Al’s hopes and plans for a military career and a chance to serve his country began when he was just a boy. Born in Mansfield, Ohio, on 25 May 1919, he started striving for his goal at an early age. As a youngster, he was a member of the Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. After attending Mansfield Senior High School and graduating as an honor student, Al turned down a scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis to attend Ohio State University for a year. There, he studied engineering, preparing himself for his career as a cadet.

Another less-determined and idealistic person might have become discouraged, when after a year at the Academy, he was found for a deficiency in English. It was then that Al showed his indomitable spirit. He came back the following year to forge his way steadily through three and a half successful years, and to graduate triumphantly among the top-ranking Engineers.

He also had time for a wide variety of interests, including the Plebe Cross-Country Squad, the Circulating Staff of the Pointer, the Camera Club, the Pointer Board, and the manager of the baseball team. He attained the rank of cadet lieutenant in his last year. He was, in the words of his classmates,

“a possessor of a personality which reflects his true character, loyalty, sincerity, a cheerful smile always, are traits which hold him high in the admiration of his friends.”

Upon his graduation, Al married Miss Beatrice Bandes of New York. He then attended a refresher course at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and upon its completion, was promoted to first lieutenant. Al joined the 841st Engineer Aviation Battalion in Leesburg, Florida. There, he quickly advanced from Assistant Personnel Officer to being made the Engineer Officer of the battalion. After intensive training, the whole battalion was transferred to Orlando to await being shipped overseas. Just a week before the outfit left for overseas, the first signs of the fatal illness that overtook Al became noticeable to the post doctors. After extensive treatment at various Army hospitals, he was retired on 1 January 1944. At his own request, he was later called to duty as an instructor at West Point, but the nature of his illness made it impossible for him to continue. On 6 March 1945, Al passed away in the Army Air Force Regional Hospital in Coral Gables, Florida.

It is tragic that Al was given such a very short time to give to the world some of his spirit, courage, and ability. It is beyond our comprehension why anyone so loved by all who knew him, and so full of zest for living, should have been taken so young.

On 12 March 1945, Al was laid to rest forever in the cemetery of his beloved West Point. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Beatrice Bandes Bachrach of New York City; his parents, Dr. and Mrs. L. H. Bachrach of Mansfield, Ohio; and his sister, Mrs. Hortense Himmel of Presque Isle, Maine.

“They are not dead who live in the lives

they leave behind:

In those whom they have blessed they

live a life again.”

— Beatrice B. Bachrach