Distinguished Graduates Award Dinner
October 12, 2002 Alumni Hall
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he United States Naval Academy has a proud tradition of graduating leaders of great character—men and women who possess the “true north
principles” of honor, courage and commitment. From this field of superior leaders, a handful of graduates of distinction are chosen annually to receive the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award. Through their lives and careers, these individuals define the vision and values of the United States Naval Academy. They are shining examples of the Academy’s mission: to develop leaders for service to the Nation, the naval service, and the Naval Academy. Appropriately, recipients of the Distinguished Graduate Award are selected based on character, distinguished military and civilian service, and stature— qualities the Naval Academy strives to imbue in each of its graduates. Like those that have come before it, this year’s class of honorees has led by example, commanding respect from all who know them. The Naval Academy and the Alumni Association honor these four men—and the principles they stand for—tonight, and always.
The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and United States Naval Academy
Distinguished Graduates Award Dinner
Honoring
Vice Admiral Charles S. Minter, Jr., USN (Ret.) Class of 1937 The Honorable James E. Carter, Jr. Class of 1947 Admiral Carlisle A. H. Trost, USN (Ret.) Class of 1953 Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC (Ret.) Class of 1962
October 12, 2002 Alumni Hall 6:30 p.m.
Vice Admiral Charles S. Minter, Jr., USN (Ret.), ’37 The Honorable James E. Carter, Jr., ’47 Admiral Carlisle A. H. Trost, USN (Ret.), ’53 Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC (Ret.), ’62
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hese four Distinguished Graduates matriculated from the Naval Academy in different times, but took with them the same lessons and values of honor, courage and commitment. For the United States Naval Academy, the Brigade of Midshipmen and all alumni, they serve as superior role models and leaders who have provided a lifetime of service to the Nation, the Navy and the United States Naval Academy. These men are truly Distinguished Graduates and are so honored by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and the Naval Academy.
Program Alumni Hall October 12, 2002
Distinguished Graduate Award Dinner Reception Call to Dinner by Brigade of Midshipmen Pipes and Drums Presentation of the Colors The National Anthem Invocation Welcome Vice Admiral Richard J. Naughton, USN Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy
Distinguished Graduate Award Dinner Performance by U.S. Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club Awards Presentation Master of Ceremonies George P. Watt, Jr., ’73 Captain, USNR (Ret.) President and CEO U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation
Benediction Navy Blue and Gold Performed by the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club
Charles S. Minter, Jr. Vice Admiral Charles S. Minter, Jr., USN (Ret.)
Distinguished Graduate Award—2002
Class of 1937 Class of 1937
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harles S. Minter, Jr. was born in Pocahontas, Virginia, near the heart of the nation’s coal mining region. From an early age, Charlie had dreams of flight, and entered the Naval Academy as a member of the Class of 1937. While a midshipman, Charlie excelled in sports, especially crew and football. The Lucky Bag noted, “Most afternoons, he could be found occupied with some sport, in season and out.” After marrying Mary in 1940, Charlie entered flight training and earned his wings in 1941, just months before the United States entered World War II. Throughout the war, Charlie flew missions all over the world, and served as Air Operations Officer for the carrier Randolph, a ship that performed air strikes on Tokyo, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After serving as a test pilot, he returned to combat as war broke out in Korea. After the war, Charlie held a number of key commands: Commanding Officer of USS Albemarle; Commanding Officer of USS Intrepid; Commander, Fleet Air Wing, Pacific; and Deputy Chairman, NATO Military Committee. Two posts Charlie considers his most meaningful accomplishments are Commandant of Midshipmen and Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. In retirement, Charlie has remained actively involved in the life of his alma mater, serving as president of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. He also served as president of the Retired Officers Association for four years, and has selflessly supported other worthy efforts. Charlie and Mary enjoy their large family of three children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Vice Admiral Charles Minter is a man of compassion and a living example of an officer and gentleman.
James E. Carter, Jr. The Honorable James E. Carter, Jr.
Distinguished Graduate Award—2002
Class of 1947 Class of 194 7
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immy Carter grew up in Plains, Georgia, with an appreciation for the land and an interest in the world around him.
