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{{Organization
{{Organization
|OrganizationName=United States Military Academy at West Point
|OrganizationName=Military Academy
|OrganizationType=Educational Institution
|OrganizationType=Educational Institution
|Mission=To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army.
|Mission=To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army.
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{{short description|U.S. Army federal service academy in West Point, New York}}
{{short description|U.S. Army federal service academy in West Point, New York}}


The '''United States Military Academy''' ('''USMA''', '''West Point''', or '''Army'''<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.si.com/college-football/2015/04/13/army-football-new-uniforms-logo|title=Army unveils new name, uniforms and logo in athletics rebrand |first = S. I. |last=Wire |website = SI.com |date=13 April 2015 }}</ref>) is a [[United States service academies|United States service academy]] in [[West Point, New York]]. It was originally established as a fort during the American Revolutionary War, as it sits on strategic high ground overlooking the [[Hudson River]] {{convert|50|mi|km|0|sp=us}} north of [[New York City]]. The academy was founded in 1802, and it is the oldest of the five American service academies and educates cadets for [[Commission (document)#United States|commissioning]] into the [[United States Army]]. The academic program grants the [[Bachelor of Science]] degree with a curriculum that grades cadets' performance upon a broad academic program, military leadership performance, and mandatory participation in competitive athletics. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is classified as a [[liberal arts college]] by [[U.S. News & World Report|U.S. News]] and is ranked #8 in the 2025 edition of the Best Colleges in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category.
The '''United States Military Academy''' ('''USMA''', '''West Point''', or '''Army'''<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.si.com/college-football/2015/04/13/army-football-new-uniforms-logo|title=Army unveils new name, uniforms and logo in athletics rebrand |first = S. I. |last=Wire |website = SI.com |date=13 April 2015 }}</ref>) is a [[United States service academies|United States service academy]] in [[West Point, New York]]. It was originally established as a fort during the American Revolutionary War, as it sits on strategic high ground overlooking the [[Hudson River]] {{convert|50|mi|km|0|sp=us}} north of New York City. The academy was founded in 1802, and it is the oldest of the five American service academies and educates cadets for [[Commission (document)#United States|commissioning]] into the [[United States Army]]. The academic program grants the [[Bachelor of Science]] degree with a curriculum that grades cadets' performance upon a broad academic program, military leadership performance, and mandatory participation in competitive athletics. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is classified as a [[liberal arts college]] by [[U.S. News & World Report|U.S. News]] and is ranked #8 in the 2025 edition of the Best Colleges in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category.


Candidates for admission must apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination, usually from a member of Congress. Other nomination sources include the president and vice president.<ref>United States Military Academy, West Point. [http://www.usma.edu/admissions/sitepages/apply_nominations.aspx "West Point Admissions"].</ref> Students are officers-in-training and are referred to as "[[Cadet|cadets]]" or collectively as the "United States Corps of Cadets" (USCC). The Army fully funds tuition for cadets in exchange for an active duty service obligation upon graduation. About 1,300 cadets enter the academy each July, with about 1,000 cadets graduating.  
Candidates for admission must apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination, usually from a member of Congress. Other nomination sources include the president and vice president.<ref>United States Military Academy, West Point. [http://www.usma.edu/admissions/sitepages/apply_nominations.aspx "West Point Admissions"].</ref> Students are officers-in-training and are referred to as "[[Cadet|cadets]]" or collectively as the "United States Corps of Cadets" (USCC). The Army fully funds tuition for cadets in exchange for an active duty service obligation upon graduation. About 1,300 cadets enter the academy each July, with about 1,000 cadets graduating.  


