<p>ZEAN GASSMANN and I met as roommates at Millard's . He had a nice, easy manner and a good sense of humor. He spoke often of his large and loving family (he was fourth of 11 children and the eldest son) and about life in Olney, Illinois, where he was born on 26 October 1923. His family is well described as patriotic; his dad served in the Navy during World War I, and his brothers and brothers-in-law all served during or after World War II. Bub lettered in football three times as a lineman (quite an accomplishment for a "runt"); twice in track; and managed the basketball team. He was active in politics, ? campaigning for Wendell Willkie. He also had time to be a magazine distributor. Attendance at Citizens Military Training Camp at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, and the influence of two uncles who were professional soldiers inclined him toward West Point. His high school yearbook states, "West Point calls him." Bub passed his examination, and Congressman-at-large Bill Stratton of Illinois appointed him. We were together in Beast Barrack's 4th Company and were roommates in our regular cadet company (B-2). Zean, Larry Heimerl (our other wife) and I had three good years together. We were compatible with few abrasions. Only once do I recall his being riled--when I let him sleep through an afternoon chapel service. This was understandable since he participated wholeheartedly in Catholic Chapel activities, serving two years as an acolyte. (The chaplain of the 18th Fighter Group in which Bub was serving at the time of his death attested to his continued faithfulness to his church.) Plebe year with him was an absolute delight. He took it in stride, seeing humor in upperclassmen' s fruitless attempts to get under his skin. Unforgettable is the experience of clothing formations: double timing in place in outlandish garb with yearlings shouting; unable to suppress our laughter, thereby increasing their wrath. He bore pressure well. Sufficient study kept the academic faculty off his back, yet allowed him time to master bridge. Just enough attention to regulations avoided serious run-ins with the Tacs. Bub was a tough football player- tough because of the character of his game and because he played in spite of a shoulder that was dislocated easily. We thought we had Zean lined up as an Infantryman, but to our surprise he opted to become an air gadget. Even that, however, failed to break the tranquility of the room.</p><p>Upon graduation we went our separate ways.</p><p>After graduation leave, Second Lieutenant Gassmann reported to Foster Field, Texas, for gunnery training and then to Junior Staff Officer ' s School.</p><p>Next came the Santa Rosa Army Air Force Base in California, then Portland Army Air Base, Oregon. Everything after Foster Field was frustrating until, without warning, orders came for Kearns Field at Salt Lake City followed by an overseas assignment. On 17 December 1945, while at Kearns, he married-Carol Jean Kaufmann of New York City. Several classmates attended their wedding. Carol kept contact with his family until her death in September 1964. In early 1946, Zean sailed for Manila, stopped there briefly, and continued on to Palawan and the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group. He visited me at Marakina, near Manila. We had a long talk about things of the past, present and future. He had not changed-still agreeable; serious but with a real sense of humor; a man of high standards. It was the last time I saw him. Zean checked out his P-51 and became squadron communications officer. He thoroughly enjoyed his duties. On 18 March 1946 at 0835 hrs, he took off on a routine one hour training flight, never to be seen or heard from again. Eleven days of intense searching failed to indicate what had happened. His mother, Gertrude Gassmann, died recently--three weeks short of her 98th birthday. Six brothers and sisters survive, most in the Olney area. When Zean Gassmann stepped into the shadows, we were saddened. A family lost a devoted son and a caring brother; a wife lost a loving husband; many lost a true friend; the Catholic Church lost a devout member; West Point lost a loyal graduate; and the nation lost a dedicated officer. But, we are grateful that he continues to "grip hands with us now, though we see . not," and we are reminded of the place he holds in our hearts. We are thankful for having known him. By his family and a friend</p>