After briefly attending college, Jimmy entered the U.S. Naval Academy in the Class of 1947. At the Academy, he was a gifted student and was always ready to help his classmates with their studies. The Lucky Bag predicted he would be remembered for his “cheerful disposition and ability to see the humorous side of any situation.” After graduation in 1946 (his class graduated early to support the Fleet after World War II), Jimmy married Rosalyn Smith. He then served as a submarine officer in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. Carter was chosen by Admiral Hyman Rickover for the nuclear submarine program, and completed graduate work in reactor technology and nuclear physics. He served as senior officer of the pre-commissioning crew of the Seawolf. After his father’s death, Jimmy Carter returned home to Plains to run the family business, and quickly became a community leader. He was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1962 and governor in 1970. In 1976 he was elected President of the United States, working for peace in the Middle East and pushing for economic deregulation at home. In 1982, the former President established The Carter Center, addressing national and international issues of public policy. Under his leadership, the Center works to resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights, and prevent disease and other afflictions. Through the Global 2000 program, the Center advances health and agriculture in the developing world. Today, Jimmy Carter still works as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and has encouraged this same spirit of citizen involvement at his alma mater. The former President and First Lady enjoy spending time with their four children and their families, and both remain role models of good citizenship. Jimmy Carter is a distinguished graduate and an inspirational citizen.
Carlisle A. H. Trost Admiral Carlisle A. H. Trost, USN (Ret.)
Distinguished Graduate Award—2002
Class of 1953 Class of 1953
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arl Trost was born in Valmayer, Illinois, and from the start was a gifted student. He attended Washington University in St. Louis before setting his sights on a naval career. At the United States Naval Academy, as a member of the Class of 1953, Carl gained the respect of peers and seniors alike, distinguishing himself in academic and leadership skills. The Lucky Bag prophetically noted that “Carl had the stuff leaders are made of.” He served as class Vice President, second only to a midshipman from Texas, H. Ross Perot. After graduating first in his class, Ensign Trost reported for duty aboard the destroyer Robert A. Owens. The following year he married Pauline, and attended Submarine School at New London, Connecticut, again graduating first in his class. He was assigned to the nuclear attack submarine Swordfish. In January 1968, Carl took command of Sam Rayburn, and after a tour on staff Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, he was assigned to the Pentagon, where he served as Executive Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy. As a flag officer, Rear Admiral Trost distinguished himself in one command after another. In 1980, Carl assumed command of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, where his leadership earned him special recognition from America’s Pacific allies. In 1986, he became the Chief of Naval Operations, where he worked to prepare America’s naval forces to prosecute the Gulf War. In retirement, Admiral Trost continues his tireless support of his alma mater, as a member of the Naval Academy’s Leaders to Serve the Nation Campaign executive committee. He is also a leader in the Class of ’53 effort to raise funds for the renovation of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. This former Olmstead Scholar now presides as chairman of the Olmstead Foundation. Carl and Pauline have made friends all over the world. In a career filled with the highest honors, Carl ranks his wonderful family as his most meaningful accomplishment. He always enjoys the time he and Pauline can spend with their four children and six grandchildren. Admiral Carl Trost is a friend to his classmates and a trusted leader for the nation.
John W. Ripley Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC (Ret.)
Distinguished Graduate Award—2002
Class of 1962 Class of 1962
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ohn W. Ripley was born in West Virginia. As a young man he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where his unique leadership qualities quickly became apparent. A year later, he earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy as a member of the Class of 1962. At the academy, John excelled at meeting all types of challenges, setting a Brigade record for completion of the obstacle course. The Lucky Bag predicted when Rip returned to the Marines, he would be a fine addition to that service branch. After graduation John went to sea with the Marine detachment of USS Independence. He married Moline on May 9, 1964. Two years later, he reported to the Third Battalion, Third Marine Division in Vietnam, where he immediately engaged in dozens of combat operations. His strong leadership under hostile fire won him numerous citations and the respect of his men. By 1972, Colonel Ripley was among the few remaining American officers in Vietnam. On Easter Sunday, he single-handedly blew up a key bridge, stopping a North Vietnamese Army advance, earning John the Navy Cross and one of his Purple Hearts. In 1984, John was assigned to serve his alma mater, as Director, Division of English and History, and Senior Marine at the U.S. Naval Academy. The authors of the book The Marines recognized John as a “unique asset” to the Corps, with special qualifications in Airborne, SCUBA, Ranger, and the British Commando course. Though he retired from active duty in 1992, Colonel Ripley remains an important part of the Naval Academy, while heading the U.S. Marine Corps Historical Center. He was appointed to lead the important, yet difficult task of setting and reviewing standards for honoring the sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall—a true labor of love for John Ripley. Despite his busy schedule, John and his wife, Moline, enjoy spending as much time as possible with their four children and their families, including four grandchildren. Colonel John W. Ripley is a distinguished graduate of uncommon valor, dedication and selfless service.
