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With the death of Colonel<em> John Harvey Madison</em> the Army and our country suffered a grievous loss. His attributes of integrity, loyalty and cheerfulness have endeared him to all ranks who knew him, both in and out of the Army. It would be easy to become lyrical and to make this memorial into a eulogy, but Jack’s innate modesty and sense of humor would forbid that. Instead, he would prefer a simple, straightforward recital.</div>
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John was born at Girard, Illinois, on 17 August 1897, the son of Doctor Peyton Chester Madison and Adelaide Bailey. Before entering the Academy he attended Colorado School of Mines, was then appointed to West Point from Illinois. His was the class which initially graduated on 1 November 1918, but returned to the Academy as student officers to graduate again on 11 June 1919. Shortly thereafter he transferred from the Infantry to the Coast Artillery where he spent the remainder of his long and distinguished career.</div>
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After early routine schools and troop duty he was assigned as an ROTC instructor at Kansas State College from 1928 to 1932. This was followed by duty at Fort Amador, C.Z.. with the 4th CA from 1933 to 1935, and with the Harbor Defenses of Chesapeake Bay, Fort Monroe, from 1935 to 1936. This latter tour of duty was interrupted when he was selected to attend the Command and General Staff School in 1936. Following graduation he served at Fort Totten, N.Y., with the 62d CA as post and regimental adjutant until 1939 when he was assigned to the Coast Artillery School as an instructor.</div>
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It was in the spring of 1941 that I renewed my service and friendship with Jack.</div>
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I<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>was ordered to the Coast Artillery School and found that I was to be his executive in establishing an officer candidate school. The choice of Colonel Madison to chart a course in these new and unknown waters was particularly fortunate. His foresight and efficiency, plus his ability to get the most out of the staff he assembled, soon had a smoothly running school in operation. With the outbreak of World War II the Antiaircraft Artillery OCS was removed from Fort Monroe to Camp Davis, N.C., and was quickly expanded from a student body of 200 to over 9,000. Despite many anxious moments this expansion was taken in stride so that the majority of the 33,000 second lieutenants who wen- produced from this source remember him with respect and admiration.</div>
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Although he was doing outstanding work with the AAA School, Jack desired a combat command, and in 1943 he took command of the 16th AA Group. With this unit he participated in five campaigns in the European Theater, including the assault on Omaha Beach, 6 June 1944. He fought across France and was attached to III Corps when the Reinagen bridge was seized by the 11th Armored Division. During the critical period of this seizure his group, and antiaircraft units under his command, were largely responsible for warding off the desperate attacks of the German air force seeking to destroy the bridge.</div>
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Shortly after VE-day he was transferred to Shrivingham American University, England, where he was director of the academic division. This duty ended in 1946 when he was ordered to the Artillery School, Fort Bliss. Texas, as Director of Instruction of the AA and Guided Missile branch. Here he performed perhaps his most valuable services to his country in assisting in setting up the first formal course of instruction in the field of guided missiles for Army, Navy and Air Force officers.</div>
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In 1950 he became Professor of Military Science and Tactics at the Citadel. He fitted in perfectly and soon, despite the nature of his duties, became known to the cadets as “Smiling Jack.”</div>
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His last active duty was spent at Fort Monroe with the Development and Test section, Office, Chief of Army Field Forces. From there he retired on 31 July 1954.</div>
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During this long service he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Ribbon, and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. His campaign ribbons included WWI Victory Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (WWI), Army of Occupation Medal (WWII), National Defense Service Medal and European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal.</div>
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In his personal life Jack was very fortunate. On 7 April 1921, he was married to Dorothy Bell Andrews of Helena, Arkansas. Inevitably she became “Dolly,” and as “Dolly” she became widely known throughout the Coast Artillery as a friend in need. New lieutenants, new brides, all have been recipients of her helping hand, and there were few post activities which did not seek her participation. Jack and Dolly complemented each other so perfectly that one never thought of them separately, but always as Jack and Dolly. They had three children: John Harvey Madison, Jr., USMA ’49: Dorothy Andrews Madison (Mrs. James P. Mallory, Jr.); and Marilyn Winsett Madison (Mrs. George L. Kappes). They also have two grandchildren: James B. Mallory, III; and John Harvey Madison, III.</div>
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On retirement the Madisons moved to Centennial Lakes, New Jersey, for Jack became associated with the RCA Moorestown Engineering plant. He had been selected from a group of retiring officers as having the qualifications and experience needed for this post. Here he was able to be of service not only to the company but also to his country. He joined St. Peter’s Episcopal church in Medford and was very active in its affairs. He was a 32d-degree Mason and Shriner. And, it was at his home that he died suddenly, 12 December 1960. He was buried at Arlington Cemetery.</div>
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For those of us who served with him and knew him, Jack needs no memorial. However, so that those who follow us may also know about him, it is fitting that, in the area in which he accomplished so much, the Air Defense Center’s new Fire Direction System Facility at Fort Bliss, Texas, will bear Jack’s name.</div>
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West Point may be proud of another of its sons whose life exemplified its motto.</div>
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<em>—Herbert T. Benz '24, Colonel, US Army (Ret)</em></div>
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