John Stephen Gibbs was a West Point classmate, an H-1 companymate, and a true and faithful friend. He was born February 23, 1938 in Waterloo, IA to John and Dorothy Gibbs. John was from a military family, and those in the family who knew him well described him as a kind and gentle soul and that to know him was to love him. It was no surprise that he would seek a career in the service. “Kind and gentle” aptly described John both at the Academy and throughout his 21-year career of dedicated service in the Army and, circuitously, to the nation. He was patriotic to a fault, and love of country dominated his being, second only to the love of his God.
In his early childhood, he demonstrated a profound commitment to the Catholic Church, often serving as an altar boy and assisting the priests during Mass and other religious activities. His faith grew stronger as he grew older, inspiring him to later join Saint Pius X Church, which he served for over 40 years, donating service to the Legion of Mary.
John’s interest in attending West Point and serving in the armed services peaked during his final year in high school when he observed the Old Guard in action and visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He liked the pageantry of the military and its reputation for excellence and high standards, as well as its promise of a meaningful career. So, he queried several senators’ and congressmen’s offices in an attempt to find one with an unfilled vacancy. He succeeded in locating one, Congressman Hull of the 6th District of Missouri. Armed with this congressional appointment, he entered West Point in July 1956, joining the Class of 1960.
As a cadet, John stood out from the pack. He was revered by his companymates in H-1 for his willingness to work hard to achieve his lofty goals. His caring manner and “kind and gentle” personality impressed his classmates who elected him to the very highest honor available to cadets, that of company honor rep. He was also elected hop manager, which is a much desired and enviable position.
John was the consummate family man, putting family above all else. He met and ultimately married Miss Patricia Ann Ragnitt, a beautiful, vivacious young lady from Chicago on the 4th of July 1964. They raised three lovely children: Timothy, born on May 19, 1965 in Columbus, GA; John Lee, born on May 12, 1967 in Alexandria, VA; and Andrea, born on February 1, 1972, also in Columbus. He was especially proud of his three grandchildren: Lauren, Claire and Maxx. Patricia and the children and grandchildren loved and adored John and will remember him, fondly, always. John enjoyed 56 years of wedded bliss until “death do us part.”
On graduation from the Academy, he chose Infantry as his branch and Germany as his first assignment. He joined the 48th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Division as a platoon leader. He loved the dogface soldiers he was associated with and progressed through company and battalion level jobs, returning to CONUS as a senior first lieutenant to attend the Infantry Officer Advanced Course. Following a year in the 2nd Brigade, 7th Infantry Division at Fort Ord, CA, he was assigned to Vietnam, where he was awarded his first Bronze Star Medal. On returning to the States, he was sent to Montana State University to serve as an associate professor of military science. Then he went back to Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, where he was brigade S-4 for the first six months and battalion S-3 for the second six months. This was just after the TET Offensive and the heaviest fighting of the entire war. He was awarded a Bronze Star with V for valor, downgraded from a Silver Star (the nation’s third highest award for gallantry), a second Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service, 11 Air Medals and another Army Commendation Medal. On returning from Vietnam, he was selected for the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. After graduation he was sent to the Combat Development Command. He served there until 1973, at which time he was selected for graduate study at Syracuse University, where he earned an MBA. He then was sent overseas to Europe and worked at Headquarters, USAREUR for three more years until 1977. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for exemplary service. Upon returning from USAREUR, he went to his final assignment at 5th Army Headquarters 1977 to 1981. Here he was awarded his last decoration, the coveted Legion of Merit. He retired from active duty in 1981. He said of his illustrious career: “I enjoyed every minute of it and if I had to do it over, I wouldn’t do anything differently. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of it all was my association with American soldiers who are the world’s finest and very best.”
After retirement, John founded his own company, the Texas Land & Tour Company, and organized tours to countries around the globe, with the most popular destinations being Switzerland and China. Also, he gave freely of his time and resources to further the cause of the Wounded Warriors Project.
Farewell old friend, you enjoyed a life well lived. We will miss you tremendously but take comfort in knowing that you are now in a better place. Rest in peace.
— Alonzo L. Coose Jr., Friend and Classmate, with assistance from Pat Gibbs, John’s Wife