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Lou Gross
Distinguished Graduate Award
Our classmate Lou Gross was selected as a 2016
West point Distinguished Graduate. The
announcement of his selection contained the
following information on the many things Lou has
done for West Point.
“Louis Gross '54
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Referring to the impact of Louis Gross on West
Point, LTG Robert L. Caslen Jr.
'75, the 59th Superintendent, wrote, "What he
has done is literally etched in stone and
bronze." Caslen was speaking of the buildings on
post that Gross participated in building: the
Jewish Chapel, the Gross Center (gymnastics
facility), and 18 residences for athletic
coaches. But as LTG (R) William Lennox 71, West
Point's 56th Superintendent, said, "Mr.
Gross is more than a donor of buildings; he
plays a part in the lives of cadets and
faculty." For example, Gross hosts a football
tailgate, which Director of Athletics Boo
Corrigan called "an institution on game days,"
for approximately 600 cadets and West Point
guests. He has also supported cadet religious
activities through the renovation of Building
147 into the Multi-Faith Religious Center,
repair of the floor of the Catholic Chapel, and
serving as President - and then Chairman - of
the Jewish Chapel Fund. Regarding all of his
contributions to West Point, the West Point
Society of New York said, "His record will never
be replicated."
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Galvin Middle
School
Wakefield, Massachusetts
Pictured is the new Galvin Middle School in
Wakefield, Massachusetts which has been under
construction since 2013. The new school academic
wing opened September 3, 2014, to be followed by
construction of the gymnasium, locker rooms, and
music rooms which are scheduled for completion
by September 2, 2015. This replaces the former
Galvin Middle School named for General John R.
Galvin, U.S. Army, Retired, who grew up in
Wakefield and attended public schools there.
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John R. (Jack) Galvin graduated from West Point
in 1954 and had a distinguished career of 38
years. As a junior officer he served in light
infantry and airborne units. After earning a
Master’s Degree he served in the Department of
English at West Point. He served two tours in
Vietnam where he was highly decorated for valor
and meritorious service. A seven-year term of
service in Europe, begun in 1973, was capped
with his promotion to General Officer in 1978
and assignment as Assistant Division Commander
of the 8th Infantry Division.
Other key assignments as a General Officer
included Commanding General 24th
Infantry Division (1981-83), Commanding General
VII Corps Germany (1983-85), and Commander in
Chief U.S. Southern Command (1985-87). His
distinguished military career culminated as
Commander in Chief U.S. European Command and
NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (1987-92).
After retirement Jack continued dedicated
service to his country. He was selected as the
Olin Distinguished Professor of National
Security at West point in 1992. In 1994, he
became the Distinguished Visiting Policy
Analyst, Mershon Center, at Ohio State
University. During this period he also served as
an Ambassador and negotiator for the Department
of State in Bosnia. He was selected as the sixth
Dean of the Fletcher School of Law and
Diplomacy, Tufts University in 1995; serving in
that position until 2000 when he was designated
Dean Emeritus.
In spite of being extremely busy serving his
country, Jack arose very early for several years
to write highly acclaimed histories. His
research and discipline increased knowledge of
the Revolutionary War in “The Minute Men” and
“Three Men of Boston”. He followed them with
“Air Assault”, a brilliant tribute to the men
and leaders who developed U.S. Airborne Forces
for World War II and Helicopter Assault Forces
for Vietnam. Other books will follow.
Jack was modest, humble, and a mentor and
teacher who helped others find and reach their
potential. His rise from enlisted rank in the
Massachusetts National Guard to four stars in
the Regular Army reflected his love of country
and dedication to his fellow soldiers. No one
was more deserving of being designated a
Distinguished Graduate of West Point in 1997,
than Jack.
Jack and Ginny, his wife of over fifty years,
reside in Jonesboro, Georgia.
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