West Point
Doc Bahnsen began his studies at West Point In July, 1952. For him, this was a major stepping-stone toward achieving his lifelong dream of a career in the Army as a regular army officer. Bahnsen won his numerals as a pole vaulter on the plebe track and field team. For the remainder of his time at West Point, Bahnsen participated on Company C-1's intramural teams, including wrestling, lacrosse, swimming, football, and soccer.
As a cadet, Bahnsen met Captain George S. Patton and Captain Hank "The Gunfighter" Emerson, who were tactical officers at the Academy. Not only did they befriend young Bahnsen, they became his mentors for life. Contrary to expectations of someone who never aspired to any career other than the profession of arms, Cadet Bahnsen was a mediocre student when it came to academic studies. However, he excelled in all of his military science and physical education courses. On 5 June 1956, standing 406 out of 480 in his class, Bahnsen graduated from West Point with a regular army commission as a second lieutenant in infantry branch.
Read more about this topic: John Bahnsen
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