Schofield major dies in training at academy

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

A Schofield Barracks major died while participating in routine training Wednesday at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

Maj. Gerald H. Compton, 42, was the executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division (Light). The Schofield battalion is deployed to West Point in support of summer cadet training activities.

Schofield spokeswoman Capt. Kathy Turner said the circumstances surrounding Compton's death are under investigation, but foul play is not suspected. "All we know is that (Compton died) during routine training up at West Point," Turner said. "(Compton's death) is under investigation by officials up at West Point so we can't speculate on exactly what happened yet."

Turner said Compton was taken from a training site at West Point to Keller Army Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:50 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday.

Compton, who is single, is from Sacramento, Calif., and is survived by his parents.

He joined the Army on July 19, 1988, and has been awarded numerous medals and citations. They include two Army Achievement Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, the Army Service Ribbon, the expert infantry badge, the master parachutist badge and two National Defense Service Medals.

Compton was among more than 500 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion who went to West Point for annual summer training. The soldiers are teaching the cadets core subjects, such as military history and tactics, as well as basic combat skills.