The Military Academy and the Army grow in stature by the contributions of individuals. A significant amount of this growth came from the 44 years of effort by Roger Alexander. Direct proof of this shows in his documented accomplishments as a cadet, 1903-1907, as an Engineer officer until 1920, as a professor at West Point until 1946, and as the first Dean of the Military Academy until retirement in 1947. Indirect proof lies in his strong sense of responsibility for all jobs assigned and his affection for the many associates and people with whom he worked. These latter personal attributes, well known to his intimates, encouraged and inspired those serving below, with, and above him. He was lucky throughout his career, for his love and enthusiasm for what he did was present in times of tranquility and stress alike. (This trait is well depicted in an article fully describing his career in the Assembly of October 1947.) His interests, his pride, and his belief in a system all played important parts in making him a successful Army technician, leader, teacher, and administrator.
Concern for people was perhaps the strongest of the many vibrant interests he had for all service matters. His Class of 1907, which provided him with such fun and companionship as a cadet, he considered a special group with whom to serve and socialize. He continued to cherish the friendship of Regulars and civilian-soldiers who served with him in the 29th Engineers under General Pershing. His love of people at West Point was felt by individuals from the lowest echelon to the highest. He injected into Academy officialdom a concern for the individual cadets that made him known as one of their staunchest advocates.
His interest in teaching started when he taught in a one-room country school near his home in Paris, Missouri, prior to entering West Point—he enjoyed having started with children whose ages varied from 4 to 18. The satisfaction he derived from trying to transmit ideas to others made the training aspects of Army work a continuing challenge. In his professorial years he could joyfully devote unlimited time to this endeavor. His last years at West Point, with his being in positions of increasing responsibility, gave him the opportunity to help implement long-range planning for the best interests of West Point and the Army. His appointment as the first Dean of the Academy culminated his long life as a teacher. He accepted it with enthusiasm, despite the press of post-war problems that at times made work hectic.
He felt at home in the world of maps, photos, graphics, surveying, and their application to the military. The technical aspects of Military Engineering caught his fancy early and helped him decide to make the Army his life’s work. He found an exciting situation awaiting him as a member of General Pershing’s initial staff of 1917. For an undefined job, he was asked to hold ready his experience gained at West Point, Cuba, Washington Barracks, and the New York Harbor District. By the end of the war he had organized, led, and directed the activities of the 29th Engineers, our country’s first topographic and flash-and-sound regiment. The successful completion of this combat test of technical, organizational, and operational ingenuity gave a tremendous lift to a professional Engineer officer. It gave him the working knowledge which he so ardently used and built upon in his later years as Professor of Drawing (later Military Topography and Graphics).
Beneath his outward gentleness and modesty was a fierce pride for individuals and groups he respected. He was proud of his Class, officers with whom he had served, the A.E.F., the West Point Staff, and the Corps of Cadets. His pride in the cadets made him an avid supporter of their mental, military, and athletic attainments. (The Army football team was his favorite, in defeat as well as victory.) What gave him particular joy was to watch the growth of cadets he had taught making their way as officers. He was naturally torn by being at West Point during World War II, but seeing men, whom he had helped, succeeding in positions of awesome responsibility fostered his pride in them. Until his death, he followed the careers of many. He treasured the plaudits and medals given him, including those from our country, England, and France.
His professional life was guided by strong belief in the Military Academy and its mission to train successive classes of cadets effectively. Thinking how this could and should be accomplished to the Nation’s benefit became a habit that was part of him.
Horses, gardening, and golf he took to with intensity and ability as his career permitted. Those who knew him can recall what enjoyment they brought him and others.
In his 27 years at West Point he could have a permanent home and garden in surroundings he loved. He and his wife, Ruth, led a full family life and were continuously extending their hospitality and assistance to a host of military and civilian friends.
Full military and personal honors were accorded Brigadier General Roger Gordon Alexander in services at the Old Chapel and cemetery at West Point on 7 April 1961. This he would have liked.
Surviving him are his wife, Ruth, now living in New York City; his daughter, Ruth (wife of Col. B. J. Smith ’41), JUSMAG Thailand, Bangkok; his son, Roger G., Jr., Ventura, California; his sister Nelle, Paris, Missouri; and his brother, Carter, Claremont, California.
-R. G. A. Jr.