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<p>Partner, best friend, father, leader, teacher, mentor. Major General <em>Fred Augustus Gorden</em>, the fourth of five siblings, was born in Anniston, AL and raised by his aunt in Battle Creek, MI. As a result of his outstanding academic (National Honor Society) and athletic skills (All-City basketball team), he was invited to apply to USMA with the support of Congressman August E. Johansen. His appointment in 1958 marked the start of a remarkable career for this strategic visionary. As the only African American in his graduating Class of 1962, he was challenged with breaking racial barriers of the time. Classmate Jim Gorman witnessed an incident at a southern military base in 1960 or 1961: “Local ladies were invited to join their class dinner at the officers’ club. Because of Fred’s color, the white ladies assigned to Fred’s table refused to eat with him. While his classmate was ‘blown away’ by the situation, in his own inimitable style Fred just accepted their conduct. He was an absolutely terrific guy with a marvelous sense of humor. Fred was a winner.” </p>
<p>During his freshman year at the Academy, a friend set him up on a blind date with Marcia Ann Stewart. They were married in 1962, shortly after his graduation. After earning his Ranger Tab and Parachutist Badge, he was assigned to the U.S. Panama Canal Zone as a Field Artillery second lieutenant. Mrs. Gorden, who was expecting their first child, Shawn, stayed with her parents at Fort Ord, CA before joining General Gorden in Panama. Their second child, Michelle, was born while they were stationed in Madrid, Spain.</p>
<p>After graduation, General Gorden rose through Army ranks and, in 1982, became commander of 7th Infantry Division Artillery at Fort Ord. In 1984, he was promoted to brigadier general, and, in 1987, he was appointed Commandant of Cadets at West Point. His next assignment (1990) was commander of the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI. </p>
<p>General Gorden was a remarkable leader who combined inclusivity, mentorship and innovation to bring out the best in soldiers. His leadership was grounded in integrity and strong moral principles, earning him respect and trust with whom he served. His plans and operational experience, as well as his combat experience in Vietnam, helped him to train and inspire subordinate leaders. Lieutenant General Steven Arnold ’62 and General Gorden arrived in Vietnam at the same time. They briefly shared a pup tent and became known as the Mutt and Jeff newbies due to General Gorden’s significant height and General Arnold’s not so significant stature. On several occasions General Arnold needed artillery support in clutch moments and was relieved to know that General Gorden had his back. They later worked together supporting the Buffalo Soldiers monument at West Point. </p>
<p>General Gorden’s military career included key positions as an artillery battery commander, Vietnam; Commandant of Cadets, USMA; division commander of the 25th Infantry Division; commander of the Military District of Washington; and chief of public affairs, Department of the Army. General Gorden said in an interview that his appointment as Commandant of Cadets at West Point “was the most complimentary assignment he had ever had.” His work during that time is notable for integrating modern technology with traditional values. He was known and respected for offering tailored advice with an understanding of each person’s strengths and areas for improvement. He ensured cadets felt valued and supported. His final military assignment was as chief of public affairs for the Department of the Army, where he managed the Army’s public image and communications. His military awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Army Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal with valor. General Gorden served in the Army for 34 years. </p>
<p>Upon retiring from the Army, General Gorden became a corporate executive, first with ICF Kaiser Engineers, Inc., and later with United States Automobile Association. He also served as a board member of Vectronix, Inc., board chairman of the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency, and a trustee of Beulah Baptist Church in Atlanta. From 2015 to 2021, he served as the chair of the Special Project Committee of the Buffalo Soldier Association of West Point, Inc., where he led the effort to build and dedicate the Buffalo Soldier’s Monument at West Point. During his career he proudly embraced the lineage and heritage of the Buffalo Soldiers in defense of the nation. General Darryl Williams, Superintendent, stated, “This monument will ensure that the legacy of Buffalo Soldiers is enduringly revered, honored and celebrated while serving as an inspiration for the next generations of cadets.”</p>
<p>Lieutenant General Robert Ord ’62 stated: “It was a personal and professional joy to be so closely associated with a West Point classmate who was such a decent human being and a gifted commander. Several years later I was fortunate to replace Fred as the commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. His outstanding leadership and commitment to caring for soldiers and their families, perfectly complemented by his lovely wife, Marcia, were clearly evident in the combat readiness of the division.”</p>
<p>General Gorden was devoted to his family. He adored Marcia from the moment they met and throughout challenging opportunities. General Gorden was a loving and committed husband, father (Shawn and Michelle), father-in-law (Vic and Stephane), grandfather (Eric and Lauren) and great-grandfather (Emma and Kyrie Isaiah). His gentle presence and easy spirit remain with all who knew him. </p>
<p><em>— Joseph M. Lunford ’77</em></p>
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