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BORN 16 NOVEMBER 1933, <em>Norb Glidden</em> was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold V. Glidden of Alba, Michigan. Raised on the family farm, Norb learned early the value of hard work and long hours. This, coupled with jobs on construction and warehouse crews in and around Alba, forged his dedication to getting even the hardest jobs done promptly. By the time he graduated from high school at the head of his class, Norb had already established an enviable record of accomplishments: eight major athletic letters in baseball, basketball and track; active participation in band and glee club; and still he found time for hunting. After high school, he spent a year studying engineering at the Michigan College of Mining and Technology at Sault Ste. Marie. These achievements, together with a love of the outdoors, contributed to the firm base of self-confidence and self-reliance that Norb brought to West Point.</p>
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Norb’s arrival at West Point represented the realization of a lifelong ambition to be a soldier. He was thrilled to be there, and often said so. In academics, his year of engineering exposure stood him in good stead, and he worked hard to maintain his standing. In fact, he worked hard throughout his Cadet career but was never so involved in activities that he didn’t have time for someone needing his help. He could often be found in the evenings in the sinks coaching others in difficult subjects. Having a good academic standing for Norb meant that he should share his advantage with others less fortunate.</p>
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In Norb’s year at Michigan Tech, he was also in ROTC. This gave him a head start in military discipline and training. He seemed to thrive on the military way of life, and it was no surprise that he was cadet corporal in his cow year and achieved officer rank as a firstie.</p>
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Norb always looked younger than his actual age and experience. His fair complexion, blue eyes, blonde hair, and almost cherubic expression hid an incisive and perceptive eye, which missed very little of what was going on. His outgoing and friendly manner, coupled with a very colorful way of expressing himself, made it easy to like him, and he had many friends. He definitely had the “gift of gab” and could put his ideas across with real persuasion. Throughout his cadet career he religiously corresponded with his high school sweetheart, Joyce Smith. There was never any doubt that the couple would be married as soon as possible, and this occurred in Alba just three weeks after graduation.</p>
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Entering the Air Force, Norb learned to fly in Texas, at Moore and Reese Air Force Bases. He loved flying and teaching others to fly, and he remained at Reese in Lubbock, Texas until 1959 as an instructor pilot in the 3501st Pilot Training Squadron. After a year in Korea as a fighter pilot, he was selected to serve in Hawaii as aide-de-camp to the commander of Hickham Air Force Base. Joyce was able to join him, and their son Michael was born in Hawaii in February 1961. Norb served with distinction for two years in Hawaii and then was assigned to USMA as tactical officer to Cadet Company M-1.</p>
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As a tac, Norb was still quite junior and looked even younger. The following information about his service at West Point was provided by classmate Don Gransback, describing the time when they served as “junior” tacs together:</p>
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Norb made quite an impression on the other tacs, especially the ‘old guard’ who still thought the tac should live by the quill pad, providing sterile and impersonal discipline only. Norb was quite different, for he served his cadets as a counselor and friend. He set the example as a professional young fighter pilot representing the Air Force and a devoted family man. Many of the older tacs would remark about how young he looked and wonder how he could possibly measure up to their (somewhat outdated) standards. In short order, however, Norb’s unquestioned leadership ability became evident to all, and he gained their grudging respect.</p>
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Norb’s impact on the Corps of Cadets was unique. Imagine how surprised the Tactical Department was, and especially the old guard, when the entire Corps of Cadets, to a man, rose to sing Happy Birthday to Norb when, as OIC, he arrived on the poop deck at noon meal! When President Kennedy was assassinated, Norb’s empathy, understanding, and patience with his cadets showed a maturity far beyond his still young years; his loyalty, his strong beliefs in service to God and Country and his caring sensitivity for his cadets surfaced fully.</p>
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He loved to fly, and he often took other tacs, instructors, and anyone else he could, with him on his proficiency flights. He even kept an extra flight suit for them in his locker. Once, flying a T-33 at 40,000 feet in the falling darkness, he remarked to this ground pounding passenger: “Just look at that! Who would have ever thought that a couple of guys like us would be up here in this silent sea of velvet, with the lights of New York City sparkling beneath us? Wow!”</p>
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It was to this love that he gave his life, dying in a T-33 accident with classmate and fellow instructor pilot Scotty Adams on a proficiency flight from Stewart Field. At the time, it was said that their complete familiarity with the aircraft was their undoing—that they stayed with the aircraft trying to recover it and avoid casualties on the ground rather than eject when there was still time. Even at the end, the welfare of others was their paramount concern.</p>
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Norb was completely in love with his family, his profession and his calling. He, Joyce and son Mike were a quiet example of what a soldier’s family ought to be. As the old guard learned, leadership comes in many forms and works in many ways. Norb’s quiet way was a natural for him, and it worked with all who served with him, and especially with the Corps of Cadets and his cadet company.</p>
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When he died, the cadets of his company put together a book about him for Mike, to tell him who Norb was, and what he had done. That kind of devotion was a true testament to the life Norb gave to his country, and to West Point. With the legacy he left for us, we are all a great deal better off for having known a soldier like him. Of Norb Ray Glidden it <em>must </em>be said: “Well Done. Be Thou at Peace.”</p>
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<em>RDC</em><br />
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