William Plaskett, Jr. – Colonel, United States Marine Corps

From a contemporary press report:

Colonel William Plaskett, 72, who gave service to the Marietta College community for more than 20 years, passed away October 30, 1998, after a long battle with cancer.

Plaskett had served as director of campus physical plant since May 1977.

He also taught small business classes in the economics, management and accounting department, including this semester’s entrepreneurship course.

“He was a really intelligent man,” said Frank Prochaska,’99 a student in Plaskett’s entrepreneurship class.

“I really enjoyed his class; he will be missed terribly.”

Prior to his service at MC, he taught math and science at the U.S. Army Artillery
Center in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

He had two bachelor’s degrees, one in civil engineering from Rice University, and the other in math and science from Southeast Missouri State. He also had a master’s degree in international affairs and politcal science from George Washington University.

Plaskett was a member of the marines for more than 33 years, and was a major force in World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

He held various positions throughout his military career including chief of staff of a large operational organization, sup-erviser for more than 75,000 military personal and manager for 21,000 marines and sailors in international efforts.

Plaskett will be buried Monday in Arlington National Cemetary with full military honors.

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard