Distinguished Graduate Award Medal Presentation
September 10, 2004 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, 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 five men and the principles they stand for—today, and always.
The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and United States Naval Academy
Distinguished Graduate Award Medal Presentation
Honoring Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak, USMC (Ret.) Class of 1934 Vice Admiral Gerald E. Miller, USN (Ret.) Class of 1942 Vice Admiral James F. Calvert, USN (Ret.) Class of 1943 Lieutenant General Charles G. Cooper, USMC (Ret.) Class of 1950 Rear Admiral Ronald F. Marryott, USN (Ret.) Class of 1957 September 10, 2004 Alumni Hall 4 p.m.
Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak, USMC (Ret.), ’34 Vice Admiral Gerald E. Miller, USN (Ret.), ’42 Vice Admiral James F. Calvert, USN (Ret.), ’43 Lieutenant General Charles G. Cooper, USMC (Ret.), ’50 Rear Admiral Ronald F. Marryott, USN (Ret.), ’57
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hese five 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 Marine Corps, 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 Medal Presentation 4 p.m. Introduction of Distinguished Graduate Awardees for 2004 Invocation March on of the 14th and 15th Companies March on the Colors The National Anthem Post the Colors Manual of Arms Reports Welcome and Remarks Vice Admiral Rodney P. Rempt, USN Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy
Presentation of Distinguished Award Medals Admiral Carlisle A.H. Trost, USN (Ret.)
Chairman of the Board, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Midshipman Captain Travis Amerine Brigade Commander
Remarks Distinguished Graduate Awardees of 2004 Three Cheers Navy Victory March Battle Hymn of the Republic
Men's Glee Club, U.S. Naval Academy
Navy Blue and Gold Video of "Past Distinguished Graduates"
Victor H. Krulak Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak, USMC (Ret.)
Distinguished Graduate Award—2004
Class of 1934 Class of 1934
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ictor H. Krulak arrived at the U.S. Naval Academy in the summer of 1930, at the tender age of 16. Tipping the scales at 121 pounds, Victor quickly acquired the name “Brute,” from his fellow midshipmen…a name that would stick for the rest of his long career. At the Academy, he earned three varsity letters for crew, serving as captain of the crew team his first class year. Three years after graduation, First Lieutenant Krulak befriended a Japanese officer, who allowed him to witness the Japanese invasion at Liuho where he observed a new amphibious boat – with a square bow ramp that could be dropped on the shore allowing men and vehicles to disembark. Later, he worked with New Orleans boat maker Andrew Higgins to fit an existing boat with a ramped bow and create the first LCVP. LCVPs had already proved to be vital in a number of World War II battles when Lieutenant Colonel Krulak led 900 Marines in a raid against 5,000 at Choiseul, diverting attention from the main landing force at Bougainville. Though seriously wounded, he continued to lead the operation. Other battles, other wounds, other examples of courage and leadership followed, along with numerous decorations. Rapid promotion also followed. By the 1960s, with America fighting in Vietnam, Lieutenant General Krulak served as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. His courage on the battlefield was matched by his intellectual prowess. He is the father of vertical envelopment and the Combined Action Company Concept for the U.S. Marines. His book, “First to Fight: An Inside View of the U. S. Marine Corps,” is still widely read around the world. As a civilian, he served as President and Editorial Policy Director of Copley World News Service for 11 years. Through the years, he has remained committed to his classmates and his alma mater, serving as Chairman of the Academy’s Board of Visitors for four years. Lieutenant General Victor Krulak – an innovative mind and a warrior’s spirit – has dedicated a lifetime to the service of his country.
Gerald E. Miller Vice Admiral Gerald E. Miller, USN (Ret.)
Distinguished Graduate Award—2004
Class of 1942 Class of 1942
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erry Miller loved the sea at an early age, becoming an apprentice seaman at age 17 before entering the U.S. Naval Academy as a member of the Class of 1942. At the Academy, Jerry’s enlisted experience propelled him to leadership positions in his class, serving two sets as midshipman Company Commander during First Class Year. Graduating five months early, in the wake of Pearl Harbor, Jerry reported to USS Richmond, where he engaged in Pacific combat. With the war nearing an end, Jerry realized a long-time dream when he was sent to flight training, then assigned to an F4U fighter squadron. The post war years led to various staff positions and post graduate study at Stanford. The day he graduated, the Korean War broke out. As an aide to the Commander of Task Force 77, Lieutenant Commander Miller participated in the planning of the Inchon amphibious landings, and other vital operations. Later, he flew over 100 missions, including 70 over the beach in support of ground troops. Following the war, he used his knowledge of the emerging technology of IBM computers to propose major modifications in accounting and distribution procedures at the Bureau of Naval Personnel. With the Cold War turning frigid in the late 1950s, Jerry was promoted to Captain, the first in his class to make that rank, and reported to the Pentagon. Assigned to the Atomic Operations Division, Captain Miller had the awesome responsibility of helping organize nuclear war plans. He became an expert in nuclear weaponry and and its employment as a naval weapon delivered by naval aircraft. Later, he commanded USS Wrangell and USS Franklin Roosevelt, and in 1968, commanded Carrier Division Three in Vietnam. Promoted to Vice Admiral in 1970, Jerry commanded the Second and Sixth Fleets, before retiring from active duty in 1974. Admiral Miller retired with flight experience in more than 60 types of aircraft during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Active in business and government affairs, Jerry has supported naval institutions and contributed to the military profession and policy discussions with speeches, lectures, and countless articles. He is the author of the book, “Nuclear Weapons and Aircraft Carriers.” He has supported his alma mater in many ways and currently serves as the President of the Class of 1942. His son Jonathan is a midshipman in the Class of 2005. Vice Admiral Gerald Miller is a renowned leader through 38 years in uniform who made a significant impact on the course of Naval Aviation, providing a lifetime of service to his nation.
