BG Mike P. Cokinos ’43
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Year Awarded: 1996

Beaumont, TX

Cokinos received a bachelor’s degree in Science in 1943. He served in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of Brigadier General in 1980. In 1951 he established the Cokinos Insurance Agency in Beaumont and served as an insurance consultant. He was President of the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association, was a Vice President of The Association of Former Students, and is the 2004 Sul Ross Group President.

"As a former student, I believe that General Cokinos exemplifies the traits and characteristics that have made Texas A&M University the respected institution that it is today. His integrity and stature in the community is a benchmark for any American. His loyalty to Texas A&M is demonstrated by his uninterrupted active involvement with the school since he entered in 1939. As his son, I can personally attest to the same characteristics inasmuch as he has tirelessly made attempts to instill them in all his children."

  - Gregory Cokinos ’79

Thomas W. Fowler ’43
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Year Awarded: 2012

Thomas W. Fowler, Class of 1943, graduated from the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas with a bachelor of science degree in animal husbandry. While at A&M, he participated in the Saddle and Sirloin Club, Block and Bridle Club, and Wichita Falls Club. He served as a corporal his sophomore year, a sergeant his junior year, and a cadet captain and executive officer of the cavalry squadron during his senior year.



After college, he completed military training at the Armor Officers Candidate School in Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant, armor. In 1944, Fowler received orders to Italy as a replacement officer and was assigned to the 191st Tank Battalion on the beaches of Anzio. During the attack on Carano, he came upon two disorganized infantry platoons that were held up by an enemy minefield, so he took command and organized the units. He made a personal reconnaissance through the minefield, lifting antipersonnel mines out of the ground with his hands. Once the infantry deployed, he made a second reconnaissance into enemy territory in search of a route to continue the attack. One of the American Sherman tanks was set on fire by German fire, and under intense fire, Fowler ran to the burning vehicle in attempts to save the lives of the wounded tank crew. Only when the enemy tanks had almost reached his position did he withdraw and personally render first aid to the nine wounded infantrymen. Fowler was the second Texas Aggie awarded the Medal of Honor.



Fowler and his wife, Ann, had one son. He passed away on June 3, 1944.

"Thomas was a soldier and a gentleman and he seemed to know better than most of us what we are fighting for. He died that you people back home would never see or feel the suffering that we have seen."

  - -Lt. Ralph W. Carr, Jr., an officer serving in Company B, 191st Tank Battalion

William G. Harrell ’43
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Year Awarded: 2012

William G. Harrell, Class of 1943, studied animal husbandry at the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas. While at A&M, he was in Troop C and then Troop D, Cavalry, the honor troop.



When Pearl Harbor was bombed, he left A&M to join the Marine Corps in 1942. He was assigned to the Company A, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division, where he was a corporal. In 1945, the 28th landed on the Japanese beaches of Iwo Jima, one of the Volcano Islands. Harrell was in a two-man foxhole in a perimeter defense around the company command post when Japanese troops infiltrated the line. His counterpart’s rifle jammed, which left Harrell alone while he retrieved another one from the command post. During that brief time, Harrell shot and killed five Japanese soldiers, and lost his left hand and fractured his thigh. Two more enemy troops charged his position and placed a grenade by his head, but Harrell was able to kill one of them and return the grenade to the other, thereby killing the soldier, but he destroyed his right hand in the process. His commander later called Harrell’s position the “two-man Alamo.” He was the seventh Texas Aggie awarded the Medal of Honor.



After the war he worked as a contact representative in the Prosthetic Appliance Group at the Veterans Administration Center in San Antonio, and was later promoted to chief of the Prosthetics Division.



Harrell had two children with his first wife, Larena, and then two more children with his second wife, Olive. He passed away on August 9, 1964.

"We are not a warlike nation. We do not go to war for gain or territory; we go to war for principles, and we produce young men like these. I think I told every one of them that I would rather have that medal, the Congressional Medal of Honor, than be president of the United States."

