The following notes, thoughts and remberances were submitted by Candidate
Ackley, a graduate of Army Signal OCS Class 24-1953.
As more comments are received, we will add them to the
recollections below. Please check back frequently and enjoy Candidate
Ackley's thoughts.
Candidate
Randall W. Ackley, Army Signal OCS Class 24-1953
eMail received 09 August 2011
I came across the SigC OCS page and saw I was among the Unknowns.
I would add: Upon graduation I became Exec of a student company at Ft
Monmouth. Then went to the Army Aviation school at San Marcos and was one of
the 3/4 who were automatically flunked out. Went to Korea, 4th SigBn, X
Corps and when that closed down, 51st SigBn, I Corps. Also TDY to 24th ID,
Commonwealth Div, KMAG... Discharged in 1954, went back to school. Finished
PhD, taught around the country, ended up on Fulbright in Jordan, visiting
professor at Cambridge and University of Glasgow. Retired, went back to
school, completed Master of Divinity, ordained as Catholic deacon and then
priest. Pastor in Sacramento. Back surgery and inactive. Living here in
Alameda, California, with my daughter.
Rev. Dr. Randall Ackley (one time 2nd Lieut, SigC)
Candidate Randall W. Ackley, Army Signal OCS Class
24-1953
eMail received 09 August 2011
Out of the blue, a classmate from OCS, Henry Bader, contacted me awhile
back. I responded but then no more. He had some fanciful memories of me
that were false. Funny.
I had my first tour in the Marines, prior to Korea, then went into the AF
but found I could be discharged for Army OCS and I applied and was. Went to
Ft Jackson for Leadership School. Told the Lieutenant Colonel in charge that
regulations said [that] former Marine NCOs did not go to Leadership School
prior to OCS. He denied I had been a Corporal in the Marine Corps. I was bit
rough with him so he sent me to Infantry Training. They made me Asst Field
1st Sgt and then Asst Supply Sgt until I graduated. Finally my home senator
got involved, Hubert Humphrey, and the Army asked CG 3rd Army why I wasn't
in OCS, So off I went finally, after a year. Graduated in the last class.
Got passed over for Captain twice, and discharged. Then went on to get my
BA and PhD. My life has been complex and I am 80 today. I saw on your site
that most of my comrades are gone. I was the 2nd youngest member of the
class by a couple months. Was 21 when commissioned.
Rev. Dr. Randall Ackley (former 2nd Lieut, SigC)