The 1917 West Point Graduate

In 1914 when Hiram first entered West Point, he and his classmates were designated as the Class of 1918. But because of World War I, the training of the Classes of 1917 and 1918 was accelerated. In addition to intensive practical training, Hiram's class pursued a special abridged course of academic instruction. The Class of 1917 graduated in April instead of June 1917, and Hiram's Class of 1918 graduated on August 30, 1917.

Hiram was a "Distinguished Cadet" as his total proportional parts on the general merit roll of his class at the close of the 1917 academic year exceeded 92 per cent of the possible total. He had distinctions in: Mathematics, History, Practical Military Engineering (Surveying), Drill Regulations (Infantry and Artillery), Chemistry and Drill Regulations (Cavalry and Artillery). He graduated 3rd in his class. He had been 1st but missed a train back from Vassar College and received demerit points for returning late to West Point dropping him to 3rd.^[1] But he graduated as a captain instead of a lieutenant which was most unusual.

The entry in West Point's yearbook, The 1917 and 1918 Howitzer, for Hi reads:

Hi was shunted to us via the University of Michigan. Just what he did up there is a matter of speculation, but he came to West Point an Engineer, and has remained an Engineer to the end. Like all true-blue Engineers, 3.0's are his passion—and he gets them. Hiram amassed 3.0's his Plebe year. His Yearling year was the same, and even lately history has repeated itself.

Now, Hi impresses one as having a Rule of Life. Whatever that rule may be he lives by it religiously and has followed it with success in his years with us.

On any subject of discussion, Hiram is from Missouri. He listens carefully to all expoundings, then gathers in all available data, connects the whole mass in series, and short circuits to the salient point.

It is rumored that Cupid has not shot his arrows aimlessly—we'll watch him closely for a time after graduation.

Indeed, Cupid had not shot aimlessly. The day of his West Point graduation, Hi married Zelie in the West Point Cadet Chapel.

West Point, 1911 - The Beginnings Of A Life In Service

Below is a segment of a video about Dwight D. Eisenhower's experience at West Point. Hiram's experience would have been very similar.

West Point Cadets 1916

Published: 16 July 2023