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GENE ENTERED WEST POINT at the age of 19 in 1950. His ready smile and affable manner were trademarks that would earn him sincere and lasting friendships. Gene and I found ourselves assigned to the same cadet company and I was most fortunate to have him as my roommate for most of our four years at the Academy.
Being almost three years younger, I was more or less adopted by Gene as his "kid brother." I don't know if he ever realized how much I appreciated it, but this really meant a lot to a person like me who was still wet behind the ears. This was so very typical of Gene, however. He was always there when help was needed without having to be asked, cheering people up when they were low, and looking at the bright side of things when they somehow seemed dark and depressing.
Perhaps the outstanding characteristic that is most vividly impressed upon my mind was Gene's deep religious faith. His complete faith and trust in God and the Holy Scripture was an inspiration to all. This, I believe, was what indeed made Gene the wonderful and unforgettable person we all know. Now he has left us and has gone to meet his Maker. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have known Gene have the fondest memories of a truly fine officer and gentleman. A warm and sincere person, he truly exemplifies the ideals of West Point. His spiritual inspiration and generous spirit will live on with those of us remaining until such time as we shall join him beyond in the Long Gray Line. "May it be said well done, be thou at Peace."
On the night of 3 August 1962, Captain Eugene Procknal and his fine crew died in a fiery crash of a B47 off the south end of the runway at Pease AFB, New Hampshire.
Gene was commissioned a 2d lieutenant USAF upon graduation from West Point Class of 1954. He completed flight training, served a tour at the Air Force Academy as an air training officer, and then was assigned to SAC and the B47 force.
These facts are contained in the official Air Force records; but to those of us who knew Gene, they tell so little of the man. The record, with its crisp facts, cannot begin to describe the Man of Quality lost to his beloved Mary, his family, and his friends, on that warm summer evening.
Gene was a man, rare in today's world, who loved his wife and family, lived his religion, believed in his job, and firmly held to his principles.
His deep love for Mary shone brightly in his concern for her welfare, and the imaginative way he had of treating her as if they were still courting rather than well married. The elaborate preparations Gene would make to surprise Mary with a small party would probably amaze some men, but it gave him great joy to delight Mary. The love for his children was obvious in the sparkle in Gene's eyes as he played with them. How many men do you know with the patience and spirit to venture out on an overnight camping trip with three- and four-year-old sons? It is unfortunate indeed that little Paul Eugene knew only ten days of his devoted father's love, and that Michael, Brian and Christine lost him when they were at such tender ages.
Gene's religion was a vital, living force in his daily life. He firmly believed in the tenets of his Catholic faith and this faith provided him with an inner peace unknown to men struggling with doubts. With this peace of mind Gene vigorously pursued his profession.
Here again he understood his goal, knew what he was about. He was a SAC bomber pilot and that is no small job, but he saw the larger mission, the deterrent force provided by SAC to keep this nation free. When we tired of the pressures of SAC and its alert system, he was quick to point out that a little sacrifice was in order to provide our children a chance to grow up as free Americans.
In the mechanics of his job Gene excelled. He and his crew, Copilot Eric Epps and Navigator Edward Sowinski planned each mission with meticulous care. Gene led them through the execution of the mission with the easy grace found only in a seasoned pilot. He handled the task of in-flight refueling of a B47 with the same athletic skill he demonstrated while playing baseball at West Point. A tribute to the smoothness of his crew is on record at Pease AFB. They were picked by the 509th Bomb Wing to participate in the bombing competition runoff despite the fact that they had less than a year combat ready!
With all his ability to be serious about he important things in life, Gene never took himself too seriously. He loved to dine out in lavish style, drink a good whiskey, tease his friends, or have a party. He loved his life and so lived it. He had the overall balance found only in a mature man. Objectively viewing this man one could see the raw materials of a true leader of the future. Tragically, this promise was not to be fulfilled. The loss of such a man is great indeed because such men are so rare.
The first days after Gene's death were extremely painful for his loved ones and his friends. More genuine grief was evident at Pease AFB last August than I have seen at a hundred wakes across the land. But as time erodes the peaks and valleys of emotion the full realization of his worth and contribution remains clear. The family he leaves will love and honor his memory as they proudly live out his heritage. All men who wish this nation well, shall once again recognize that it is in the blood of such men of courage that freedom is born anew.
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