Distinguished Graduate Award
Distinguished Graduate Award History
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his is the fourth year the Distinguished Graduate Awards have been presented. The
2002 selection committee was chaired by Admiral Kinnaird R. McKee, USN (Ret.), Class of 1951.
Past Awardees 1999: Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, USN (Ret.), ’33 2000: Dr. John J. McMullen, ’40; Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.), ’43; Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence, USN (Ret.), ’51; Major General William A. Anders, USAFR (Ret.), ’55; Mr. Roger T. Staubach, ’65 2001: Captain John W. Crawford, Jr., USN (Ret.), ’42; Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr., USN (Ret.), ’47; Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale, USN (Ret.), ’47; Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.), ’49; Captain James A. Lovell, USN (Ret.), ’52
Nominating Criteria In order to be nominated as a distinguished graduate, candidates must be living graduates who have: ✦ Demonstrated a strong interest in supporting the Navy and the U.S. Naval Academy; ✦ Provided a lifetime of service to the nation or armed forces; ✦ Made significant and distinguished contributions to the nation via their public service; ✦ Character, distinguished military and civilian service, and stature that draw a wholesome comparison to the qualities that the United States Naval Academy strives for in keeping with values of honor, courage and commitment and “through knowledge, sea power.” The award will not be given to individuals who occupy or who are candidates for elective office, or who are still on active duty.
Distinguished Graduate Award—1999
Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, USN (Ret.) Class of 1933
Distinguished Graduate Award—2000
Dr. John J. McMullen Class of 1940
Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.)
Admiral William P. Lawrence, USN (Ret.)
Major General William A. Anders, USAFR (Ret.)
Class of 1951
Class of 1943
Class of 1955
Mr. Roger T. Staubach Class of 1965
Distinguished Graduate Award—2001
Captain John W. Crawford, Jr., USN (Ret.) Class of 1942
Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr., USN (Ret.) Class of 1947
Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale, USN (Ret.) Class of 1947
Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.) Class of 1949
Captain James A. Lovell, USN (Ret.) Class of 1952
“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” —President Franklin D. Roosevelt
“The arts of leadership and discipline are synonymous. No man is worth his salt without self-discipline.”
—Admiral John S. McCain, Jr. Class of 1931
“For the past 150 years, Naval Academy Alumni have led Sailors and Marines into harm’s way to defend our Nation. Four of those leaders are being honored as Distinguished Graduates. Their magnificent performance in support of our Nation honors the legacy of those heroes past and present who have sacrified their lives to make America great.”
—Gordon R. England Secretary of the Navy
“While we are proud of each and every graduate, the contributions of President Carter, Admiral Minter, Admiral Trost and Colonel Ripley have truly made a difference to this Nation. Their service and dedication to the Naval Academy, the naval service, and America will not be forgotten, and this is our opportunity to say ‘thank you.’”
—Vice Admiral Richard J. Naughton, USN United States Naval Academy Superintendent
“There are numerous graduates of the Naval Academy who have distinguished themselves in many walks of life, but truly this year’s recipients of the Distinguished Graduate Award represent the epitome of ‘leaders to serve the Nation.’ Imagine the impact on the Navy, the Naval Academy and the Nation if every midshipman, indeed every one of us here tonight, took just one quality from these individuals and imitated it each day of our lives. We are in the company of great Americans.”
—George P. Watt Jr., President and CEO U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation