Coral Sea: Lt. Edward Max Price

Lieutenant Edward Max Price, of Princeton and Charleston, was killed on the U.S.S. Lexington in the Battle of the Coral Sea on May 8, 1942. Lieutenant Price was officer in charge of weapons in the after control station of the Lexington. He was responsible for the training and action of the automatic gun crews, and when in battle he directed the aim for his gunners.

On the second day of the Coral Sea Battle, the Japenese were coming at the Lexington from all directions. The dive bombers zoomed close. Their deadly missiles fell all about the marked ship. The men were too busy to think of dodging them. Their minds were on their jobs. Their young officer´s attention was focused on the job he had to do- fight off the Japenese planes. A bomb whistled close- then exploded. A fragment struck Lieutenant Price. He died giving the command "Keep firing!" And the gun crew did.

Although the Lexington sank later that day, those surviving shipmates remembered the young lieutenant and his orders. William Harbour, a shipmate, who was directly under him in the ammunition handling room when the bomb exploded, told the most complete story of his galant death. Mr. Harbour, later released from the Navy to become an aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps, said further: "My first three Japanese planes will be offered as a token to the memory of Lieutenant Edward Max Price."

He attended Lincoln Grade School in Charleston; Hargrave Military Academy (Class of 1932) in Chatham, Virginia; Concord State College, Athens, West Virginia; and the United States Naval Academy with the highest scholastic record in the class. He was valedictorian, and received medals for scholarship and marksmanship on the rifle team, and an award for being the most outstanding senior of the year. His high record was maintained at the Naval Academy where he ranked twenty-sixth in a class of 550. On graduation from the Academy he was assigned to the Lexington as an ensign. In the line of duty, his superiors rated him as a "splendid officer.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet, commended the young officer in a citation for bravery: "He contributed immeasurably to the destruction wrought on the attacking aircraft by skillfully directing the fire of his batteries. He perished at his battle station carrying out his duties in the best tradition of the Naval Service."

Hargrave's presidents

Col. Joseph Hathaway Cosby (photo courtesy of HMA)

I'm trying to nail down the authoritative "order of presidents" of Hargrave. I have some gaps, but we're getting there. I believe that Rev. T. Ryland Sanford was the school's first president. I understand that his term began in 1911, although Hargrave was founded in 1909. Sanford's term must have lasted through 1917. Not sure about the administrative structure of the school during 1909-1910.

Col. Aubrey H. Camden became president in 1918, and I think he lasted until 1950. Col. Joseph H. Cosby took over as prez in 1951. Cosby's term lasted through 1970. Vernon T. Lankford took over in 1970. His term went through 1987.

Next came either someone named Colgrove or Carlton. Not sure which is right. My understanding is that Col. Andy Todd served as interim president in 1990. Col. Tom Cunningham took over from Col. Todd, and his term lasted from 1990 to 1997.

Col. John W. Ripley was president during 1997-1999. Col. Wheeler L. Baker has led Hargrave since 1999.

If anyone can help fill in the gaps, that would be great.

A second tour in Iraq

Hello all from "The Graveyard". In the next four months, I will be redeploying for my second tour in Iraq. Thanks to God and my fellow soldiers, we have had no casualties. I am currenty assigned to the mighty 101st Airborne Div. I hope to see you all at the next Alumni Weekend. I guess I need to pratice my golf game. (I am pretty good at the sand traps though)

James R. Phillips
russ_phillips1982@yahoo.com
Class of 2000

Fallen soldier lived, loved military ways

Whenever Tommy Vitagliano flashed one of his "mischievous, contagious smiles," longtime friend Andrew Kratz instantly knew a lighthearted prank was sure to follow.

But even if Vitagliano played a joke on Kratz — many of which he contends were too wild and risky to mention without getting in trouble with their alma mater, Hargrave Military Academy — Kratz could never remain mad for long.

"He’s kind of a loose cannon in regards that he liked to have a good time," said Kratz, chuckling to himself at the memories. "You just couldn’t stay mad at him for long."

Eighteen years of fond recollections flooded back to Kratz Thursday, just two days after Vitagliano’s sister called him to say his "best friend" and military compatriot was killed Monday while serving in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.

While Vitagliano’s family is in seclusion, his fiancee, Nerina Giolli, described her feelings Thursday through a family spokesman.

"Tommy is my best friend and I knew from when we first met that we would be together forever," Giolli said.

"We had so many plans, and now he will be treasured in my heart always."

Vitagliano, 33, an Army staff sergeant who grew up in Orange and West Haven before residing in New Haven, died when a car bomb detonated near his position, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Vitagliano served in the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Casey, South Korea.

"Just the idea that we’d live a little closer geographically (one day) and share our lives together, his family with my family," said an emotional Kratz, pausing to clear his throat. "To know that won’t happen is difficult to swallow."

Though he deeply grieves the loss of his friend, Kratz said he and several of Vitagliano’s closest buddies, including their other best friend from Hargrave, "Stevie T.," plan to get together Jan. 29 at Kratz’s Virginia home to celebrate Vitagliano’s life in true, off-duty military fashion.