James F. Calvert Vice Admiral James F. Calvert, USN (Ret.)
Distinguished Graduate Award—2004
Class of 1943 Class of 1943
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hen James F. Calvert entered the Naval Academy as a member of the Class of 1943, clouds of war were already gathering on the horizon. Graduating in three years, in June 1942, Jim headed for submarine school in New London – then on to the Pacific. Over the next two years, Jim engaged in nine war patrols, in USS Jack and USS Haddo, earning numerous decorations. He and his crewmates in Haddo were in Tokyo Bay in September 1945 for Japan’s surrender, ending World War II. As World War II gave way to the Cold War, Jim commanded USS Trigger, was selected as nuclear submarine pre-commissioning officer by Admiral Hyman Rickover and commanded USS Skate, from 1957 to 1961. During that time, he crossed the North Pole under the Arctic Ice. A year later, he surfaced through the ice at the North Pole, becoming the first commander to do so. After negotiating a military agreement with Great Britain and commanding Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 8, Jim was appointed Superintendent of the Naval Academy in 1968 – the youngest in Academy history. As Superintendent, Jim developed and installed the Majors system, which replaced the lockstep curriculum that had been in place since the Academy's founding. This program is still in place today and was followed within a few years by both West Point and Colorado Springs. He also established the James Forrestal lecture series, installed the present practice of having a civilian director of athletics, and recruited Dr. Barry Talley, who has moved the Academy's glee clubs to national ranking. He initiated and completed the fundraising programs for the Dahlgren Hall hockey rink and student center and for the construction of the Robert Crown Center for sailing. After four years as Superintendent, Jim began his last active duty tour, taking command of the U.S. First Fleet in the Pacific. As a civilian, Jim’s hard work and determination, which served him so well throughout his Navy career, was highly prized by the private sector. He served as assistant to the Chairman of Texaco and later as Chairman of Aqua-Chem. An active supporter of his alma mater, Jim served as Chairman of the Fales Committee at the Academy from 1994 to 1998, and continues to serve as a member of the Academy’s Sailing Foundation. Vice Admiral Calvert – a daring commander whose resolute determination advanced his nation’s cause in time of both war and peace.
Charles G. Cooper Lieutenant General Charles G. Cooper, USMC (Ret.)
Distinguished Graduate Award—2004
Class of 1950 Class of 1950
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harles G. Cooper grew up in the Mississippi delta and was inspired to a military career by stories of his father’s World War I experiences. At the U.S. Naval Academy, Charlie excelled at football and academics, exhibiting a determination in both that would serve him well in the future. Soon after graduation in June 1950, Charlie, like many of his classmates, headed for duty in Korea. As leader of the Third Platoon, Baker Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, Second Lieutenant Cooper received baptism under fire, earning a Silver Star and becoming an experienced combat leader. In the heat of battle, he recognized the absolute importance of platoon unity, recalling Shakespeare’s famous line, “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.” The band of brothers concept would be Charlie’s guiding principle throughout his career. He suffered life-threatening wounds during the fierce battle for Hill 907 on June 17, 1951 that would have ended most military careers. Initially paralyzed from the chest down, Second Lieutenant Cooper was informed by Navy doctors that he probably would never walk again. Charlie was determined to prevail, and he did. Charlie not only lived to fight another day, he compiled a 35-year Marine Corps career that encompassed command at every echelon. He went on to command two infantry battalions, the prestigious 1st Marine Division, and held responsible staff assignments that influenced history and required tough decisions. Lieutenant General Cooper concluded his active duty career as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, where he commanded two-thirds of the fighting Marine Corps. Since his retirement from active duty in 1985, Charlie has been a guest lecturer at the Naval Academy and other colleges and has provided motivational speeches to the FBI National Executive Institute. He is the author of “Cheers and Tears, A Marine’s Story of Combat in Peace and War.” Lieutenant General Charles Cooper – a faithful defender of his nation – and a committed brother to his fellow Marines – and to all who fight for our country.
