When two units of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets were reactivated for the start of the spring semester in response to the corps’ growth, it was a time for celebration and reflection. Navy Capt. Michael D. T. Edwards (Ret.), a 1979 graduate, contributed to both in presenting a partial legacy of his reactivated unit, recounting how many of its hundreds of former members went on to excel in various pursuits — and how some died in service to their country.
“I made the ultimate sacrifice while searching for downed pilots over Cambodia during my second tour,” Edwards said in speaking for one of the deceased former members of Squadron 1. While not personally identifying him, Edwards left no doubt that he knew who that warrior was by continuing the “observation” on behalf the former cadet by noting “the Corps of Cadets Baldridge Award for the ‘best drilled outfit’ is named after me.”In speaking for another former Huslin’ One member, Edwards said: “I was a Marine captain wounded in a Vietnam minefield and was medically retired. I learned 40 years later that the CH-46 pilot that rescued me was a ‘fish bud.’” That notation means they were freshman buddies in the Corps. Another former member of the unit went on be the senior navigator on Air Force One and another practiced law before the U.S. Supreme Court, Edwards recounted in his remarks. To see pertinent excerpts from Capt. Edwards’ remarks denoting the experiences and accomplishments of a few of the other former Squadron 1 members, go here. For more photos of the Squadron 1 reactivation ceremony, visit here; additional photos of the Company F-1 ceremony can be found here.
Reprinted from TAMU Times.
Top photo: Cadets participate in the Company F-1 reactivation ceremony.
Bottom photo: Capt. Michael D. T. Edwards (Ret.) addresses the crowd at the Squadron 1 reactivation ceremony.
Photos: Annette Walker