The 37th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March was held at White Sands Missile Range, bringing together not only the Army community, but the West Point community. Both cadets and Old Grads paid tribute to the thousands of American and Filipino service members who defended the Bataan peninsula during World War II, and to those who endured the original Death March.
COL Andrew “Drew” Morgan ’98, Senior Commander of White Sands Missile Range, addressed the audience at the opening ceremony, encouraging everyone to reflect on this somber moment in history. He emphasized the importance of remembering Bataan and honoring the bravery and resilience of those who endured it.
“Eighty-four years ago, in the crucible of conflict, a terrible chapter in military history unfolded—the Bataan Death March—a trial of unimaginable suffering,” Morgan said. “But it was also a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the human will.”
Thirty West Point cadets participated and completed the march, with outstanding team performances. USMA Black & Gold won the Military Heavy Division with a time of 2:51:21 while USMA Team 1 placed second with a time of 3:44:24.
The experience was enriched by engagements with Old Grads throughout. A team of Old Grads from the Class of 1980 took 9th out of 28 teams in the Light Division. The USMA 80 team consisted of BG (R) Mark Hendrix, Marty Swafford, Greg Leikvold, MAJ (R) Bob Petro—all G-4 Guppy’s—and Donna Alesch White.
