From the USNA Alumni Association, bad news:
It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence ‘51, USN (Ret.), on 2 December.
In addition to being recognized by the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association as a Distinguished Graduate in 2000, Lawrence also won the gold medal from the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Theodore Award. As a midshipman, Admiral Lawrence was instrumental in developing the honor concept for the Brigade of Midshipmen. His concept has stood the test of time.
Amen.
Update: The Admiral was the Academy superintendent when I was a mid. First flag officer I ever saw up close. An exceptionally impressive man. Spent the better part of six years as a guest of the NVA after being shot down on a strike over Hanoi. Returned with honor. Here’s his bio.
And here’s the bio of his daughter, who was a year ahead of me at Navy.
Rest in peace, Admiral.
“Home is the sailor, home from the sea
and the hunter home from the hills.”
- From the epitaph for Robert Louis Stevenson
Another giant- gone.
Great selection for epitaph Lex. Thanks.
B2
I’m an old coot and have seen many great officers up close. Bill was a classmate, and a good friend. I flew with him in a couple fighter squadrons. He was ALWAYS viewed as being just a cut above the rest of us. We admired him no end, elected him Class President and cheered him on the football field. He was seen as a splendid person even when when one of the mob of aspiring young midshipmen.
Some compare his strength of character and moral personality to Douglas MacArthur, He didn’t have the personal flare or desire for recognition that was Mac’s but he was an exemplary person who will be long remembered as the Best of the Best. We who may have known him better than most were always impressed.
May he rest in peace.