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<em>We breach the skies day by day, hoping to survive, perhaps to achieve, even excel. Then, one day, death comes suddenly and withoutforgiveness. </em><em>Why, then, him and not me? He is gone forever, and I live on today but perhaps not tomorrow. </em><em>Friends weep, enemies rejoice. For him it’s over. There is no choice. And for us there is only sorrow.</em></p>
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Those of us who loved Joe were embittered by his long-held status of missing in action. Then, after years of uncertainty, we were more saddened by the realization of his death. How could such an able pilot be shot down? He was too good, too skilled. But, like the game of lacrosse he also played so skillfully, sometimes even the best-honed skills aren’t enough to avoid the unexpected shot.</p>
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From his home in Moundsville, WV, Joe joined the Air Force. He came through the prep school at Stewart Field to West Point, where he became known for his adventurous nature, affable personality, quick and incisive mind, enthusiasm, unquenchable spirit, and ability to mold and lead others. His enthusiasm and energy propelled him to excel in all he did. He was a one-of-a-kind person, always giving his very best effort, and then exceeding even that.</p>
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When Joe arrived at West Point, he had never before held a lacrosse stick. But he soon became so skilled a competitor that, even today, people who played against him remember his ability to get around them on the "crease" and make the impossible goals. Joe honed his skills by the extra effort of practicing on his free time at North Athletic Field or at the handball courts when most everyone else was taking their leisure. While improving his own abilities, he consistently put in the extra effort of encouraging and coaching players who were not as skilled as he. It was that extra effort, enthusiasm for the game, and personal contact that marked Joe as a champion and a leader. In recognition ofhis leadership, his teammates elected Joe captain for the 1952 season. He proved himself more than worthy of their trust by leading them to the championship. At least one Princeton player still remembers Joe as the man who denied their claim to the championship and, instead, made them settle for being co-champs with West Point.</p>
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Joe also made his mark off the athletic field. He was well-liked and admired by all his B-1 classmates. His leadership abilities earned him the position of Cadet Adjutant of the First Regiment.</p>
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At graduation, Joe married his long-time "one and only" Beverly (Bunny) Marino. She and their sons Joseph John and Thomas David bore the trauma of his missing in action status over the long years until he was officially declared dead. They, too, shared the hardships, misunderstandings, and angst of the war that took Joe’s life.</p>
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In the Air Force he loved so much, Joe was well-known by his flight school classmates for his easygoing, yet intensely focused, approach to flying. He took pilot training at Marana and Williams Field, AZ, and then served as test pilot for his squadron at McGuire AFB. During his early career, he earned three masters’ degrees: in industrial administration from Carnegie Mellon, in operations research from NYU, and in public administration from George Washington University. After graduating from the Air University at Maxwell AFB, Joe stayed on as an instructor in Squadron Officers School. He had two assignments at Stewart Field where, on off-duty time, he was head coach for the New York Military Academy lacrosse team. Joe also served as aide to the commanding general of CINCPAC. In 1967, Joe took command of the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Korat, Thailand. While flying a mission from there, he was reported shot down over the MuGhia pass. It was a tragic end to a great person who had been filled with hope for a future that was not to be. Even so, COL Joe accomplished more in his short lifetime than most people ever accomplish in a normal life span.</p>
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There can be no better memorial to Joe than these remembrances from his classmates and associates. "Joe could visualize where he wanted to go. Then he had the self-discipline to work toward that goal. He was an outstanding friend, cadet, athlete, All-American, soldier, and airman. I am proud to have known him as a friend." (WJ) "Joe was Honorable Mention All-American in 1951, All-American in 1952, selected to play in the 1952 All-Stars Game for the North, and still holds the Army record for most goals scored in a single game—10—against Cornell in 1952." (LPR)</p>
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"He had so much to offer to the Air Force and to his country. He lived his short life by the ideals ofWest Point. There are no words that adequately reflect his bravery and sacrifice. Duty, Honor, Country were the guideposts ofhis life." (HCJ)</p>
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"I can guarantee that Joe is still remembered by defensemen who played against him. I Just talked to one from Princeton, and he remembers Joe well; we all should." (ECM)</p>
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"I was privileged to serve with him." (DCR)</p>
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"He always wanted to do the best in everything." (DLR)</p>
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"I had great respect for Joe and his warm, outgoing character." (RAC)</p>
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"I loved him dearly. And what a shame it was to lose him. He was truly a great person." (ATM)</p>
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"Those of us who knew Joe, admired him, loved him, and know that his work was well done. He has <em>"slipped the surly bonds of earth and touched the face of God. " (RLS)</em></p>
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<em>His classmates</em></p>