  - -President Harry S. Truman, remarks at a presentation of the Medal of Honor

Lloyd H. "Pete" Hughes, Jr. ’43
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Year Awarded: 2012

Lloyd H. "Pete" Hughes, Jr., Class of 1943, studied petroleum engineering at the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas. He had a brief stint at Corpus Christi Junior College (now Del Mar College) before returning to A&M in 1941, but resigned to assist his family the same year.



He enlisted as an aviation cadet in 1942 in the wake of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. After completing the training courses, Hughes received his wings and commission as a second lieutenant. In 1943 he was assigned to the 564th Heavy Bombardment Squadron, 389th Heavy Bombardment Group at Lowry Field, Colo. The group moved to Europe, and then Benghazi, Libya, where the attack against the Axis oil refineries of Ploesti, Romania was launched. Hughes flew in the last formation at dangerously low altitude, and his plane received several direct hits that seriously damaged his aircraft. He continued to approach the target area, Steaua Romana oil refinery in Campina, with full knowledge of the consequences he faced, with his plane leaking oil and the ground ablaze. He continued to bomb the target area with great precision, even after the left wing of his plane caught on fire. He was the first Texas Aggie awarded the Medal of Honor.



Hughes was married to Hazel Dean Ewing. He passed away on August 1, 1943.

"Pete gave his life and the lives of his crew to carry out his assigned task. To the very end he gave the battle every ounce he had."

  - Captain Philip P. Ardery, Commanding Officer, 564th Bomb Squadron

Frank C. Litterst, Jr. ’43
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Year Awarded: 2009

College Station, TX

Litterst received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry from Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas in 1943. He was a Ross Volunteer and Commander of Battery “A” Coast Artillery at Texas A&M when he was called to service as an artillery officer during World War II. Wounded in action and honorably discharged, he returned to Texas A&M and completed his degree in animal husbandry in 1946.



In a career spanning 44 years, Litterst worked as a rancher, a beef cattle specialist with the Texas Agricultural Education Specialist program, and as a lecturer in the Department of Animal Science. He served as superintendent of the Houston Livestock Show’s Junior Market Steer Show from 1966 through 1976 and was a member of the show’s Range Bull and Heifer Committee from 1969-1987. Additionally, he is credited with developing an evaluation instrument for range bull grading used by major livestock shows today and for contributing to the development of the model, standards, and application of the U.S Department of Agriculture Feeder Cattle Grades currently in use across the United States.



Recognized with The Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Extension in 1975 and for Teaching in 1984, Litterst was named Senior Lecturer Emeritus by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents upon his retirement in 1989.



Litterst is a loyal and active contributor to Texas A&M University, including The Association of Former Students’ Century Club and currently serves as a Class Agent for the Class of 1943.



Litterst lives in College Station and with his late wife, Royce, has three children; Kathy Gough (spouse, Carl Gough, Jr.’69), Frank III ’68 (spouse, Patsy) and Mike ’73 (spouse, Carlette ’75). He has seven grandchildren, including Carl Gough III ’92 (spouse, Megan ’96) and Christopher Gough ’95 (spouse, Jane '95) and 11 great-grandchildren.

"At A&M you learned that anyone could do what they wanted to do, but that it takes a good man to do what he doesn’t really want to do. That discipline helped my later on to face and conquer whatever was in front of me."

Edward E. Monteith ’43
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Year Awarded: 1993

Dallas, TX

Monteith received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Petroleum Engineering in 1943. Mr. Monteith began his professional career as a Petroleum Engineer for Standard Oil Company of Texas. He moved to Republic Bank of Dallas working as a Petroleum Engineer in the Petroleum and Minerals Division where he later held the positions of Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President where he managed the Mineral Division for 14 years.



