What especially stands out to this writer is Fred’s exemplary self-fulfilling service after retirement, for our veterans, especially those whose lives were most painfully interrupted by their own service to our country. His passion for such service also overflowed into various activities involving the handicapped. Upon his retirement, he worked as associate executive director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America in Washington, DC and served as chief of staff for the National Victory Celebration, welcoming home the troops from the Gulf War. He was a director on the Board of Governors of the World USO and was chairman of the Human Resources Committee and a member of its Executive Committee for more than four years. He was also a member of the Board of Advisers of National Handicapped Sports. His service to America’s veterans was recognized by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Disabled Veterans of America. His passion for our veterans did not end with his death, as noted by his family’s request that contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Apparently, compassion was a driving motivation in his life, which came to special fruition during his retirement years. So, what led up to this most notable service during retirement? We find that his earlier years were times of accomplishment, movement, and preparation!
Colonel Ferdinand Clarence “Fred” Bidgood (Retired) was born at the station hospital at Fort Benning, GA, the son of Lieutenant Clarence Bidgood ’35 and Isabel McKee Bidgood. In 1955, Fred graduated from Central High School in London, England, spent a year at Braden’s Preparatory School in New York, and entered West Point with the Class of 1960. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. He served throughout the world in command and staff positions in both the Artillery and Corps of Engineers. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Military Academy and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M, and he is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College. His final military assignment was as executive assistant to the administrator of the Veterans Administration, which provided an entryway to his post-retirement service, portrayed above. His military decorations include four awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, two awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.
In addition to his notable achievements described above, a sketch of his life must also include something of his engaging personality and of his relationships with all of those persons who touched his life. His days at West Point were marked with sports portraying his athletic prowess (swimming, water polo, and cross country running). A musical talent featuring his rock-and-roll guitar and a great sense of humor provided entertainment and levity for all of us, which made our rigorous lives at the Academy a bit more pleasant. Fred’s athletic life continued as an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Army-Navy Country Club, where he was twice the senior club champion!
Finally, and likely most important, Fred married the love of his life, Marilyn Louise Clark, on July 9, 1960 in Rutherford, NJ. The marriage was blessed by 55 years of togetherness, with their family of two sons, Mark (wife Lori) and Matthew (wife Nora), and beloved grandchildren Damon, Haley, Aidan and Brianna. Fred was preceded in death by a daughter, Kerri, in 1965.
A funeral service was held in the Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer, VA on February 24, 2016. Interment with full military honors followed at Arlington National Cemetery and a reception at Fort Myer’s Officers Club after the conclusion of the service.
— Charles Coon ’60