In Memoriam: GEN Gordon R. Sullivan
A Short Series
Over the next few weeks, we will honor the legacy of General Gordon R. Sullivan, Norwich University Class of 1959 and 32nd US Army Chief of Staff, who passed away on January 2, 2024. GEN Sullivan came to Norwich in 1955 from Quincy, MA. He studied History at Norwich while working in the mess hall and joining Sigma Phi Epsilon. Even though he spent several years at Norwich, Sullivan wasn’t convinced the military life was for him until he attended a summer camp at Fort Knox in 1958. While there, he fell in love with the Army.
This week’s tribute comes from John Hart, Director of the Sullivan Museum & History Center. The museum, named in honor of GEN Sullivan, offers opportunities for visitors, students, faculty and alumni to in the words of Norwich University President Emeritus Richard W. Schneider “immerse themselves in the heritage of this great institution.” It offers lectures throughout the academic year from faculty and guest speakers which includes professionals via their Smithsonian Affiliate program.
By John Hart, Jr., Director, Sullivan Museum & History Center
An American Soldier
The legacy of GEN Gordon R. Sullivan, USA (Ret.) ‘59 is simple and summed up in his own words, as presented by his friend and classmate, Ed O’Brien ‘59, at the general’s funeral mass: He wanted to be remembered as “an American soldier.” And he was, in all that he did and all that he was, he was a great American soldier. I heard throughout the days of remembrance how General Sullivan was a soldier’s soldier, an unassuming, observant individual, and an incredible intellect. For those of us that knew him, his legacy is far more than that, but what he wanted us to remember was how at the end of the day, it wasn’t about him or his accomplishments, it was what he did for others: his soldiers, his friends, and of course, the community of Norwich University, especially the students.
That term, ‘American soldier’ has a deeper meaning that General Sullivan often confided in me during our meetings in the museum. He would simply tell me, “I’m a citizen first, soldier second.” A citizen of the United States of America who felt he had a responsibility for all those around him and made it his life’s mission to be supportive of those who worked with and for him and for many he never met via the work of the Marshall Legacy Institute, the organization he founded to protect the innocent from the devastation of landmines after war had ended.
The loss of General Sullivan is felt deeply in the fabric of Norwich University and yet, as time moves on, he will not be forgotten, as he will forever be remembered as that cadet who served others, became the Army’s Chief of Staff, and continued his life of service in his retirement to the world and Norwich University. May his legacy be this: He lived, served, and helped others with every fiber of his being. He epitomized Captain Alden Partridge’s vision to "...make moral, patriotic, efficient, and useful citizens, and to qualify them for all those high responsibilities resting upon a citizen of this free republic.”
May you rest in peace, sir, and know that your work lives on through all those you touched throughout your life.
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