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<p><em>Howard Samuel “Howie” Pontuck</em> was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 2, 1943. He was thoughtful, studious and serious about sports and his schoolwork. He also worked to help his family. Classmates and friends looked up to Howie because of his athletic abilities, his kindness to others and his exceptional work ethic. He excelled in gymnastics and gained the attention of the U.S. Military Academy Gymnastics Coach Thomas Maloney, who was very interested in coaching Howie on his team at West Point. Howie applied, was tested, qualified for admission, and entered West Point with the Class of 1966 on July 2, 1962. As a cadet, Howie applied himself with fierce determination and sense of purpose.</p>
<p>Because NCAA rules prohibited freshmen from competing at varsity level, Howie’s first year was spent learning to be a cadet and preparing for varsity gymnastics. In Howie’s second year he competed on the floor exercise and parallel bars, earning his first of three Army “A” letters and three stars for beating Navy each varsity season. Senior year he was elected team captain, leading the team to a great winning season. He even gave up Christmas vacation to participate with two teammates in the 1965 National Gymnastics Clinic, competing in the North-South All Star meet. That dedicated effort paid off in the remaining competitions of the season. Howie and two teammates qualified in conference and regional championships to compete in the 1966 NCAA National Championships. Howie set the example, inspiring all other teammates and competitors to match his trademark intensity and high level of performance. </p>
<p>Upon graduation, he was commissioned an Infantry second lieutenant and graduated from Airborne and Ranger schools. As a platoon leader in B Co., 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry Regiment, he received orders to the Republic of Vietnam. He served with distinction in combat and was awarded a Bronze Star for valor. He then requested to serve where he could have a greater impact to improve the Vietnamese Army capability. Promoted to first lieutenant in June 1967 and assigned to MAT 12, MACV as a team leader, he served with exemplary dedication and positive attitude, always helping others as much as possible. On March 8, 1968, he was killed by an exploding landmine.</p>
<p>Howie’s name is engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Arlington National Cemetery, Panel 43E, Line 58. The memories of his smile and life are forever etched in the hearts and minds of every member of his Class of 1966 and the entire Corps of Cadets during his years at USMA. All who knew him respected and loved him. He was a true friend, always encouraging others. He always set the example, inspired everyone and fascinated all who saw him compete. Had he lived to serve a full career in the Army, he undoubtedly would have inspired and led soldiers at the highest levels. He embodied the West Point motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.” He accepted true challenges in life, the rigors of academic, military and athletic programs, proving his character, capability as a student, athlete and leader at West Point and in wartime service in the United States Army. The voices of those cadets, gymnasts and soldiers whose lives were positively influenced by Howie will never be silenced. Words of admiration, love, praise and thankfulness for him will forever echo in the hearts and minds of his loved ones, his classmates, his teammates and all of the soldiers who were led by him. His example changed forever the lives of countless cadets, soldiers, friends, teammates and classmates. Thank you, Howie, for your life and the love we shared.</p>
<p>The 1LT Howie Pontuck Wall of Distinction was dedicated on January 15, 2022 in the Neal Creighton Gymnastics Arena on the campus of West Point. Howie is the focal point of a tribute to his contribution to the lives of all who knew him, several of whom have commented below:</p>
<p><em>You are the most inspiring person that I ever met! Your bravery, intelligence, tenacity, sense of humor, athletic ability and infectious smile were just some of your outstanding qualities. You are and will always be an American hero to all who knew you! You were always larger than life. You were the best gymnastics athlete that I ever knew. God bless your soul for an eternity!</em> — Joel Liebefeld, youth baseball player in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, NY. </p>
<p><em>We were fellow gymnasts on the team at Brooklyn Central YMCA. I still have the West Point cufflink I got from Howie after the 1962 Army-Navy Game. He spent four days on an exchange visit with me at the U.S. Naval Academy during our junior year.</em> — Thomas D. Lomacchio Jr. USNA ’66: </p>
<p><em>Although a true Brooklynite, Howie was markedly different from everyone else. While we were a comparatively wild, undisciplined, ragamuffin bunch of kids focused on sports, neighborhood shenanigans, Howie was serious, disciplined, totally principled, dedicated to his family and truly gentlemanly. His presence naturally conferred an air of authority, confidence, sincerity and respectfulness. He was as pleasant as he was morally principled. He was one of those individuals whose presence alone garnered respect. I’ll never forget my astonishment watching Howie miraculously raise himself up from a sitting position on the floor, moving his straight legs back through his arms and up into a handstand, or the time he climbed the 50-foot gym rope with his legs locked in a perfect L position. I am certain that Howie could have pursued an Olympic career. God bless you, Howie. The world lost a great one. With love and affection…</em> — Jeff Dembicer, friend of Howie’s brother, Joey. </p>
<p><em>— Paul Roggenkamp, USMA teammate and friend </em></p>
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