After working for Republic Bank, he founded Thomson-Monteith, an oil investment firm, and served as President and CEO. Monteith served as a Texas A&M Development Foundation Trustee from 1972-1983. He has provided a President’s Endowed Scholarship and special gifts to the Petroleum Engineering Department for budget supplementation and special projects.

Robert W. Baker ’44
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Year Awarded: 1975

Millican, TX

Robert Wayne Baker has distinguished himself as an attorney, banker, member of the Coordinating Board, Texas College and University System, and former member of both houses of the Texas Legislature.



Baker’s business interests include partnerships in insurance, investment and development companies. He was chairman of the boards of Guaranty National Bank and Mercantile Bank of Houston and served on the boards of four companies. His professional affiliations include the American, Texas and Houston Bar Associations.



After practicing law in Houston for three years following completion of his formal education, he served in the Legislature for a decade. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1952, was twice reelected and then won election for a four-year term in the State Senate. He authored bills which allowed the University of Houston to become a state supported institution, created the Psychiatry Research institution of Houston, authorized the medical examiner system for the State of Texas and created a Savings and Loan section for the State Finance Commission.



His service to the people of the State of Texas includes leadership and guidance which he has provided as a member of the Coordinating Board, Texas College and University System, since 1971.



Baker initially enrolled at Texas A&M in 1940, but he interrupted his studies to enter the Air Force in 1943. He returned in 1945 and was awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in economics one year later. He earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The University of Texas School of Law in 1949.



Baker has been an avid supporter of higher education. He and his wife have provided two President’s Endowed Scholarships at his alma mater.

Robert A. Epstein ’44
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Year Awarded: 2013

Houston, TX

Robert A. Epstein, Class of 1944, left the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas in 1942 to serve in the United States Army, and then returned to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in business. As a student in the Corps of Cadets, Epstein was First Sergeant and Battery Commander of G Battery Coast Artillery and a Ross Volunteer. In the Army, Epstein attained the rank of Captain in the Corps of Engineers in the U. S. Army in World War II and Korea, earning six Battle Stars and the Bronze Star Medal as a Combat Engineer Unit Commander and S-1. While serving in the Philippines in 1946, Epstein attended the 1946 Muster on Corregidor. He is pictured in the now famous portrait taken in the mouth of Malinta Tunnel.



After graduation in 1948, he began a career in insurance and attended both Basic Life Insurance School and Advanced Life Insurance School at the Aetna Life Insurance Company. His career in the insurance industry was interrupted when he was recalled to serve in Korea in 1950, but he returned to civilian life in 1952 to work as a self-employed life insurance and casualty insurance agent until 1981. He spent the final 15 years as partner and Chairman of the Board for The GEM Agencies, Inc., and Chairman of the Board for Insurance Agencies of the Southwest, Inc. During this time he held memberships and leadership roles in several professional organizations, such as The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors, for which he served as a member of the Board of Governors and a member of the National Faculty; the Certified Professional Insurance Advisors Society; The Insurance Fire Mark Society, for which he served as National President; the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents, for which he served as State of Texas President, Texas National Director from 1978 to 1987 and National Vice President; the National Executive Committee from 1980 to 1982; the National Association of Insurance Management Consultants; the Kemper Agents Advisory Council; the Aetna Life and Casualty Million Dollar Group Club; and the Aetna Life and Casualty Group Leaders Club. From 1973 to 1979, Epstein served on the National Board of Governors for the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors, and also served as a member of the National Faculty for the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors and the National Faculty of the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research.



Epstein holds three professional designations—Associate in Risk Management, Certified Insurance Counselor and Certified Professional Insurance Advisor. He was named Insurance Counselor of the Year by the Professional Insurance Agents of Texas in 1976, and received a Distinguished Service Award in 1988 from both the Professional Insurance Agents of Texas and the Certified Professional Insurance Agents Society. He was regularly recruited as a speaker and educator for insurance certification seminars, and was instrumental in establishing the risk manager license for the Texas Board of Insurance. A retired insurance agent and risk manager, Epstein is in constant demand as a trial consultant and expert witness in the field of risk management. He developed seminars for training of candidates for the designation of Associate in Risk Management and pioneered the application of risk management practices into the agency production field. In 1981, Epstein left the GEM Agencies to found Risktech, Inc., an independent risk management consulting firm for which he served as CEO and operated until his retirement in 1991.



