VPI Battalion
The group stands atop the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc.
OPREP: Normandy By Deputy Commandant of Cadets Lt. Col. Don Russell, U.S. Air Force (retired) “Holy cow! Holy cow!” This was the collective sentiment as Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets (VTCC) students, faculty, and alumni rounded a tall hedge and saw a cratered landscape overlooking the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc and the English Channel. The view stirred emotion. It was the site of courage, leadership, and sacrifice the morning of June 6, 1944, when the Allies invaded Normandy and began the liberation of France. This cloudless morning in May was tranquil as the VTCC group had the battlefield to itself, before the arrival of late-waking tourists. It was one of the first battlefield stops of a week-long trip to France, the capstone of a new initiative called the VTCC Global Scholars Program. The VTCC Global Scholars Program was created to advance the Corps’ vision of global, ethical leaders and to build its own education abroad program. Twelve
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upper-class cadets were competitively selected for a 15-week special study course on the Allied invasion of Europe during World War II. The program’s intent is applied history, to open wider discussions about current leadership and national security challenges, to immerse cadets in international culture, and to honor veterans and alumni. Last spring, cadets and instructors met for a three-credit hour seminar and discussed various aspects of the invasion. Readings, faculty presentations, and documentaries provided context. Cadets chose one of 12 special topics for which they became the subject-matter expert. Later in the semester, cadets presented on their topics and led discussion about leadership, decision-making, and historical relevance to today’s tactical, operational, and strategic challenges. These
topics directly corresponded to a dozen planned stops in Normandy, where again the cadets led discussion about that aspect of the invasion. It blended classroom academics with unbeatable field experience. The end result was a world-class leader-development opportunity funded almost entirely by the Corps. Alumni generosity helped to pay for lodging, flights, and ground transportation for the group. For many of the cadets, it was their first time abroad or first time to Europe. The contribution of Gordon Rudd ’72 was instrumental. After graduating, Gordon served 23 years as a U.S. Army officer and taught history at West Point. He holds a Ph.D. from Duke University and is a professor of strategic studies at the Marine Corps’ School of Advance Warfighting. Rudd generously donated his time and expertise and knows Normandy like few do.