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<p><em>Stephen Michael Herman</em> was born on February 14, 1943 in Brooklyn, NY to Rose and Alexander Herman. His parents were hard working Jewish immigrants from Poland who endowed Steve with a strong sense of purpose and responsibility. Growing up in Brooklyn also gave him a subtle New York swagger and demeanor that was both down to earth and worldly. Early in his life he demonstrated intellect, leadership, and other skills that would be his trademark.</p>
<p>He graduated from high school at age 16, receiving an award as honor graduate in biological studies. Steve also excelled in the Boy Scouts, becoming an Eagle Scout and being recognized as a Silver Award Explorer. He then entered Brooklyn College while still 16. However, that never suited him well, so he left and later enlisted in the Army in 1962. Following basic training at Fort Dix, NJ and additional training in New Mexico, he was assigned to Germany, where he was seen as a superb soldier. Seeking more responsibility and advancement, he applied for admission to West Point. After attending the West Point Preparatory School, he received his appointment to enter the Academy in July 1964.</p>
<p>“Herms,” as he was known by fellow soldiers (and soon by his cadet classmates), arrived at West Point with confidence and experience most of his classmates only wished for. Even as a plebe, he was viewed by classmates as an older, more mature individual with wisdom and experience. Throughout his four years, Herms excelled at West Point. On the dean’s list for eight consecutive semesters, he graduated 77th out of 706 in the graduating class. In athletics, classmates remembered him as a skilled and feared boxer in PT class, probably in part due to his Brooklyn days and for the way he studied both the fundamentals of boxing and his opponents. He was also on the Company B-2 soccer team that won the regimental intramural championship. His activities also involved Jewish Choir and the Pointer magazine staff. Probably most important to Steve was being elected by his classmates to be the Company B-2 honor representative on the Honor Committee. He was heard to comment that the Honor Code was something to him that was almost sacred. He served as a battalion commander as a First Classman. Steve also had a humorous side that was reflected in his New York City way of expressing things. He let the petty aspects of cadet life roll off and just pressed forward. The way he persevered and encouraged others was seen by many. As his yearbook entry in 1968 said, “With the Herms by your side, that backpack doesn’t seem as heavy anymore.”</p>
<p>Steve selected Armor as his branch and attended Ranger School, the Armor Officer Basic Course, and Airborne School, where he continued to impress superiors and motivate peers. He then served in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and then in Vietnam with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in multiple jobs. Wounded in a mine explosion, he spent a month hospitalized before returning to lead his tank platoon. The doctors were amazed at his recovery. They didn’t know his tough perseverance. Following Vietnam, Steve had a series of assignments, including command of a tank company and as a brigade operations officer. He married Carole Charney in 1972, and the next passing years saw the birth of two daughters, various postings, a branch transfer to the Medical Corps, and being a distinguished graduate of the University of Kentucky Medical College. He then served as an Army physician, including an assignment as chief of medicine at Fort Stewart, GA. Retiring in 1986 as a lieutenant colonel, Steve remained in Savannah, GA to raise his family and care for patients. He was loved by the community, which was evident to those classmates invited to attend one of his daughter’s wedding. The respect and appreciation of his caring and professional service was widely acclaimed by attendees. In true B-2 fashion, Herms even had a special company table for classmates at the reception. </p>
<p>After more than three decades of marriage, he lost Carole following a long illness but continued to care for family and patients with the same devotion. Never one to let Gloom Period at West Point trample his spirits, he persevered again. In 2012 he married Geraldine Lawson and together they continued to enjoy a family that had grown by two sons-in-law and five grandchildren. </p>
<p>Steve’s life ended as he had lived it, active and caring to the end, seeing patients his last two weeks on earth. His illness was fortunately short, and he passed on February 25, 2025. Family, friends, associates, and his classmates will miss him dearly, but they will never forget Herms. </p>
<p><em>— Classmates and Family</em></p>
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