Jim Kimsey’s Distinquished Graduate Award Ceremony
By Brian McEnany
Once more, the Academy has selected a great American and member of the Can Do class. The Alumni Review this year drew a number of us back to the Academy to honor Jim Kimsey. A few of us took advantage the evening before to attend the River Grill on Newburgh’s waterfront to have a great meal, laugh over past times, and to raise a toast to our Distinguished Graduate!
The next day (May 27th) dawned gray with a threat of rain. “Showers in New York City,” cried the TV anchors. But by the time we arrived at Buffalo Soldier Field by bus, limo, or car, the sun shone brightly. On Thayer Road, the Alumni classes formed up outside Pershing Barracks. The Class of 1958, striking in their white straw hats as they filled the street in groups of three and four, talking over times long past when they walked through the sallyport into old Central Area.
Behind them were various classes not part of the Alumni activities, but were there for other reasons. In the midst of this gaggle were twenty eight members of the Can Do Class - Blumhardt, Burns, Butzer, Clark, Dieal, Dworsak, Eccleston, Fee, Fishburne, Flint, Hickey, Kelley, Paul, Kohler, Martin, Bob, McEnany, McGarry, Meceda, Moore, Tom, O'Neal, Pakula, Pendleton, Rankin, Robbins, Skown, Stroup, Urna, Wong. A number of their wives were also present in the stands (I apologize if I missed someone). We stood in the shade as much as possible - ties tight around necks that haven’t felt anything except golf shirts for some time. Some of us even remembered to bring our reunion caps!
The Army way is hurry up and wait… and we did! At 1030, we were shuffled into a raggedy column of fours and listened for the beat of the drum. The Alumni classes ahead of us marched off toward Thayer’s statue where two straight lines of cadets, the glee club, and the Chaplain stood waiting. The oldest grad made his appearance - one hundred years old. The drum beat slower at the beginning, then faster as the “younger grads” approached. Somehow, the class aides shoe-horned us into ranks between the two lines of cadets. Funny how you remember to cover down as we crossed Diagonal Walk and marched on to the grass before Thayer’s statue. “Attention”, “Hand Salute” … A simple ceremony - a prayer and the glee club, supported by all of us trying to remember the words. Emotions were strongly felt as the Alma Mater and The Corps were sung.
After the ceremony, we headed for the front of the reviewing stands. The flags for the Alumni classes were set on either side of the reviewing party. The 62ers searched valiantly and finally settled on one that simply said “Alumni” where we had an excellent view of the ceremony.
In front of us on the Plain stood the West Point Band awaiting the signal. Next to it, the Brigade Adjutant stood stiff as a board - the feathers of his plume waving in the slight breeze. Adjutant’s Call sounded and the sally ports of the new barracks quickly began to disgorge lines of cadets in dress gray over white marching forward. The Adjutant quick-stepped across the Plain and took his position in front of us. Two regiments arrayed themselves on line - the colors marched to the center - and after a few quick commands, the award ceremony began.
The Superintendent, the Commandant, the Dean, Ted Stroup - President of the AOG- and the five nominees walked forward - GEN (R) Dell L. Dailey '71; Mr. James V. Kimsey '62; GEN (R) Clarence E. McKnight, Jr. ' 52; GEN (R) Wallace H. Nutting '50; GEN (R) John A. Shaud '56. The requisite pictures were taken - the medals draped over each of their heads - and hands were shaken. Our group clapped loudest for Jim Kimsey as he was presented his medal, of course.
With the award ceremony ended, the cadets were given “Pass In Review.” A good parade, the ranks lined up well, most of us clapped for our old companies as they passed. I am sure the cadets were as eager to return to the cool of the barracks just as we were eager to get out of the hot sun.
After the parade, we walked across the Plain to Washington Hall - carefully avoiding the presents left by the large flock of Canadian Geese that now use it as their personal toilet. I can’t imagine what it must be like to clean and polish your shoes before the next formation nowadays.
Believe it or not, the meal was good and we listened as Ted Stroup made the AOG presentations to the nominees. A few napkins were waved and we clapped and yelled again when Jim was presented with his plaque. Lots of good conversations took place across the tables before we were set free once more. Outside, the early afternoon sun was still burning hot as we walked down the steps of Washington Hall. Jim’s cocktail party was at the West Point Club and we wended our way past the new library construction site to its first floor and the ball room and waited to congratulate him.
With drinks in hand, we looked out the large bay windows across the Hudson. Dick’s Folly was still visible on the hillside opposite. The passenger train from Albany and points north clattered south along the track just above the water’s edge. The green hillsides seem more broken up by various large estates than in earlier years. Jim moved from group to group, talking and joking, and I am sure he was genuinely touched by the large number of classmates that came to pay tribute to his accomplishments. The medal will make a great conversation piece on his tree this Christmas! Finally, the end came and we filed out. Later in the afternoon, Odin finally made his appearance. The heavens opened and doused the grounds and buildings quite well. By that time, most of us were on our way home.
This tale would not be complete unless we included that of the bus driver who took a number of our classmates, their wives, and luggage to the Point from Newburgh that morning. He arrived at the hotel a bit under the weather and a little late. Luggage was stored and the drive south was hot. He failed to find the air conditioner switch to turn on the vents in the rear making it quite miserable for those seated there. Arriving at the gate, the identity check found his license had expired. The MP at the gate, after vigorous prodding from several of our classmates, reluctantly agreed to escort the bus to Buffalo Soldier Field, but the driver could drive no further. Arrangements were made to find a new driver to get all of them back to Newburgh that afternoon. Fortunately, the company provided one and all made the plane on time.
Who among us would have guessed forty six years ago that we would one day stand on the Plain to honor one of our own? We sent congratulations to Jim when the award was first announced, but I am certain that all of us, whole heartedly, congratulate him again on his accomplishments and support for the Military Academy.