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ONE MEETS FEW MEN in the course of life whom one instinctively likes and respects. The qualities found in such an individual are those associated with a true gentleman and are those which the Academy attempts to develop in her officers; John possessed a full measure of them.
Born in Pasadena, California, on 31 January 1932, he was brought up in Burlington, Vermont. While a youngster, he acquired the nickname "Oz," which stayed with him into the service. In high school his industry and keenness of mind earned him a scholarship to the University of Vermont as the best science student in his class. During his year at the University's college of engineering he was named to the Dean's list and was designated the outstanding ROTC freshman cadet. These achievements foretold his success as a cadet and as an officer.
A glance at the Academy records tells you that "Oz" graduated in the top quarter of his class and was a member of a number of clubs and committees, among others the class ring committee. His service record shows the usual tours following graduation - branch school at Ft. Belvoir, jump school at Benning, service at Ft. Lewis and in Germany. These facts are not those by which his friends remember him, however; rather it is by the long hours he spent tutoring his goat classmates, his even temper and ready smile even under the most trying circumstances, and by his willingness to put aside his own interests to aid others. His sense of duty was extremely high. A job assigned to him was never completed until it was the best that could be done, even though it took hours of off-duty time. His performance as an officer reflected this, and he was selected, while in Germany, to return to the States for graduate schooling at Iowa State University. While stationed at Fulda, Germany, "Oz" married Portia Norma Potter, who was principal of the U.S. school
there. A son, John, was born to them on 27 April 1958.
"Oz," Portia, and Johnie settled down at Ames, Iowa, in June of 1958. On 22 November 1958, while the three were enroute from Ames to Vermont for the Thanksgiving holiday, the auto accident occurred which claimed the lives of both "Oz" and Portia. Johnie miraculously survived with a broken leg; the youngster is being brought up by "Oz's" parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Tilley. "Oz's" fine example in following so well the Academy creed of "Duty, Honor, Country" will surely be a guide to Johnie.
"Oz" was the kind of person you could trust implicitly and one who made you feel better just for having known him — a real friend, an able officer, and a true gentleman.
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