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The Class of 1969’s Twentieth Reunion is a time for homecomings, for festivities and pageantry for the attendees, but also a time for fond memories of our classmates who died in the Vietnam War. We remember, for example, <em>John Woodrum</em>, whose energy, zest, and righteousness influenced the lives of his many friends in our Class. He was called to make the supreme sacrifice while pursuing his military dreams and though his death continues to grieve his family and friends, they nonetheless take consolation in having known him and loved him.</p>
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John James Woodrum was born on 26 February 1947 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of James and Mary Woodrum. His family later moved to Sacramento and then to San Diego, California, where John attended Clairemont High School. Before coming to West Point, John had already shown himself to be an accomplished student, athlete, and leader. By the end of his time at Clairemont, he had earned the Eagle Scout Award, won an election as student body president, became the commissioner general of the high school for school year 1964-65, finished as one of the top ten scholars, been honored as the graduating student who contributed the most to the school, captained the cross-country team, and served as a member of the Key Club. So it came as no surprise to his family and friends at Clairemont that John won a nomination and appointment to the United States Military Academy. During his years at West Point, John often revisited Clairemont High School, and, while encouraging students to consider the military, generally cultivated goodwill. Upon his death, a grateful Clairemont community established a memorial scholarship in his honor.</p>
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At West Point, John continued to perform well academically and athletically. He enjoyed gymnastics and trained on his own during holidays and summers to become a competitive gymnast. He progressed from team manager to off-season participant to full-time Corps Squader by his junior year. John made the Dean’s List his entire four years, graduated 35th out of 800, became a cadet captain, edited the 1969 yearbook, was requested to return as an instructor by two departments, and was selected for graduate study. It was his intent to earn a Ph.D. and return to the Academy to teach.</p>
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John relied daily on his wit and shrewdness to survive the daily rigors of West Point. When rebutting demerits for the improper “wearing of the green (a green tie)” on St. Patrick’s Day, he responded with the pure facts: “The leprechaun made me do it!” He also successfully convinced his tactical officer that it was perfectly legitimate for any sophomore, but especially himself, to be late for formation due to improper scheduling by the Metro-Transit system of New York City. Again and again, John’s sense of humor and wit proved enough to sway the brass.</p>
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John completed Jungle Warfare Training in Panama while he was still a cadet. After graduation, he completed the Airborne, Ranger, Pathfinder, and Armored Officer Basic Courses. He married the former Miss Patricia A. Cochrane of Stony Point, New York. John’s first assignment was at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he served as a platoon leader in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. From Fort Lewis he went to Vietnam to be a platoon leader in the 10th Armored Cavalry and 74th Armored Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division. On 9 May—Mother’s Day—during a truce for Buddha’s birthday, John was leading an Infantry patrol which had become cut off from its support, had suffered serious casualties, and was in danger of being exterminated. When enemy snipers fired on his men, John stood up and gave covering fire that enabled his men to withdraw safely. He was mortally wounded during the action. He received a posthumous promotion to captain, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and three Republic of Vietnam Medals. He was laid to rest where his military dreams came true—West Point. His “homecoming” was 18 May 1971.</p>
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John was a sincere Presbyterian all his life. He taught Sunday School and was a big brother to anyone who reached out to him in an hour of need. He touched the lives of hundreds around him. John is survived by his wife Patricia, his mother and father and his brother, Eric. His family and friends still miss him dearly. He was a grand person, and his life epitomized the ideals of West Point. His memory and example will live on with those who continue to share those same ideals—young and old. May he rest in peace knowing that his life counted in making the world a better place to live, and that each of us who remember him— especially his fellow classmates—are, thanks to that memory, a little wiser and more humble as we continue to walk in the Long Gray Line in the steps of John Woodrum.</p>
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