winter 2009-2010 - The University of Scranton

60 ▼
Major General John Herrling
Duty and Commitment
Shape a Life of Service
John P. Herrling ’60 didn’t figure
on a 35-year career in the Army.
The ROTC student and psychology
major thought he’d do three
years as a commissioned officer in
Europe and then return to the States
to a job in New York. When he told
one of his Jesuit professors of his plans, the
response was, perhaps, a bit encouraging.
“That’s good,” the priest said. “We need
good Army officers.”
Herrling ended up extending his original
three-year hitch into a 35-year active-duty
career of uncommon distinction. His service
included two tours in Vietnam, repeated
tours to Europe during the Cold War, and
a final rank of major general. Over the
years he was recognized with the Defense
Distinguished Service Medal, the Army
Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star,
the Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster),
the Bronze Star Medal (with two Oak
Leaf Clusters), and a Purple Heart, among
other decorations and awards. Herrling cites
the dedication and commitment of the service
people he met during his first tour in
Europe as inspiring him to remain in the
Major General John Herrling ’60 (left) is
greeted by President Bill Clinton at a White
House reception during the building of the
National World War II Memorial.
Army, though you have to wonder whether
the quiet encouragement he received on
campus just before graduating also had
something to do with it.
“I’ve always appreciated the education I
received at the University,” he says. “It’s just a
first-class education. And not only the education
part: The Jesuits teach you a way to live
your life, to make your life more meaningful,
and how to experience a fuller life. The Jesuits
teach you not only the academic part of your
education, but how to be good citizens; how
to act responsibly in the interest of others;
and ethics and moral conduct
to guide your life.”
General Herrling’s contributions
didn’t end with his
retirement from active duty
in 1995. That year President
Clinton named him Secretary
of the American Battle
Monuments Commission,
which commemorates the
service, achievements, and
sacrifice of American armed
forces both overseas and stateside. While
in that position one of General Herrling’s
primary responsibilities was to build
The National World War II Memorial in
Washington, D.C. His current position is
with the National Army Museum Campaign,
which is raising funds to support
the construction of the National Museum
of the United States Army, to be located
at Fort Belvoir, VA, just outside of Washington,
D.C. General Herrling is
serving as the campaign executive
director.
Duty and commitment are
obvious benchmarks, and not only
to his country. A three-year starter
at end on Scranton’s football squad,
General Herrling has stayed connected
to the University over
the decades by attending both class and
team reunions.
“Over all those years I was in the service,
I could always look back and say my real
development and the understanding of
who I was took place at Scranton,” he says.
“That’s always stayed with me over the years.
Even when I was overseas, I always maintained
that connection with Scranton. The
University has been a touchstone in my life
and it got me off on the right path.”
Indeed, General Herrling sees a strong link
between the kind of responsible citizenship
nurtured at the University and his own lifelong
immersion in promoting the general welfare
and common defense of his fellow Americans.
He speaks of these facets of his life as one
might discuss a mission or a calling.
“Each of us has our individual responsibility
to do what we can to improve the country
and to improve people. That’s all part of the
Jesuit philosophy,” General Herrling says. “I
could do my part in the Army, and if I did it
well enough I would influence other people
to do their part as far as their civic responsibility
to the country and themselves.”
21
Generations of Alumni Keep the Scranton Legacy Alive