• Home
  • Archives
    • USMA Leaders Through History
    • The Vietnam War
    • Combatting Terrorism
    • Soldier to Citizen: Life After the Service
    • Honor And Integrity
    • Brent Scowcroft Series in Military History
    • Iraq and Afghanistan War Archive
  • Interviews
  • About
    • About the Center
    • Center News
    • Our Supporters
    • Our Leadership
    • Contact Us
The West Point Center for Oral History
  • Home
  • Archives
    • USMA Leaders Through History
    • The Vietnam War
    • Combatting Terrorism
    • Soldier to Citizen: Life After the Service
    • Honor And Integrity
    • Brent Scowcroft Series in Military History
    • Iraq and Afghanistan War Archive
  • Interviews
  • About
    • About the Center
    • Center News
    • Our Supporters
    • Our Leadership
    • Contact Us

“West Point, A Way Of Life”: A Life Of Service And Giving Back To The Academy

Dennis Coll

Description

Following a childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dennis Coll entered West Point with the Class of ’65. During his time at West Point, he was able to experience the Cold War in Germany while attached to an active unit along the Fulda Gap. Upon graduation, he branched Armor and was assigned to the 12th Cavalry in Büdingen, Germany after Airborne and Ranger School. He enjoyed his time in Germany, meeting the locals and patrolling the border. After departing Europe, he attended Jungle Expert School in Panama enroute to Vietnam, arriving a few days before Tet. He was then assigned to ACTIV (Army Concept Team in Vietnam), tasked with figuring out how to detect non-metallic mines. Eventually, he was reassigned as the Assistant S3 for the 11th Cavalry Regiment, the Blackhorse. He returned from Vietnam in January 1969, and was assigned to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he served until he left the Army in January 1970. After working for IBM, he transitioned to commercial real estate in 1976. While in the business world, he made it a priority to hire “people of character,” often providing a leg up for those who were struggling to get a job. He has remained close to West Point, participating in outreach efforts and serving with the West Point Society of Chicago. Currently, he is the Class Scribe for the Class of ’65, and a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. In this interview, he talks about his experiences at West Point, and the opportunities he had at the Academy. He describes his deployments to Germany and Vietnam, and talks in depth about his post-military career, including the ways he has been able to give back to West Point and his community. Finally, he talks about his class, and being the scribe for USMA ’65.

Video Details Interview Date:10-May-17
Class Year:
  • 1965
Biographical Details Name:Dennis Coll
Unit:12th CAV; 11ACR; 3ACR
Institution:USMA
Graduation Year:1965
Service Start:1965
Service End:1970
Specialty:Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army
Additional Resources
The West Point Center for Oral History Logo

About
Contact

How You Can Help

The West Point Center for Oral History is a privately funded organization that relies on the generosity of donors. When you click on the link below, you will be taken to the West Point Association of Graduates website and instructions on how to give to the Center. We appreciate your generosity! Support The Center

Stay Informed

Be the first to know! Sign up now to get updates and email alerts when new interviews are released. Join the West Point Center for Oral History's Pipeline Alert.

"*" indicates required fields

© 2026 · West Point Center for Oral History   |   West Point Department of History   |   U.S. Military Academy   |   U.S. Army