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<p>On July 1, 1963, 100 years after the start of the Battle of Gettysburg, <em>Bobby Gaither Whaley</em> walked through the sally port at the United States Military Academy at West Point as a new cadet in the “unsurpassed” Class of 1967. On June 7, 1967, Bobby was one of two African American cadets to graduate in his class. He was then commissioned as a proud second lieutenant of Infantry.</p>
<p>Bobby had a tremendous sense of humor. After graduation, fellow F-3 classmate Darrell Mooney introduced Bobby to his father. Bobby smiled and said: “Pleased to meet you, Sir. I bring a little color to this class!” Mr. Mooney and Bobby both burst out laughing. From that moment on, Mr. Mooney said that Bobby was his favorite cadet.</p>
<p>Bobby passed away on January 27, 2025 at the Arizona State Veterans Home in Phoenix. Bobby was born in Vulcan, WV to Cole B. and Rose Whaley. He graduated from Williamson High School in 1959 and from the United States Army Prep School in 1963, just prior to starting West Point, where he excelled in both football and boxing. After graduating from West Point, Bobby served as an Infantry officer in the United States Army for six years, achieving the rank of captain. The service medals awarded to Bobby include the Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. </p>
<p>Bobby met his beloved wife, Gaynell Belcher, in Williamson, WV. They were married at the Cadet Chapel at West Point on June 7, 1967. Bobby and Gaynell went on to have two sons: Bobby Gaither Whaley II (wife Lila, son Jordyn, daughters Soraya and Rose); and Douglass Gregory Whaley (wife Stephanie, daughter Mila and son Jack). </p>
<p>A military burial service was held for Bobby at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix on February 18, 2025. Bobby’s grave marker reads: “Bobby G. Whaley, Captain, US Army, Vietnam, Aug 17 1941-Jan 27, 2025, Bronze Star Medal, Loved Family, God & USA.”</p>
<p>Bill Freccia reminisces: “From our first day at West Point, Bobby and I were in the same cadet companies all four years; including being roommates during our plebe year. And I held a saber at Gaynell and Bobby’s wedding on graduation day. Since my family lived close by in Brooklyn, my mother, father, and younger brother would drive up to West Point every weekend with enough food to feed an Army, including Bobby. They loved Bobby. He was like a son to my parents and like another brother to Richard and me.”</p>
<p>Shortly after Bobby left us, former Army football player Colonel Gary Steele ’70 (Retired) wrote: “I am so sad to hear of Bobby’s passing. As you know, he has always been a part of my story concerning West Point. He was there with encouragement, and a smile, as I struggled through my first years there.”</p>
<p>Classmate Colonel Glynn “Ranger” Hale (Retired) reflects: “Bobby was defined by his character, sense of humor, and toughness. Bobby and I were at prep school together, where we played flag football, basketball and lacrosse. But my favorite story, recollection, and insight into Bobby was at Ranger School. The hand-to-hand training concluded with a big free-for-all in the pit, which ended up with the two of us remaining. Even though we were both exhausted, Bobby’s compact body and strength gave him the advantage. Ever try wrestling with a bowling ball? We danced around, grunting and groaning for about five minutes before the head instructor declared us ‘co-Kings of the Pit.’ I have always thought that Bobby could have won but also realized he didn’t need to dominate me because we were comrades.”</p>
<p>General Paul Kern (Retired) endearingly adds: “I recall a few things: Bobby teaching the cadre some new cadence songs during Beast, which startled some of them; at one point rooming with Bobby and Mike Kempf, two of the oldest in our class; and I assume that they made me room with Bobby to help him with swimming—which I failed at miserably, as he never passed it until we were firsties. A great guy who taught us all a lot about growing up in America.”</p>
<p>Classmate and football teammate Major General Mark Hamilton (Retired) reports: “Bobby was so skilled in boxing that he had to ‘cut a deal’ with the PE Department that he would allow the brigade open championship fight in his weight division to go into the third round. Bobby did just that and then ended the event after the third round began—by referee stoppage.”</p>
<p>In conclusion, let us take a moment to remember Bobby, who will be forever in our hearts. Bobby’s work on earth is done. He has been welcomed by his classmates in the Long Gray Line who have passed before him. He played in his last football game; raised his arms in victory after his last boxing match; fought his last battle as a soldier; built his last house; and completed his last task. He did all this out of the goodness of his heart for his classmates, his family, his friends, his community and his country. Bobby’s friendship and encouragement were a source of energy to all of us when we needed some. Let us all salute him now. Very Well Done, Bobby! Be Thou at Peace.</p>
<p><em>— William F. Freccia, DDS, Classmate</em></p>
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