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<em>Allen Ross Culpepper</em> was born in Alabama, the first son of Steve C. and Marjorie Stephens Culpepper.</p>
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He entered school in Chattanooga, TN, and, in 1954, moved to Minden, LA, where his multiple talents as a student and a leader blossomed. Participating in advanced courses throughout high school, Allen distinguished himself as an orator and poet. He won an American Legion sponsored oratory contest and, as a freshman, was published in the Anthology of High School Poetry. As president ofhis high school student council, he was selected to Pelican Boys State in 1962 just before receiving an appointment to West Point from Congressman Joe Waggoner of Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District.</p>
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Whether roaming the halls of A-1 in search of a lively debate or trying to convince his Yankee roommate that a Boston accent was indeed an affront to American culture, the “Panther” brought vitality and humor to cadet life. Perhaps one ofhis more notable accomplishments in challenging the austere formality of cadet life preferred by the Tactical Department was to help coordinate those still unresolved nocturnal raids conducted by the notorious “Phantom” who prowled the corridors of A-1 after dark.</p>
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The reward of not getting caught was a point of pride among the anonymous culprits as they approached graduation unscathed by the men in tan and green.</p>
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Pretending to show little interest in academics, Allen entered the fray in Thayer Hall with a determination and coolness that bewildered his less able classmates. More often than not, he would emerge victorious, too, piling up more tenths than needed and moving on to fight another day. Not overly enthusiastic about mixing it up on the fields of friendly strife, especially in sports of the “head knocking” kind, Panther was nonetheless a staunch supporter of the Army Team. His grit and competitive spirit were evident in intramurals, however, and these qualities of leadership would be noted again when they mattered most on other fields, on other days to come.</p>
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In 1964, Allen met Nancy Webster on a blind date arranged by a classmate whose cousin was in the nursing program at the University of Buffalo. Allen and Nancy sensed the potential in this relationship, so Nancy quickly mastered the complicated travel arrangements required to make weekend visits to West Point from Buffalo. Succeeding as often as she did confirmed Nancy’s interest in Allen, and clearing the weekend calendar for Nancy confirmed Allen’s intentions as well. Three days after graduation on 8 June, Allen married Nancy in a joy-filled ceremony attended by classmates and friends in Nancy’s hometown of Allegany, NY. That summer of 1966 was the happiest of Allen’s life as he and Nancy planned for their future together.</p>
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After conquering the challenges of Ranger School, Allen, along with Nancy, was off to Germany and duty with the 1-28 Artillery. Their daughter Rebecca was born during this time, and she added both promise and joy to the life that lay before them.</p>
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In September 1968, Allen departed for Viet Nam. Meeting another former roommate from A-1 at Travis Air Force Base helped ease the transition to the place “across the pond.” They reminisced about shared experiences at West Point, similar situations on active duty and their wives and daughters left behind. They were assigned to the same unit, too, 7th Battalion, 9th Artillery, 54th Artillery Group in Bearcat.</p>
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After biding time in a battalion staff job, Allen got his chance to command C Battery, 7-9 Artillery. He was a “mission and men” commander respected by all who served with him for his uncanny ability to maintain that balance in responsibilities. Then, after midnight on 18 May, a Viet Cong force launched a mortar and rocket barrage, followed by a ground attack on his battery’s firebase. Allen moved quickly and confidendy amidst the chaos, rallying his men to repel the attack. When one of his howitzers was knocked out of action and the position occupied by the enemy, Allen devised a bold plan to retake the position and rescue his wounded men. In leading this attempt, he was mortally wounded. One of the enlisted men who was there recalled how desperate the situation was and how instrumental Allen’s behavior was in turning the tide of battle.</p>
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For his extraordinary courage under fire, Allen was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart posthumously. His other awards include the Bronze Star, the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.</p>
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Nancy later remarried, and she and her husband Joe, along with Allen and Nancy’s daughter Rebecca, have devoted much of their lives to adopting and raising children. Many of these children have come from disadvantaged backgrounds; some have disabilities. Nancy and her husband have received national media recognition for their extraordinary efforts and their remarkable accomplishments as adoptive parents.</p>
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Soldier rest! Thy warfare o’er,</p>
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Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking;</p>
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Dream of battlefields no more,</p>
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Days of danger, nights of waking.</p>
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— Sir Walter Scott</p>
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Be thou at peace, valiant warrior and noble friend.</p>
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<em>His former wife Nancy, sister Caren, and roommates Bill and Phil</em></p>