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<p><em>George Werner Albrecht </em>was born in Chicago Heights, IL on January 17, 1948, the first of five children of Werner and Helen Albrecht. He graduated from Bloom High School in Chicago Heights at the top of his class and remained in close contact with many of his high school friends. His high school classmates have established the Albrecht Drama Production Fund in honor of George to cover production costs of one or more annual shows featuring Bloom High School students. </p>
<p>On July 1, 1965, George joined the Class of 1969, and, like all his classmates, that day was forever burned into his memory. At West Point he forged unbreakable ties, especially to his companymates in E-4. His warm personality and good humor endeared him to everyone, even as a plebe. He never let a classmate down. In 1968 former E-4 classmate Dennis Carlini was trapped in the Washington, DC riots following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. George and Mike Meuleners ’70 dramatically rescued Dennis. As a cadet George was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for his action while on leave in Germany: “…for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy…, on August 19, 1967, in the vicinity of Munich, Germany. While walking along the bank of the Isar River, Cadet Albrecht heard a cry for help. He looked into the river and saw a man struggling against the current and undertow created by a nearby spillway. With complete disregard for his own safety, Cadet Albrecht jumped fully clothed into the raging torrent of the Isar River, swam to the struggling man and pulled him safely to shore.” The man George rescued remained a friend for the rest of their lives. </p>
<p>Nebraska was George’s first stop after graduation, where he attended Doug Craft’s wedding as best man. After the wedding, George and classmates Leo Carrigan and Chuck Anstrom took a trip in George’s station wagon (named “Bertha”) from Chicago to New England. The fishing canoe they took made the entire trip lashed to the top of the car and never went in the water. Whenever possible George traveled to visit friends and family, making a point to see people in person. Through these visits, plus letters and emails and annual meetings in the Washington, DC area, he succeeded in organizing and encouraging E-4 to stay connected. He visited all 24 Class of 1969 E-4 classmates at their homes, two ex-cadets, and E-4 members of other classes. He was a frequent guest at “Pitz Stop” mini reunions at the home of Diane and Bob Pitz. He assembled a history of L-2/E-4, capturing the ethos of the company through many incidents and personalities. When one of his E-4 classmates struggled with alcoholism, George and Dennis Carlini arranged treatment. In 2022 many E-4 classmates traveled to St. Louis for a mini-reunion and celebration of George to recognize all he had done for the class and company. </p>
<p>After graduation, George’s first assignment was with a Howitzer battery in 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Bamberg, Germany, which he subsequently commanded. His career focused on nuclear weapons, starting with his next assignment, commander of a warhead detachment in Ortaköy, Turkey and assistant group S-3 in Çakmakli. After the Field Artillery Advanced Course at Fort Sill, OK and Language School, he returned to Germany as a warhead detachment commander in Barme and as executive officer of the Special Weapons Group in Sögel (Niedersachsen). He later served as a nuclear simulation analyst at the U.S. Army’s Concepts Analysis Agency and as a nuclear safety and security officer in the Defense Programs Office at the Department of Energy.</p>
<p>Known for his interest in all things German, George’s fondest memories were his time in Germany as a liaison officer with VII Corps’ G-5 office. His fluent German helped forge a deep bond with corresponding German units at the local and territorial levels. He remained friends with many of his German counterparts throughout his life. George was active in many German-oriented organizations in the Washington, DC area and enjoyed traveling to Germany, where he visited with relatives, friends and former German military counterparts. He traced his German lineage back to the 1500s.</p>
<p>George married Joan Driscoll, and together they had a son, Rob, who followed in his father’s footsteps by serving as an Army officer with deployments to Iraq. Though George and Joan later divorced, they remained in contact. George then found 30 years of love, companionship, and devotion with Brigitta Mullican. Brigitta became a cherished member of the E-4 community.</p>
<p>Exploring was a passion. He and Brigitta visited much of the U.S. and many foreign countries. He regretted never reaching Antarctica. They often traveled to see Brigitta’s family in Coburg, Germany, near Bamberg and reconnected with George’s friends from his time in the Army.</p>
<p>Death came to George on March 11, 2025 after complications from a seizure suffered in 2022. At that time, he moved to St. Louis to be closer to his son, Rob, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer, who lovingly cared for him and helped manage his affairs. He is survived by Rob and Jennifer; his three grandchildren: Matthew, Samantha, and Isabella; and his beloved partner, Brigitta. He leaves behind a life well-lived and many friends who remember him fondly. </p>
<p>E-4 raises a company toast to bid adieu to our friend and brother George who is sorely missed and forever remembered. </p>
<p><em>— Self-written with Updates by Son</em></p>
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