Posted by William H Patterson on November 1, 2025:

I was reviewing the Fall 2025 West Point magazine and noticed the announcement of the passing of Bruce Laswell, '69. A little spark of remembrance struck me. Captain Laswell was my "P" (professor) in Solid Mechanics during the second half of my yearling year at West Point, probably early in 1974. I had many other P's during my four years there, but only a very few really stand out in my memory. Captain Laswell was one of those. My class section was composed of people who weren't exactly brilliant in either "solids" or "thermo", but were getting by. Laswell was extremely patient with each of us, showed us several important "secret tricks" to use in solving solids equations, and was what we would today call a "real mensch". He also displayed a terrific sense of humor, related so well to what we were all going through as cadets, and literally went out of his way to help us along. He let slip once that he had been in company H-2 during his cadet years; a group that in 1974 was still noted for their high-energy and wise-cracking. He was also one of the very few instructors I knew of who could take a little ribbing from his students and who thoroughly enjoyed the give and take. I actually used to look forward to Solids during the several months I was in Captain Laswell's section. I sincerely grieve along with Bruce's family at his passing. He was a gifted and unique officer and instructor who will be sorely missed.

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