Ronald F. Marryott Rear Admiral Ronald F. Marryott, USN (Ret.)
Distinguished Graduate Award—2004
Class of 1957 Class of 1957
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orn and reared in Pennsylvania, Ronald F. Marryott entered the U.S. Naval Academy as a member of the Class of 1957, with a firmly held goal for the future. From that first I-Day, Ron dedicated himself to his chosen profession – service as a United States Naval Officer. As a midshipman, he played plebe basketball and commanded his battalion in the spring of 1957. The Lucky Bag noted that Ron was one of the few men who successfully mastered the art of working and playing hard. As a naval aviator in 1959, Ron flew anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol aircraft. He participated in quarantine operations during the Cuban missile crisis. As America entered the space age, Ron served as both assistant and chief Project Mercury Recovery officer for airborne search and recovery operations for the first three manned space flights. Assignments in Vietnam and other Cold War hot spots followed. After command tours, including Commander Iceland Defense Force, and several Pentagon tours, Rear Admiral Marryott was appointed President of the Naval War College in 1985. According to Admiral James Holloway III, Ron succeeded in redefining the War College to again be “the Navy’s center for serious thinking at the force commander’s level.” Ron went from the presidency of the War College to a distinguished tour as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, one of only three officers to have held both posts. After retirement from active duty in 1990, Ron became President and CEO of the George Marshall Foundation, promoting leadership and public service. He continued his service to his alma mater when, in 1996, Ron was appointed President and CEO of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, sponsoring a number of important initiatives. He was a driving force in the creation of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, serving as its first president. In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Ron organized and chaired a Security Transition Team for the City of Annapolis. He continues his service to the Naval Academy as a volunteer in a number of vital projects. He currently serves as co-chairman of the Class of 1957’s Gift Committee. Ron and his wife Carol Ann live in Annapolis, and look forward to family gatherings with their three sons, and their families. Rear Admiral Ron Marryott has demonstrated a commitment to his country by a lifetime of service.
Distinguished Graduate Award Distinguished Graduate Award History
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his is the sixth year the Distinguished Graduate Awards have been presented. The
2004 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 2002: 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 2003: Ambassador William H.G. FitzGerald, ’31; Rear Admiral Eugene B. Fluckey, USN (Ret.), ’35; Rear Admiral Robert W. McNitt, USN (Ret.), ’38; Vice Admiral William D. Houser, USN (Ret.), ’42
Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, USN (Ret.)
Dr. John J. McMullen
Class of 1933 — DGA 1999
Class of 1940 — DGA 2000
Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.)
Admiral William P. Lawrence, USN (Ret.)
Class of 1943 — DGA 2000
Major General William A. Anders, USAFR (Ret.)
Class of 1951 — DGA 2000
Mr. Roger T. Staubach
Class of 1955 — DGA 2000
Class of 1965 — DGA 2000
Captain John W. Crawford, Jr., USN (Ret.) Class of 1942 — DGA 2001
Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr., USN (Ret.) Class of 1947 — DGA 2001
Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale, USN (Ret.) Class of 1947 — DGA 2001
Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.) Class of 1949 — DGA 2001
Captain James A. Lovell, USN (Ret.) Class of 1952 — DGA 2001
Vice Admiral Charles S. Minter, Jr., USN (Ret.) Class of 1937 — DGA 2002
The Honorable James E. Carter, Jr. Class of 1947 — DGA 2002
Admiral Carlisle A.H. Trost, USN (Ret.) Class of 1953 — DGA 2002
Colonel John W. Ripley, USMC (Ret.) Class of 1962 — DGA 2002
Ambassador William H.G. FitzGerald Class of 1931 — DGA 2003
Rear Admiral Eugene B. Fluckey, USN (Ret.) Class of 1935 — DGA 2003
Rear Admiral Robert W. McNitt, USN (Ret.) Class of 1938 — DGA 2003
Vice Admiral William D. Houser, USN (Ret.) Class of 1942 — DGA 2003
Navy Victory March On Navy Blue and Gold, fight on down the field. Vict’ry for us today, so set your sights for this new fray and hold the foe at bay, Fight! Fight! Fight! On, team, and never rest, ’Till stands high that Navy crest. Carry on Blue and Gold both in thought and action bold, for a Navy victory!
Navy Blue and Gold Now colleges from sea to sea May sing of colors true, But who has better right than we To hoist a symbol hue? For Sailors brave in battle fair Since fighting days of old Have proved the Sailor’s right to wear The Navy Blue and Gold.
Cover design courtesy of
U.S. Academy Alumni Association Brochure design by
USNA Publications Office