Born: 17-May-1915

Died: 13-Dec-2002

Activated:

Spring 1935

Class Year:

1938

Major:

History

 

 

Military service:

U.S. Army, World War II & Korea

Career:

Colonel (retired), United States Army

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Details about John

In his junior year, John was elected Junior Prom King. The picture of prom king John to the right is from the 1937 Crimson.

 

In his senior year, John appeared in the 1937-38 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities in recognition of his scholarship, athletics, character, and leadership in extracurricular activities.

 

From the 1938 Crimson, the following was printed in a special spot on the Theta Sigma Tau page (p88) about John:

John Gorn . . . Pepsodent smile . . . that's Johnny . . . mixes his ancient history with a dash of being Junior Prom King . . . has a secret failing for checkered suit coats and plaid trousers . . . or maybe it isn't so secret . . . and pretty girls . . . was a little boy in Fond du Lac . . . loves a good debate trip.

 

John was a retired colonel in the U.S. Army.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 18, Site 1929-E

 

An article about John from the Summer 2002 Ripon College Magazine

     Retired Colonel John Gorn '38 of Hilton Head, SC, shares a unique bond with another Ripon Alumnus, Colonel James Laufenburg '79, and not just that they served in the military and carry the title of colonel.

     From 962-63, Gorn served as the 51st commander of the 1st Battle Group, 3rd Infantry Division, which is the Army's famed Old Guard. Laufenburg is the current (71st) commander of the Old Guard. Laufenburg was featured in the Spring 2002 issue of the Ripon College Magazine for his role in leading the Old Guard while they labored in the ruins of the Pentagon after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Gorn and Laufenburg are also Wisconsin natives, with Gorn hailing from Fond du Lac and Laufenburg from Cedarburg.

     "It's one of the most honorable tours," says Gorn's wife, Jane. "He saw to and revered the honor and integrity of the Old Guard very much. As an appointed position, John was very honored to be named as commander, and he enjoyed every moment of his responsibilities," she says.

     "The Old Guard is a very select group of hand-chosen men, chosen for good civilian and military records, height, appearance, and military bearing. Since the Old Guard is the most visible Army unit in the world, good leadership and a quality example are a must for the commanders," says Colonel Rich Breen, a public affairs spokesman for the Army's Military District of Washington. Under Gorn's command, and even today under Laufenburg's watch, The Old Guard has numerous responsibilities. Each of the eight companies which make up the Old Guard conduct ceremonies, memorial affairs, and special events to demonstrate the excellence of the U.S. Army to the world. Each company also conducts contingency operations and continues their training to develop and sustain the highest level soldiers and leaders, according to the Old Guard's mission statement.

     At Arlington Cemetery, the sentinels of the Old Guard participate in wreath laying ceremonies. "This was an emotional, touching ceremony for John every time," says Jane Gorn. The soldiers of the Old Guard are also charged with keeping around-the-clock vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They also act as escorts for military funerals and take part in the honored burial rite of firing final volleys over the graves of fallen soldiers. As the ceremonial unit, they also act as personal escorts to the President, giving the Old Guard its nickname of the "President's Own."

     Gorn began his service to the United States in 1938 when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant as an ROTC graduate from Ripon. He received his regular army commission in 1939. During World War II, Gorn participated in the Normandy landings on Utah Beach and also commanded the 2nd Battalion of the 12th Infantry Regiment in the last six months of the War. He served with the 1st Cavalry Division during the Korean Conflict. Prior to assuming his role as commander of the Old Guard, he attended the National War College in Washington, D.C. After his tour with the Old Guard, Gorn retired from military service, but returned to work for the federal government in an affirmative action program, according to Jane Gorn.

     Gorn, who is now in his mid 80s and suffers from some medical impairment due to a stroke, has received numerous military awards and accolades including the Silver Star, Bronze Star with three oak laef clusters, the Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Purple Heart, and the French Croix de Guerre.

Article written by Jenni Zuhlke Holt

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Statements in Memory of John

Winter 2005 Ripon College Magazine class notes
Edited to correct grammar and spelling

Retired Colonel John W. Gorn '38 of of Hilton Head Island, SC, died Dec. 13, 2002. He was a retired US Army colonel. He earned a Silver Star, Bronze Star with three oak leaf clusters, Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, and the French Croix de Guerre. He was commander of the "Old Guard" in 1962-63. Survivors include his wife, Martha Jane Weddell Gorn, a son, a daughter, and a niece Janet Gorn '60.

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Information about John's life has been collected from

• Ripon College Magazine, Ripon College, Ripon, WI
• The Crimson, the Ripon College annual yearbook, Ripon College, Ripon, WI
• Ripon Insider Online Community
• Ancestry.com

About me	Details	Memorium