Epstein has been an active member of society, both in Houston and Galveston. He has served as president of both the Terramar Beach Property Owners Association in Galveston and the Raintree Property Owners Association in Houston. He is past president of Westwood Country Club, Houston Lighthouse for the Blind, and was a founding member of the Houston City Club. A member of The Houston Society, Epstein is a former regional Board member of the Anti-Defamation League, and a 50-year Master Mason, 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner. He is a past president of the Brotherhood of Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, where he also served as a vice president and a member of the Board and Executive Committee. He has been active in La Confrérie des la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs—at the local, regional, national and international levels—and has served in many positions, including Grand Senechal d’ America. He was awarded the coveted Conseil d’ Honneur – Paris, Conseil d’ Honneur – Amerique, and he was a founding member of l’ Académie de Gastronomie Brillat-Savarin. Other wine society memberships include Les Amis d’Escoffier and Amici della Vite.



Epstein has remained active at Texas A&M over the years. He served on the Board of Directors for The Association of Former Students, as Class Agent and Class Agent Emeritus for the Class of 1944, president of the Sul Ross Group in 2003, on the Corps of Cadets Development Council, Texas A&M Hillel, the Houston A&M Club and the Ross Volunteer Association. He has supported a Class pillar within the Memorial Student Center, 12 scholarships from the Class of 1944, the Texas A&M Foundation, the 12th Man Foundation and the Corps of Cadets.



Epstein resides in Houston. He and his late wife, Carolyn, who passed away in September 2011, had three children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Epstein, his son, Ross ’70, and grandson, Evan ’03, are all Ross Volunteers.

I gained confidence while at Texas A&M. If I could make it through four years at Texas A&M in the 40's and survive, there is nothing that life could hand me that I could not handle. Of course, a degree from a highly acclaimed world class university certainly did not hurt. To present myself to the world as an Aggie opened all of the doors I wanted to open.

Dr. Lawrence E. Fouraker ’44
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Year Awarded: 1975

Bryan, TX

Fouraker received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics in 1947 and 1948. He served as Dean of the Harvard University Graduate School of Business from 1970-1980. He has been a member of the Harvard business faculty since 1961 and held the prestigious Edsel Bryant Ford Professorship of Business Administration from 1968 until his appointment as dean.



His teaching, research and consulting activities have been focused primarily on questions of business strategy, organization and the role of the private corporation in the development process. He is widely regarded for his theories in international business and his pioneer work in the development of experimental economics. His published articles and book s include Bargaining and Group Decision Making, a study performed with Sidney Siegal, which earned the 1959 monograph prize in the social science of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

John R. Hill, Jr. ’44
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Year Awarded: 1994

Dallas, TX

Hill received a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1947. After serving in WWII, he joined Gifford-Hill and Co., rising to President, CEO and Chairman of the Board. He is acknowledged as an innovative leader in the development and marketing of construction materials and fellow professionals cite him for unique advancements in construction materials and methods, laud his managerial skills and praise his leadership in the civil engineering profession.



Hill served on the Board of The Association of Former Students and a Trustee of the Texas A&M Development Foundation. He also was a charter donor of a 12th Man Athletic Scholarship and received the Dallas A&M Club’s Jimmy Williams Award for service to the community and the club.

"John is truly a quality individual who cares about Aggies and cares about Texas A&M University. He is a friend to many, many Aggies and Texans."

  - Dr. William H. Mobley, Texas A&M University System Chancellor Emeritus