THE CLASS OF 1957 graduated 546 cadets, but only one Richard Scott Hamner. He managed to combine an orderly "by the book" method of problem solving with a zest for having fun and enjoying life. He always reserved time for play, but when the time for work was at hand, it was done with military precision. Scott’s warmth, friendliness and consideration for others endeared him to all with whom he lived and worked.

Born in Wayside, Mississippi, Scott received his early education in different schools in Mississippi. He entered the United States Military Academy in 1953 after graduation from Marion Institute, Marion, Alabama.

Weekends at West Point for Scott were always fully scheduled. Some included a drag from New York City. A handsome young man with a warm smile and soft southern accent made this "Southern Gentleman" a big hit with the ladies.

Then there were the many weekends that were spent in the mountains near Mine Torn Road beside a cold, fast running creek. A log cabin was built in the natural beauty of the pines next to the running mountain stream

just above the waterfall. Many hours of hard work were spent in the construction of that cabin. It served as an escape from the regimented life of the cadet, giving way to a weekend of relaxation and communion with nature. In the warm season it might mean fishing. In the late fall, deer hunting with bow and arrow.

No one was more excited than Scott when he got his deer one cold Sunday afternoon. Running late, we rushed back to the barracks and Sunday evening dinner. Following dinner, we barely had time to skin and dress the deer on the stoops of South Area before call to quarters. It was venison steak after that on fishing and camping leave. During the dead of winter, ice hockey on the pond near the cabin was popular. And in the warmer season, Scott might be found taking an early morning dip in the clear, cool pool just below the waterfall.

There were the birthday celebrations at a little tavern on the hill (in Highland Falls) after taps. We would call a cab to pick us up near the hospital. Out the latrine window, a short jump to the alley, and off for beer, pizza and a little dancing. On one occasion Scott felt so bad the next morning that he had me march his platoon to breakfast as he proceeded to sick call.

Those were the fun times. Scott was always ready to help organize and participate. He was a daring person, willing to take some risk if the rewards were adequate. But he always exercised reasonable caution. Perhaps that is why he was never caught.

A platoon leader in training of new cadets in Beast Barracks, Scott demonstrated leadership and compassion. As a platoon leader in Company K-1, his First Class year, there was not a man tinder Scott's command that was not pleased and proud to serve him.

As a bachelor in Basic Infantry Officer School, poker games, dates, trips on short leave to the beach in Florida and being invited to dinner at the homes of classmates kept life from becoming routine.

Graduation from Airborne School and then Ranger School at Fort Benning brought with it assignment to the 101st Airborne Division. Such an assignment was in character with Scott's daring, adventuresome attitude. Scott was a very successful platoon leader, respected and effective in his leadership responsibilities.

In 1958 Scott was married. He and his wife Gail welcomed into the world two sons, Richard Scott Jr. and Jeffrey, both born at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. From Fort Campbell he went to a challenging new assignment with NASA at Red Stone Arsenal where Scott played a leading role in our space exploration program.

In 1971, Gail Hamner was killed in an auto accident. Scott left NASA and went into business for himself and remarried.

On 11 November 1977, Scott's unexpected death shocked and saddened all of us. He was buried at West Point, New York. Surely he is now at rest enjoying the mountains, streams, and wild life, resting close to the nature that he loved. We miss him but he is home now.