"We’ll eat steaks, drink tequila, smoke cigars and talk about Tom," said Kratz.

It was clear to Kratz when Vitagliano arrived at Hargrave for his junior year in 1987 and tacked a large U.S.

Marines Corps flag on the barracks wall that the two "were cut from the same material."

"That tipped us that he wasn’t just one of those kids sent here because they were doing poorly."

Instead, Vitagliano’s shared love for military life attracted him to Kratz and other like-minded students, who soaked up all they could from Hargrave, including joining the school’s color guard.
Even after they graduated in 1989 and Vitagliano went to North Georgia College and State University, Kratz said they stayed in close contact.

But the military, and impending war in the Persian Gulf, was too much of a draw, Kratz said, for Vitagliano to sit still at college. By May 1990, Vitagliano dropped out and enlisted in the Marine Corps, with "Stevie T." and Kratz to follow.

Kratz and Vitagliano held mini-reunions at their military training camp in Camp Lejeune, N.C., when they’d return from their separate deployments.

"It was a really fun time," he laughed, adding that they would often head down to Myrtle Beach, S.C., where they’d "reminisce, tell stories, tell lies or whatever" during such encounters.

They would also venture back to Hargrave alumni reunions, where Kratz now works as the director of student activities and adventures.

Kratz recalled one sleepless night in 1994 when Vitagliano’s platoon held a crazy going-away party on Onslow Beach, N.C., when his four years of active duty ended.

"I had this big, what we call a force march, (that started) at 3 a.m. after the party where I had to hike 20 miles with all this gear. I was trying so hard to stay awake."

While the duo had some good times, Kratz said he’s always been proud of Vitagliano’s ability to achieve the military goals he set for himself, including being selected for the prestigious Marine 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion.

Vitagliano specialized in amphibious reconnaissance, Kratz noted.

After his Marine duty ended, Kratz said Vitagliano briefly held a job making "cold calls" for American Express.

It didn’t come as a shock for Kratz when Vitagliano quit civilian life and enlisted in the Army about 1995.

"In peacetime, he’s a good guy and in war times, he’s the kind of guy you want next to you," Kratz said.

Vitagliano’s gentler side was also remembered this week at Turkey Hill School in Orange, where his niece, Molly Ronan, attends third grade.

In December, the students donated treats to Vitagliano’s unit, which sent the class letters. Vitagliano also sent the class his own thank-you-note, saying he’d visit them when he returned from Iraq.

Marissa Yaremich
New Haven Register
January 21, 2005

Crow

Rogers/Fuller Field (photo courtesy of Bob Richards)

My name is Dannie Mirovich but when I attended Hargrave my last name was Vukmirovich and perhaps known by my fellow cadets as Crow. I so miss the aviation program as I earned my pilots license, and the horses as I miss to this day riding my mare Jeannie.

I will always remember the look on Mr. Hale's face when I showed up at the skeet range with my Browning semi automatic 12 gauge shotgun 30" full choke. He said the barrel was too long and I would be lucky to hit any birds. My first round I hit 22. Oh how I like my 26" now!

Having grown in Lynchburg, VA. I had spent 7 years as a batboy and clubhouse manager for the Minnesota twins and the Chicago White Sox working out with players now in the hall of fame. When arriving at Hargrave in the fall of 1973 a lot of cadets had already made there way onto teams from previous years which left me holding the bag, so to speak, especially since basketball season started before baseball. Needless to say Coach Fuller found very little playing time for me as a basketball player.

I will never forget the start of baseball season when the pitchers and catchers gathered in the old gym to start working out as the rain prevented us from going outside. Coach Fuller and Col. Rogers were both standing above us all on the indoor track when I let go of my side arm fastball that made this echoing popping noise as it hit in "Skip" a PG catcher's mitt. They both leaned over to see who made that pitch. I looked up at Coach Fuller and said, "Hey Coach how are my playing odds next year on the basketball team.

While my playing odds never improved on the basketball courts it was an honor to play both on the B baseball team and on the PG squad my junior and senior year. I will never forget sitting in the mess hall the night of the sports awards with my fellow team mates who had loads of talent as well from our short stop Tim Beam who had the best foot speed and balance of any high school player I have ever seen. Jim Wilkinson a left handed pitcher and first basemen as a sophomore I just knew in time he would land in a Division 1 school as a top player.

When Coach Fuller called my name out as the MVP, I thought to myself, how can this happen! As my fellow cadet Chip James won the MVP award for golf, I said to myself, " Thank goodness he can't hit a baseball ".

Needless to say, over the years the relationship between Coach Fuller, Col. Rogers and I grew stronger and very special. I never knew how the experience at Hargrave would affect the rest of my life as time and mainly distance separated me from my fellow cadets and the academy. To date I have been very fortunate to have been a guest motivational speaker to numerous fortune 500 companies, recieved endorsements from numerous professional baseball players and executives in the American and National League.

As father of 3 girls Rebecca 12, Lacy 11, and Danielle 7 who are all playing every sport and seem to have more talent than I did at that age. But it's the goal-setting and discipline that I have passed onto them from my days at Hargrave that is contributing to their sports, as well as educational success.

