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<p><em>John Taynton Murchison Jr.</em>, the son of Dr. John T. and Eleanor Murchison, was born in Tarrant County, Texas. From a young age, John (known as “Tim”) was fascinated by war and things military, as he experienced World War II through the activities of his father, who held three Ordnance commands in Texas during World War II.</p>
<p>After completing two years at the University of Texas, where he had enrolled at age 16, Tim received a congressional appointment to the Academy by Representative Wingate Lucas of the 12th District of Texas. As a cadet Tim was highly regarded for his wit, self-deprecating humor, and helpfulness, especially to those having difficulty with writing requirements. He was proud of his Texas heritage, and in off duty hours he was most comfortable reading a book of military history while wearing his Texas boots.</p>
<p>He had many interests and was heavily involved in numerous extracurricular activities from model railroading to debate, for which his quick mind poked holes in the soft parts of opponents’ arguments. Tim was best known as a writer and the managing editor of the Pointer magazine, and cadets looked forward eagerly to his monthly barbs and wry humor. One classmate referred to him as “a shining light of laughter in the gloom period of winter academics.” </p>
<p>He was one of the best read and most articulate members of his class, an attribute that was recognized by the English Department, which marked him for selection as a future instructor at West Point. As an upperclassman Tim showed the quality of caring leadership to subordinate cadets that he later exemplified in combat as an armored cavalry squadron commander.</p>
<p>After graduating from the Academy, Tim was off to the Armor Officer Basic Course and Airborne and Ranger schools. After marrying his first wife, Terry, he served in platoon and XO assignments in A Troop, 1st Battalion, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and similar assignments in 4th Armored Division, Germany. He served as tank company commander and was simultaneously the battalion project officer for the Davy Crockett tactical nuclear system.</p>
<p>Midcareer brought Infantry OCC, an M.A. from Columbia University in literature, and a tour with the USMA English Department from 1965 to 1968. Tim served in Vietnam for 18 months with the “Big Red One,” as XO of the storied 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry (“Quarterhorse”), as the assistant chief of staff of the division, and as commander of the Quarterhorse (1969-70).</p>
<p>After Vietnam, Tim was assigned to the Pentagon for two tours in the Office of the Chief of Staff, Army, first under General Westmoreland, then under General Abrams. Tim became one of General Abrams three speech “inputers”—he wrote his own speeches. While “on loan” to Secretary of the Army Bo Callaway, Tim worked directly with the Secretary to produce his all-volunteer Army speech, key to pushing the concept to reality.</p>
<p>Tim was released by General Abrams to command an elite border outfit in Germany, the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry. Following that assignment, he went back to the Pentagon as Assistant XO to General Alexander Haig, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, as speechwriter, and as a project officer on military reintegration of Portugal into the NATO military structure. During this time Tim married his second wife, Uta-Barbara.</p>
<p>Tim’s senior level staff service led him to a real appreciation of leadership: Westmoreland (steel trap mind), Abrams (genuine greatness—he gave the Army back its soul after Vietnam), and Haig (the Army’s all-time greatest political-military leader). Among other greats, Tim was privileged to serve VCSA General Bruce Palmer and the SGS, OCSA, General William A. Knowlton.</p>
<p>From SHAPE to Army War College (AWC), Tim was selected as a member of the Current Affairs Panel, five students who traveled to universities nationwide speaking on Army and defense issues. He was cited by Commandant General Dewitt Smith as “one of three most outstanding officers” to attend AWC in his long tenure, a treasured citation from a great man. Tim was also selected twice for an Army fellowship.</p>
<p>During the twilight of Tim’s career, he served as chief, Readiness Group Bragg, working on North and South Carolina Reserve unit readiness, and a last assignment as professor of military science at Arizona State University.</p>
<p>Post-retirement, Tim set up and ran the statewide “Alliance for a Drug Free Arizona” on the governor’s staff. Later Tim was recruited by Brigadier General Tom Carpenter (USMC ’58) to run USAA’s New York operation at Highland Falls, NY (1990-93). After relocating to San Antonio, TX, Tim worked for USAA until his retirement in 1999.</p>
<p>During his long career, Tim was awarded many honors, including a Silver Star, Legion of Merit (w/OLC), Bronze Star with “V” device (w/OLC), Bronze Star (w/four OLC’s) and 21 other U.S. and foreign awards for valor and merit. Tim also held a Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and Army General Staff Badge.</p>
<p>After many years of quiet retirement in San Antonio, Tim moved to Seattle to be close to his eldest daughter, Heather, where he lived out his remaining years, never losing his wry and playful sense of humor or his concern for the welfare of others. He is survived by his three siblings: Susan Calhoon, Bill Murchison, and Mary Carolyn Weed; his two daughters, Heather Murchinson and Holly Polgreen; and his two grandchildren, Kian Alden and Mackenzie Polgreen.</p>
<p><em>— Heather Murchison, with contributions from James Pocock ’57 </em></p>
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