Ed’s choice of branch was Armor. Graduating from the Basic Armor Course and Ranger School, his initial assignment was as a tank platoon leader in the 894th Tank Battalion at Fort Knox, KY. Subsequent assignments were several leadership positions to include tank platoon leader and scout platoon leader in the 1st Battalion, 32nd Armor in Friedberg, Germany and supporting critical NATO missions astride the Fulda Gap. Particularly notable at that time was the presence of Elvis Presley as a Jeep driver for Ed’s reconnaissance and security operations.

   Superiors recognized Ed’s outstanding leadership capabilities, and upon assignment to the 2nd Battalion, 37th Armor at Fort Hood, TX he was designated a tank company commander. Following that assignment, Ed and family were sent back to Fort Knox, where he became a troop commander in the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Next came the Armor Advanced Course, promotion to major, and duties at the Combat Development Command.

   During the Vietnam War, Ed was assigned to MACV as senior advisor to the

6th ARVN Armored Cavalry Squadron near My Tho. He received the BSM, CIB,

and ARVN Gallantry Cross. Returning to the United States, Ed worked in the

Military Science Department at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. While

there, he earned an MA in history. That assignment was followed by attendance at CGSC at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Promoted to lieutenant colonel, he then went to the University of Rochester in New York to receive an MS in business administration.

   Returning to combat command duties, Ed served as commander of the 3rd Battalion, 35th Armor in Bamberg, Germany from 1971 to 1973, earning an MSM. He then was assigned as the Deputy IG at VII Corps (U.S.) in Stuttgart, Germany. Following his promotion to colonel, Ed spent the next three

years as Inspector General at USMA during a momentous period that included the admission of women, the EE304 cheating scandal, and a football victory over Navy in 1977. Ed’s athletic, teenage daughters participated in Doctor Bob Peterson’s West Point Project 60, which evaluated young women as they endured the cadet physical fitness and military training programs. The project established standards for the first women who would be admitted later that year. His final military assignment was at the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA as Dean of Professional Development and Senior Army Representative. Upon retirement on July 31, 1984, he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

   After retirement, Ed became an active citizen. Drawing on his master’s research of the U.S. occupation of Japan, he volunteered as a tour guide at the MacArthur Memorial. He was an adjunct professor of history and government at Tidewater Community College. He served as a senior consultant to Advanced Technologies Inc. and Military Professional Resources Inc. in Hampton, VA. His lifelong love of acting led him to take part in many productions at local theaters. He served on the board of the Little Theater of Virginia Beach, assisted in productions at the Virginia Musical Theater, toured as a supernumerary with the Virginia Opera Company, and appeared in several independent films. An avid bibliophile, he joined a couples’ dinner book club. At his church, he was a lector and member of the Men’s Bible Study group, as well as chairman

of both the school board and the investment and growth committee.

   Ed and Joan traveled around the United States, Europe, and Central America,

mostly to visit their 8 children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. They

attended West Point class reunion functions, particularly in the Washington, DC

area. He regularly reported to classmates in the Class Notes section of the West

Point class websites, providing details of his social life, travels, and theatrical

performances. His very witty and amusing remarks always ended with potential

hopes of Army victories over Navy, as well as success for the Boston Red Sox.

   Aside from his military career, Ed would say that his most satisfying accomplishment was as husband, father, and grandfather. His children: Marilyn

Jennifer Hart-Bemdt are all leading productive lives. Two sons, Gerald and

Daniel, predeceased Ed.

   Ed died peacefully on May 4, 2016 following complications from a stroke. A

memorial Mass was held at Holy Trinity Church. Pertaining to how he wanted to

be remembered, Ed said, “As an unqualified success, if success is defined as being loved by those you love and being respected by those you respect.”

   Rest in peace, Ed. You have graced us with your presence, and we truly regret

your passing.