John William Whitman

JOHN WILLIAM WHITMAN USA (Ret.) Lieutenant Colonel JOHN WILLIAM WHITMAN, USA (Ret.) of Alexandria, VA devoted, patient and supportive husband of Barbara Bowie-Whitman, died July 29, 2014 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Colonel Whitman suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke consequent to a long illness. His wife drove him to Walter Reed for what they thought would be an outpatient appointment on July 28, but he became so ill during the day that he asked to be admitted as an inpatient. His wife remained with him throughout that final night at Walter Reed. Colonel Whitman was an Airborne Ranger, an infantry officer, a military historian, and a gentleman. He was born in San Francisco on September 23, 1946. While still an infant, he moved to Hawaii with his Navy father George William Whitman and mother Charlotte Marguerita Fehlen Whitman. As a blond haired blue eyed boy, he went shirtless and shoeless at play and at school, where shoes were not required. Sunday School was a torture because he had to wear shoes. John keenly felt his minority status as the rare blond child in his Hawaii community, and grew up to be genuinely respectful of people of all backgrounds. He did not return to the U.S. mainland until he was ten. His parents settled in Alameda, California, where he graduated from Alameda High School. He played little league baseball, and always said that his batting average was higher than it should be on his actual hitting, because he ran so fast that he could always get on base. He was a competitive marksman from early days, and was once invited to the final trials for the US Olympic rifle team. John always wanted to be a soldier. He joined high school ROTC, and was a Distinguished Military Graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in history. He was the President of the Pershing Rifles fraternity at San Jose State. He entered active duty upon graduation in 1968, and was a "Winter Ranger" completing Ranger training in the 1968-69 course. "Did I ever tell you how tough it was in Ranger School?" was a favorite remark for the rest of his life. In his 24 year career, he regarded his Combat Infantry Badge to be his highest award though he earned many. He served three tours in Korea, one in Vietnam and one in Panama. In 1984, he graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, with a Master of Military Science degree and a thesis on the Bataan campaign. His 1990 book, Bataan Our Last Ditch, based on his MS thesis, is considered the preeminent work on the Bataan campaign. It is out of print but in such demand that it commands $87 for a recycled "new" condition copy on Amazon. He was invited to address the American Historical Association annual meeting in 1990. His second and third books remain unpublished, but his publication of articles runs in the hundreds. He had his third book, on Japanese logistics in World War II, on a thumb drive in his pocket when he went to Walter Reed on July 28. He was a frequent contributor on many military history websites. Shortly after returning to the Pentagon from his assignment as Executive Officer of the 2d Brigade of the 2d Division in Korea, he met Barbara Jean Bowie, a Foreign Service Officer who had just returned from a tour in Mexico. They were married March 23, 1991. After his retirement in 1992, he developed proficiency as a fine carpenter and built intricate decorative woodwork in his home, with coffered and cathedral ceiling trim in hardwoods, and a 14 by 20 paneled sunroom. He was a skilled handyman in many fields, working to maintain his several rental properties. The first flowers to be sent in his memory came from a former tenant. He was a generous man, often giving in ways that did not allow the recipient to know the source of the gift. It was common for him to buy meals for soldiers in a restaurant, asking the waitress to advise them that someone who appreciated their service was picking up the tab, but demanding that she not let them know who had bought the meal. He wanted to give, but not to be acknowledged. He was a gracious host. He was noted for his wry humor. During his long illness he always prepared a joke of the day for his appointments, setting his medical team at ease before they discussed his situation. Colonel Whitman was a member of the University Club of Washington and the Pentagon Athletic Club, where his last workout was on July 26. His father and mother preceded him in death. His wife, Barbara Bowie-Whitman survives him; as do his aunt, Eleanor Treadwell; and his cousins, Patricia Zona and Rick Treadwell of California; his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy Bowie Wrenn and her husband, Dr. Christopher Wrenn of Tyler, Texas; sister and brother-in-law, Katherine Bowie Dooley and husband Homer "Buddy" Dooley of Azle, Texas; and nieces, Kristina Elizabeth Wrenn of Dallas, Texas and Courtney Bowie Wrenn of Germantown, New York. A service celebrating his life will take place at Georgetown Presbyterian Church, 3115 P Street, N.W. on August 16 at 9:30 a.m. A military burial will take place at a later date. Visitation hours will be at Joseph Gawler's Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue, NW from 5 to 7 p.m. on August 14. Memorial contributions for Lt. Col. John Whitman may be made to the U.S. Army Military History Institute, Carlisle Barracks, PA, 17013-5008. (Telephone: (717) 245-3611) Web site: http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/

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If you would like to attend the graveside service for John Whitman

Please come to the Administration Building of Arlington Cemetery on

King Drive no later than 2:30 pm on 19 November. Those attending will be

Led in a motor procession to the graveste after all have gathered in a

“Family” Room inside the Admin Building.

To reach the Admin Bldg: take Memorial Drive (the major road off the bridge

Heading for the cemetery. Speak to the guard at rhe barricade to say you are

Attending a service. Then turn left on Eisenhower, and take the 2d left from

Eisenhower to King. Park at the Admin Bldg lot and come in to the building.

You are also invited to a reception at Army Navy Country Club following the Service

The Club is at 1700 Army Navy Drive Arlington.

If you plan to attend the reception,

Please advise Barbara Bowie-Whitman at [email protected] or at 703 598 2461

See http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=John-Whitman&lc=2216&pid=171937915&mid=6069218

For John’s full obituary and a video and photo album

Arrangements under the direction of Joseph Gawler's Sons LLC, Washington, DC.