and for good reason. He was a huge guy, all muscle but with lots of speed and agility. We also found out that underneath that impressive hulk was a fun-loving guy, who never let academics get in the way of his enjoying 4 years at West Point. Bear and I belonged to the same Regiment, and our paths crossed often, in the gym as well as in the classrooms. He was a superb athlete -- but we belonged to different weight categories -- so we never had a chance to test each other's abilities. My good luck to say the least. Bear's outstanding leadership qualities were evident from the very start, and it was no surprise to everyone that he made Cadet Officer in our senior year. We said our goodbyes on Graduation Day and went our separate ways. He served his Army and I served mine. I know that we were stationed in Vietnam at the same time, but somehow our paths never did cross in that war-torn land. And now, my final salute to a close friend, a fine classmate and a good soldier. Well done! Be thou at peace, amigo! Ray Brigadier General Ramon M. Ong (Retired) Armed Forces of the Philippines

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