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<em>1LT John Scott McCormick’s</em> strong desire to serve his country was fostered at an early age by his parents, immediate fam­ily, and friends. His father Jack and mother Sandy imbued in Scott all the spiritual, men­tal, and physical attributes requisite to serve as a leader in our nation’s Army. While a junior at Vestavia Hills High School in Birmingham, AL, Scott was selected by the teachers to rep­resent Vestavia at Alabama Boy’s State. While there, he met Todd Foreman, a Cadet, who acted as Scott’s counselor and became a life­long friend of the McCormick Family. Todd assisted Scott in acquiring an appointment to West Point in 1979; however, while visit­ing friends on his way to West Point, Scott injured his hand in a log splitting accident. Undeterred, Scott reapplied for admission and, by God’s grace, was reappointed. He joined the Long Gray line on 1 Jul 1980.</p>
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From his first day at Beast Barracks, Scott thrived on the physical challenges and disci­pline. He often joked that “recreation at West Point was a chance to sleep!” Highlights of his week were receiving letters from home and boodle boxes. Following Beast Barracks, Scott was assigned to Company F-4. Scott’s leadership, discipline and teamwork drew the attention of the company tactical officer, CPT Edwin Chamberlin. During Plebe Parent Weekend, Scott was selected for the leadership position of cadet company commander.</p>
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Scott participated in several unique ac­tivities Plebe year, including marching in President Reagan’s First Inaugural Parade; welcoming the hostages back from Iran; and being part of a Bob Hope TV special.</p>
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Following Plebe year, Scott was assigned to company D-3. During First class year, he earned the leadership position of cadet compa­ny commander. Scott’s company cadet execu­tive officer, Chris Antoniou, wrote, “Through our professional and personal conversations, it was apparent to me that Scotty was a born leader. When he spoke, people listened. His charm and positive spirit molded our com­pany into a very cohesive unit”. Another class­mate, David Showerman, wrote: “Scott stood out both academically and militarily at West Point...Scott was also a very good friend who would offer help (to) anyone in time of need.” Additionally, classmate David Pound, wrote: “Scott, like most soldiers I know, is a patriot, and willing to face risks to preserve the peace, or to right a wrong. It is that willingness to make a sacrifice, that I think, sets soldiers apart. Most of all, Scott was a fellow soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace, and for that, I can never forget him.”</p>
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Scott was admired by many classmates throughout the Cadet Corps. One remem­bered, “Scott possessed many talents; always giving...whether that was academic assis­tance, helping with Plebe duties, or sharing his CONGO bars from his boodle boxes. Scott listened with empathy and genuinely lived by...and held himself to...the high standards expected of West Point cadets. We will always remember his warm eyes, engaging smile, great sense of humor, and zest for life.”</p>
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Another classmate added that Scott embodied the tenets of the Cadet Prayer: “Encourage us in our endeavor to live above the common level of life. Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won. Help us to maintain the honor of the Corps untarnished and un­sullied and to show forth in our lives the ideals of West Point in doing our duty to thee and to our country...”</p>
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Scott selected Infantry as his branch, com­pleted the Basic Infantry Officer Course and Air Assault School, and was subsequendy as­signed to the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY. His commanding officer, CPT Daniel York, wrote: “As an officer, he was extremely professional, courteous and well-liked throughout the battalion...He deployed his platoon to the Middle East as part of the Multinational Force and Observers Peace Keeping Task Force 3/502d.” CPT Brian Haller, the HHC Commander, noted that Scott’s leadership and professionalism enabled the S-1 section to achieve their mis­sion critical duties. CPT Michael Eastman also praised Scott’s dedication to duty, athletic prowess and constant ability to motivate those he worked with.</p>
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While deployed to the Sinai, Scott took a short leave and visited Israel, where his Lord and Savior had lived. It was the highlight of his tour. He sent his family photos of his trip and a creche ahead of his flight home. During his tour in the Sinai, Scott wrote: “It’s hot and very hot. Lots of sand, gravel and water. Very long hours. A little room that looks like it was decorated by the county jailer: spare time is spent sleeping.”</p>
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Scott’s military career ended in Gander, Newfoundland, on 12 Dec 1985. While re­turning home after the peacekeeping mission, his plane crashed, killing all aboard, including 248 soldiers and the crew of eight. Since the tragedy, a memorial has been built on the site, as well as at Ft. Campbell, KY.</p>
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Scott treasured his West Point ring. It re­minded him of the Academy’s history, the val­ues of Duty, Honor, Country, and the bond that forever links classmates with past, present and future generations of the Long Gray Line. In that spirit, his friend, Todd Foreman, work­ing closely with his parents and the Academy, donated Scott’s ring to the Cadet Library West Point Ring Collection, the sole repre­sentative for the Class of 1984. In the West Point hymn, “The Corps,” a stanza recalls this unique bond: <em>“Grip hands with us now, though we see not; Grip hands with us, strengthen our hearts; As the long line stiffens and straightens, with the thrill that your presence imparts; Grip hands—though it be from the shadows—While we swear, as you did of yore; Or living or dying to honor, the Corps, and the Corps, and the Corps!'</em></p>
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Scott’s father Jack; mother Sandy; and brother Kent are proud and grateful that Scott was able to fulfill some of his dreams, graduate from West Point, and serve his country faith­fully. He was blessed with a great love of his family, country and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks and salute all West Point graduates who serve with dedication and perseverance in order to preserve our freedom today.</p>
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<em>—Sandy McCormick, mother;</em> <em>Kent McCormick, brother; and friends, Nancy Bates ’84 and Todd Foreman ’81</em></p>