However, the true test came August 29, 2005 when Hurricane Katrina ran us out of our home in the New Orleans area. For the past 9 months we have been separated from their mother and all there friends living with my 80-year old mother in Lynchburg, VA in a three bedroom trailer not knowing if or when our lives would ever return to what it once was.

Through it all, we have survived thanks to a lot of prayers and help from our family and friends. As soon as school is over and my 11 and 12 year-old girls softball team has finished there season we are moving to Mt. Pleasant, NC which is located about 12 miles north of Concord, NC.

Dannie Mirovich (Vukmirovich)
danraym@cox.net
Class of '75

The Musketeer before computers

During my senior at Hargrave in 1975-76, I was the editor of the school newsaper, The Musketeer. I haven't been able to find a reference to the publication on the HMA website, so I assume it is no longer being published? Any information would be welcomed.

Our faculty sponsor was Mrs. Shirley Gates. Our managing editors were Richard Huizenga and Dan Paganini. Our sport editor was Eric Nenon. Our cartoonist was Fernando Manrique. Photographers included Robert Richards and Wiley Corbett. Reporters included Richard Clark, Lynn Emerson, Gary Hupp, Edward Saunders, Mitzi Gillispie, Becky Bardin, and Todd Money. Our proofreader was Victor Umberger, who took over as editor in 1976-77. Our typist was Timothy Dallas. Our circulation team consisted of David Burnsworth, John Robelen, Michael Watson, Timothy Dallas and Lynn Emerson.

I recall that we put out four newspapers during the school year. Of course, back then we didn't even know what computers were. So the paper was pieced together by hand at the offices of the Chatham Star-Tribune. We relied on the Star-Tribune's typesetter to type in the text of the articles into this huge machine. The machine would spew out the sticky paper typeset, which I would then cut and lay out onto large sheets on a kind of drafting table.

I had expressed an interest in The Musketeer during my junior year, and I had written a few articles. By the end of the 1974-75 school year, I had been tapped to be the next editor. Unfortunately, I can't recall the name of the editor that year, from whom I learned some of the basic skills. He ended up going to the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA.

That summer, I spent a couple of weeks at a journalism workshop at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. I took courses in layout & design and editorial writing. The stuff I learned allowed us to give the paper a different look... a new, floating masthead and a generally more modern design. We gradually increased the length to 8 pages and tried to cover a wider variety of stories, such as sports, concerts, dances, clubs, religious activities, parades, inspections, military displays, general orders, class elections, and colleage preparation tips.

If The Musketeer still exists, I would love to establish a relationship between it and this Blog.

Tyler Smith signs with the University of Iowa

Small forward Tyler Smith signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes on April 26, 2006. The 6 ft 7 Smith averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and just over five assists per game at Hargrave under Coach Kevin Keatts. Hargrave finished with a 28-2 record during the 2005-2006 season and ranked as one of the top prep school teams in the country.

In 2003-2004, Hargrave's basketball team was ranked No. 1 among prep schools, with a 25-1 record. In 2004-2005, it finished No. 2, at 28-1. Over the past five seasons, the school is 134-6.

Prior to Hargrave, Smith attended Giles County High School in Tennessee. In 2005, he had committed to attending the University of Tennessee and playing for the Volunteers. Instead, Smith chose to attend Hargrave as a post-graduate.

While attending Hargrave, Smith improved his jump shot, added strength and beefed up to nearly 225 pounds, according to his father. He also earned a qualifying ACT score to enter college.

Asked about his decision to go to Hargrave rather than play college ball at Tennessee, Tyler said, "I can't sit here and say I regret it. [Hargrave] has been a great learning experience for me."

Smith was ranked as one of the top 50 seniors in the nation a year ago and was named a second-team All-American by Street & Smith. He is regarded the number two post-graduate player in the nation by Scout.com, and is rated a four-star prospect by Rivals.com.

The Sims House

(photo courtesy of Chatham Hall)

The first home of what is now known as Hargrave Military Academy was the Sims House (now the Sims-Mitchell House B&B at 242 Whittle Street SW, Chatham). The Sims House was the home of the Warren Training School in 1908-1909. The Warren Training School was the predecessor to the Chatham Training School, which was renamed after J. Hunt Hargrave in 1925.

During 1909-1910, the Warren Training School was moved to the Ingleside house, where it became the Chatham Training School--a general training school for boys. Ingleside, which is Scottish for "fireside" was built by Dr. Chesley Martin in 1844. The school's founders eventually moved the school to a hill immediately to the west--Hargrave's present spot.

Ingleside was the boyhood home of Dr. Martin's son, Rawley White Martin, who participated in and survived Pickett's Charge during the third day (July 3, 1963) of the Battle of Gettysburg as a member of the 53rd Virginia Infantry Regiment, which was one of the five units that made up Brig. Gen. Lewis Addison Armistead's brigade. Lt. Col. Martin led his unit, was wounded and captured in the battle.

The other units in Armistead's brigade were the 9th, 14th, 38th and 57th Virginia Infantry Regiments. It was this brigade that absorbed the brunt of the charge.

Note: Historical background courtesy of Henry H. Mitchell