Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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Distinguished Military Students First Row, Left tu Riyht: I). V. Bi-ckiur, .1. R. Bobbit, W. C. Bryant, (,. M. Burns, S. A. Clement, H. E. Cobl.. B. A. CoiinL-11, Cluncral George R. E. Shell, C. C. Crowder, J. A. Cummings, A. R. Colan, R. Gorbea, Lt. Colonel J. G. Smith Second Roic: J. R. Dunkley, J. M. Eger, T. X. Elliott, R. H, Fravel, H. W. Pacine, L. L. Jackson, W. D. Harris, A. M. Curtis, D. P. DeLuca, J. D. Johnson, C. M. Jordan, G. R. Kaylor Third Row: R. D. Kiser, W. P. Lang, T. W. Sweeney, T. R. Meier, J. A. Vest, R. A. Miller, J. C). Rowell, R. M. Haniner, Y. K. Mizell, A. R. Mangino, E. D. Northrop, H. K. Murray, J. H. B. Peay Fourth Row: S. Samuels, J. A. Smith. J. E. Traynham, W. C. Ward, J. P. Rogan, J. D. Prall, G. S. Mitchell, M. D. Porter, D. M. Popp Each year a number of outstanding cadets are selected from the first class and designated as Distinguished Military Students. This honor is coveted by all cadets enrolled in the ROTC program, but is especially coveted by those desiring Regular Army Commissions. Rigorous standards have been established by the Department of the Army for those who hope to qualify for this honor, and the Military Science Department carefully adheres to these standards in making its selections. During the second semester of their second class year, all cadets enrolled in the ROTC program are considered for placement on a tentative listing of Distinguished Military Students. These men are chosen on the basis of their academic standing, their lilitary Science grades, their display of leadership within the Corps of Cadets, their extracurricular activities, and their overall record at ' II. Xo phase of cadet life is overlooked in the selection of these men. After this initial selection of tentative Distinguished Military Students, the list is further narrowed by analyzing each cadet ' s record of conduct and standing at summer camp. When this final selection is completed, the remaining cadets are designated as Distingui. ' ihed Military Studetits. A group of select Air Force ROTC students is also picked each year and designated as Distinguished Air Students. The general qualifications for this selection are much the same as those established by the Depart- ment of the Army. Basically, designated students must display leadersliip ability and have a good record in all phases of cadet life. lore specifically, there are three major qualifications. The cadet must be in the upper .50% of his academic class, he must be in the upper third of his Air Science class, and he must have been rated in the upper third of his summer camp unit. There are several other highly competitive awards open to cadets enrolled in the ROTC programs. The Superior Cadet Award is designated to one cadet in each of the academic classes. A board of officers recom- mends the most qualified cadet to the Professor of Military Science, who, if in agreement, approves the recommenda- tion. These recommendations are based upon the cadet ' s Military Science and academic grades, his potentiality as a leader, his extracurricular activities, and his overall ])otential as an officer. The Association of the Cnited States Army Award is designated to the top two Army ROTC students in the first class. These cadets must be in the top 10% of their ROTC class and the top ' 25% of their academic class. They are also evaluated according to their leader- .ship potential, their conduct and discipline records, and their records at summer camp. The last set of awards available to outstanding cadets enrolled in the ROTC program are the Reserve Officer Association Awards which are designated to one cadet in the first, second, and third class. These awards are based upon the cadet ' s military and academic proficiency, his leadership ability, and his moral character. These various awards are highly sought after as they are the mark of a well-rounded individual of high personal standards. As such, they serve to inspire the Corps of Cadets to greater excellence in the field of Military Science.

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- », J ■ I ' J. f i -• f ' Seated, Left to Right: J. D. Aiitlioiiy, S. E. Heniiing, L. B. Wilson, S. A. Clement, R. H. Bookliarnmer, E. Carbtn Standing: R. E. Campbell, J. M. Robertson, M. O. Fox, J. B. Trice, R. R. Evans, J. A. Smith, B. G. Selling, C. M. Jordan Figure memories, and serves as a symbol of the Class that created it. Josten ' s of Minnesota, was the company selected to make the Class of ' 65 ' s ring, due to its highly -regarded reputation, fine business standing, and demonstrated ability to make quality rings. The dominant figure on both sides of the ' 6 ' 2 ring, is a fighting eagle clutching the United States flag and the flag of the Confederacy. The Class side honors General George C. larshall with five stars and the inscription Citizen-Soldier. The VSII monogram is displayed in a pentagon supported by laurel. Credit should be given to C. J. Inteso and Gary Kaylor, who inaugurated what the Class of 196 ' 2 hopes will become a lasting part of the Ring Figure. Working in conjunction with the VMI Founda- tion, they made it possible for some of their Brother Rats to obtain loans which enabled them to go through the Figure. Without their hard work and late hours it would have been impossible for the Class of loe ' -i to have the largest percentage of participants of any class to go through the Figure. Vest, Robertson, and Gustin celebrate during a break at the Roanoke Hotel 25th, the Class of IdGi moved onto the floor of Cock 9-1 Hall to receive their Rings and the famed ' •$ ' ■200 kiss from the young ladies who accompanied them. Behind the scenesin thistraditionalceremony were Ed Carlsen, heading the Figure Committee, and Jim Trice, who devoted many long hours to the planning of the actual Figure. The elegance of the Figure was due to the patient counseling of Mrs. Knox, the charming wife of an Institute professor. The Class of 1962 dedicated its Ring to George Catlett Marshall. a VMI graduate, who later became Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense under the Truman administration. In dedicating the ring to General of the Army Marshall, the Class set for itself a difficult challenge of courage, character, integrity, and devotion to duty. . ccepting the Class Ring was the First Lady of 1962, Katherine Tupi)er Marshall, the widow of General [Marshall. . fter the Figure dance, everyone went to the Pine Room Party, which for the Class of 1962 was not a small affair. Still, Saturday morning found everyone in class, eagerly searching for knowledge. Having no classes on Saturday afternoon, most of 62 took time out to rest up for the dance to be held that night, a dance which would he followed by another early morning party. Finally Sunday arrived, and brought with it the end of 1962 s Ring Figure, an experi- ence which each member of the Class will remember for a lifetime. To all who wear it, the Ring represents the Institute with all its Cadet . utliouy presenting the ls 6 Clais Ring to Mrs. George C. Marsiall

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Jn m mnmm Wyatt Respess was a quiet, unassuming young man who came to SII from his home in Newport News. He took great pride in doing his work quickl ■ and efficiently. Whenever Wyatt was called on to perform some duty, whether for the Cadei Staff, his company E, or for a roommate in a tight spot, he got the job done, right, and on time. Wyatt was a big-hearted, self-denying, warm sort of individual that everyone took pleasure in associating with. He was never too busy to help a fellow engineer, nor was he ever so self-concerned that he coiddn ' t take a few demerits for a wayward roommate. It is hard for many of us, the Brother Rats of 1962, to comprehend the loss of a friend and a companion who was so dear to us. Wyatt ' s untimely death was a great shock to his classmates and friends. His loss will never be replaced in the minds and hearts of those close to him.