Where did you get the idea that he proved to be a success at his Academy??
I think he was transferred to the Military Academy at 13. Like all spoiled brats he didn’t like the idea of being told what to do, like, ‘Make your bed, shine your shoes, brush your teeth, clean the sink, do your homework’ — all that stuff,”. He showed no propensity for leadership but in line with ‘promotion by seniority’ practices of the day he became captain by his senior year.
Even then he talked a great game, ordering the officers under his command to keep strict discipline. Shoes had to be shined. Beds had to be made. Underclassmen had to spring to attention. But he himself was inherently lazy and preferred to lead from his bedroom. This allowed undesirable behaviour by senior boys, such as hazing, which came to the attention of the school. Within a month he was firmly and quietly admonished for his failings, removed from the barracks and transferred to admin. “They felt he wasn’t paying attention to his other officers as closely as he should have,” He was replaced by a senior cadet more capable of providing direction and overseeing the behavior of the boys.
I think it was the Washington Post who shone the light on this part of his life.
Last edited:
