Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

Page 10 text:

DED J[ HE Class of 1955 is honored to be able to dedicate the 1955 BOMB to two outstanding members of the Institute. It is not often that an opportunitv is presented for a cla?s to honor two such worthy men, and we of the ' Class of 1955 are gratified to dedicate the 1955 BOMB to Col. William Couper and Col. Raymond Dixon,

Page 9 text:

Foreword kJ troll through the stately campus of Washington and Lee on a Wednesday or Saturday afternoon or on a Sunday, and the chances are that you will see ahead of you, approaching on the walk, two or three or more youths in the gray-elad uniform of the West Point of the South. Watch closely ... as the VMI cadets pass . . . the chapel that houses the tomh of Robert E. Lee. The talk and laughter cease, the boyish forms straighten with soldierly ereetness, and one and all salute with military precision at the exact moment they pass . . . the tomb. The laughter and careless chatter break out again; the cadets pass on. But there is something about that spectacle that has stirred the blood of the beholder and will not allow him to forget . . . Day or night it is always the same . . no VMI cadet passes . . . save at respectful salute.

Page 11 text:

CATION Every member of the Corps or, for that matter, anyone who has come into contact with Col. Dixon is impressed by his kindliness and sincere interest in them, their studies and their problems. As head of the English Department, he has guided the Liberal Arts into a leading position at . M. I. His affection for the Corps and his deep interest in improving . M. I. have made Col. Dixon a name that is a fitting memorial to his thirty-six years of service. To fill the gap left by his retirement will be the job of time, but his work will alwavs be a foundation on which we can feel secure. In his forty years of association with V. M. I.. Col. Couper has ren- dered valuable services that have increased the prestige of the Institute. In spite of his excellence as Business Administrator, it is as Historiographer that Col. Couper is famous. His complete records on cadets and his One Hundred Years at V . M. I. are monuments to his work and love for the Institute and the Corps. V. M. I. is very fortunate to have such a man. and his retirement marks a deep loss to the Institute.