The academy's traditions have influenced other institutions because of its age and unique mission. It was the first American college to have an accredited [[civil engineering]] program and the first to have [[class rings]], and its technical curriculum became a model for [[engineering]] schools. West Point's student body has a unique rank structure and lexicon. The academy fields 15 men's and nine women's [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] (NCAA) sports teams. Cadets compete in one sport every fall, winter, and spring season at the intramural, club, or intercollegiate level. Its [[Army Black Knights football|football team]] was a national power in the early and mid-20th&nbsp;century, winning three national championships. Among the country's public institutions, the academy is the top producer of [[Marshall Scholarship|Marshall]] and [[Rhodes Scholarship|Rhodes]] scholars.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.marshallscholarship.org/about/statistics|title=Statistics|website=www.marshallscholarship.org|access-date=2 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/office-of-the-american-secretary/us-winners/colleges-and-universities-of-all-us-rhodes-scholars-over-time/|title=US Rhodes Scholars Over Time|website=www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk|access-date=2 November 2020}}</ref> Its alumni are collectively referred to as "The Long Gray Line," which include U.S. Presidents [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] and [[Ulysses S. Grant]]; [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] President [[Jefferson Davis]]; Confederate general [[Robert E. Lee]]; American poet [[Edgar Allan Poe]]; U.S. generals [[Douglas MacArthur]] and [[George S. Patton|George Patton]]; presidents of [[Costa Rica]], [[Nicaragua]], and the [[Philippines]]; and 76 [[Medal of Honor]] recipients.
The academy's traditions have influenced other institutions because of its age and unique mission. It was the first American college to have an accredited [[civil engineering]] program and the first to have [[class rings]], and its technical curriculum became a model for [[engineering]] schools. West Point's student body has a unique rank structure and lexicon. The academy fields 15 men's and nine women's [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] (NCAA) sports teams. Cadets compete in one sport every fall, winter, and spring season at the intramural, club, or intercollegiate level. Its [[Army Black Knights football|football team]] was a national power in the early and mid-20th&nbsp;century, winning three national championships. Among the country's public institutions, the academy is the top producer of [[Marshall Scholarship|Marshall]] and [[Rhodes Scholarship|Rhodes]] scholars.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.marshallscholarship.org/about/statistics|title=Statistics|website=www.marshallscholarship.org|access-date=2 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/office-of-the-american-secretary/us-winners/colleges-and-universities-of-all-us-rhodes-scholars-over-time/|title=US Rhodes Scholars Over Time|website=www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk|access-date=2 November 2020}}</ref> Its alumni are collectively referred to as "The Long Gray Line," which include U.S. Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and [[Ulysses S. Grant]]; [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] President [[Jefferson Davis]]; Confederate general [[Robert E. Lee]]; American poet [[Edgar Allan Poe]]; U.S. generals [[Douglas MacArthur]] and [[George S. Patton|George Patton]]; presidents of [[Costa Rica]], [[Nicaragua]], and the [[Philippines]]; and 76 Medal of Honor recipients.


