The Herndon Climb
A History of the United States Naval Academy's Greatest Tradition
James McNeal author Scott Tomasheski author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Naval Institute Press
Published:30th Aug '20
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The Herndon Climb is an important and meaningful ritual in Naval Academy culture. Scaling of the heavily greased, 21-foot tall Herndon Monument as a group at the very end of the year for ""plebes,"" or freshmen, the Climb marks a major turning point in the lives of all Midshipmen, who are relieved of their low status at the moment they complete the task. The book is culled from interviews with over fifty subjects, including participants in Climbs over the past six decades, with personal observations from the 2019 and 2018 events. Co-author James McNeal recalls the joyful pride of participating in the Climb as a plebe in 1983, and his experience helps bring vivid detail to the memories and reflections of his fellow Midshipmen.
The book also includes a discussion of the career of William Lewis Herndon, whose heroic sacrifice at sea inspired the monument, and also traces the history and development of the modern Climb to its roots in the earliest plebe celebrations, which happened concurrently with every Graduation ceremony at the Academy, as early as 1904.
Not only the history of a famous monument, but a chronicle of the midshipman experience at USNA. Throughout the decades, Herndon has marked the 'period' at the end of a long and grueling sentence called plebe year. This is an exhilarating story of valor and victory, the Naval Academy way." —Susan Weisberg, author of Chester Midshipmouse
"What has love got to do with it?" This is the fascinating story of a college graduation tradition unique to the U.S. Naval Academy that began with a forbidden sidewalk named Love Lane." —Jim Cheevers, Senior Curator, Retired, U.S. Naval Academy Museum
"Naval Academy alumni, young and old alike, are united by one word: Herndon. No graduate forgets their epic struggle to conquer this iconic monument and proclaim 'Plebe No More!' Authors McNeal and Tomasheski have superbly captured the rich history of this unparalleled tradition, the Herndon Monument Climb. An enjoyable read!" —Capt. Wendy Lawrence, USN (Ret.), Naval Academy Class of 1981 and Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate
"This fascinating, ground-level look at one of America's oldest institutions depicts how generations of future naval leaders used courage, resourcefulness, strength, imagination, and teamwork to achieve a difficult but inconsequential task. In so doing they honed and refined the skills indispensable to the most difficult and critical of tasks." —Glenn Sacks, columnist and media commentator
"The Herndon Climb is the first comprehensive book to tell the full story about the history and legacy of the ultimate USNA Class event. In my five years as Superintendent, every Herndon climb was a unique and lasting memory to celebrate 'Plebes No More'!" —Vice Adm. Ted Carter, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Superintendent, USNA 2014 -2019; President, University of Nebraska
ISBN: 9781682474389
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 263g
248 pages
New Edition