== History ==
== History ==
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[[File:Robert Edward Lee.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Robert E. Lee]], American Civil War general who graduated from West Point and later served as its superintendent from 1852 to 1855]]
[[File:Robert Edward Lee.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Robert E. Lee]], American Civil War general who graduated from West Point and later served as its superintendent from 1852 to 1855]]
The [[Mexican–American War]] brought the academy to prominence as graduates proved themselves in battle for the first time. Future [[United States Civil War|Civil War]] commanders [[Ulysses S. Grant]] and [[Robert E. Lee]], who also later became the superintendent of the academy, first distinguished themselves in battle in Mexico.<ref name="grantlee">{{cite web |url=http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1833.asp |title=Challenges and Validation|work=USMA Bicentennial|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=16 December 2008|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012175449/https://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1833.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{sfnp|Crackel|2002|p=120}} In all, 452 of 523 graduates who served in the war received battlefield promotions or awards for bravery.<ref name="grantlee"/>{{sfnp|Simpson|1982|p=46}} The school experienced a rapid modernization during the 1850s, often romanticized by the graduates who led both sides of the Civil War as the "end of the Old West Point era."<ref name="Mexican War">{{cite web |url=http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1848.asp|title=Mid-Century Time of Trial|work=USMA Bicentennial|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=20 December 2008|archive-date=27 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527195822/http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1848.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> New barracks brought better heat and [[gas lighting]], while new ordnance and tactics training incorporated new rifle and [[musket]] technology and accommodated transportation advances created by the steam engine.<ref name="Mexican War"/>{{sfnp|Simpson|1982|pp=48–49}} With the outbreak of the Civil War, West Point graduates filled the [[general officer]] ranks of the rapidly expanding [[Union (American Civil War)|Union]] and [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] armies.{{sfnp|Crackel|2002|p=135}} 294 graduates served as general officers for the Union, and 151 served as general officers for the Confederacy.<ref name="Mexican War"/> Of all living graduates at the time of the war, 105&nbsp;(10%) were killed, and another 151&nbsp;(15%) were wounded.<ref name="Mexican War"/> Nearly every general officer of note from either army during the Civil War was a graduate of West Point, and a West Point graduate commanded the forces of one or both sides in every one of the 60 major battles of the war.<ref name="Mexican War"/>{{sfnp|Crackel|2002|p=135}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usma.edu/wphistory/sitepages/notable%20graduates.aspx |title=Notable USMA Graduates: Did You Know?|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=14 July 2014}}</ref>
The [[Mexican–American War]] brought the academy to prominence as graduates proved themselves in battle for the first time. Future [[United States Civil War|Civil War]] commanders [[Ulysses S. Grant]] and [[Robert E. Lee]], who also later became the superintendent of the academy, first distinguished themselves in battle in Mexico.<ref name="grantlee">{{cite web |url=http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1833.asp |title=Challenges and Validation|work=USMA Bicentennial|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=16 December 2008|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012175449/https://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1833.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{sfnp|Crackel|2002|p=120}} In all, 452 of 523 graduates who served in the war received battlefield promotions or awards for bravery.<ref name="grantlee"/>{{sfnp|Simpson|1982|p=46}} The school experienced a rapid modernization during the 1850s, often romanticized by the graduates who led both sides of the Civil War as the "end of the Old West Point era."<ref name="Mexican War">{{cite web |url=http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1848.asp|title=Mid-Century Time of Trial|work=USMA Bicentennial|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=20 December 2008|archive-date=27 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527195822/http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1848.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> New barracks brought better heat and [[gas lighting]], while new ordnance and tactics training incorporated new rifle and [[musket]] technology and accommodated transportation advances created by the steam engine.<ref name="Mexican War"/>{{sfnp|Simpson|1982|pp=48–49}} With the outbreak of the Civil War, West Point graduates filled the [[general officer]] ranks of the rapidly expanding Union and [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] armies.{{sfnp|Crackel|2002|p=135}} 294 graduates served as general officers for the Union, and 151 served as general officers for the Confederacy.<ref name="Mexican War"/> Of all living graduates at the time of the war, 105&nbsp;(10%) were killed, and another 151&nbsp;(15%) were wounded.<ref name="Mexican War"/> Nearly every general officer of note from either army during the Civil War was a graduate of West Point, and a West Point graduate commanded the forces of one or both sides in every one of the 60 major battles of the war.<ref name="Mexican War"/>{{sfnp|Crackel|2002|p=135}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usma.edu/wphistory/sitepages/notable%20graduates.aspx |title=Notable USMA Graduates: Did You Know?|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=14 July 2014}}</ref>


=== After the Civil War ===
=== After the Civil War ===
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[[File:United States Military Academy uniform in 1882 art, from- Uniform of the army of the United States, 1882 (page 13 crop) (cropped).jpg |thumb|upright|United States Military Academy uniform in 1882]]
[[File:United States Military Academy uniform in 1882 art, from- Uniform of the army of the United States, 1882 (page 13 crop) (cropped).jpg |thumb|upright|United States Military Academy uniform in 1882]]
The demand for junior officers during the [[Spanish–American War]] caused the class of 1899 to graduate early, and the [[Philippine–American War]] did the same for the class of 1901. This increased demand for officers led Congress to increase the Corps of Cadets' size to 481&nbsp;cadets in 1900.<ref name="ww1">{{cite web|url=http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1890.asp|title=Supporting an Emerging Global Power|work=USMA Bicentennial|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=2 January 2009|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012134740/http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1890.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The period between 1900 and 1915 saw a construction boom as much of West Point's old infrastructure was rebuilt.<ref name="ww1"/> Many of the academy's most famous graduates graduated during the 15-year period between 1900 and 1915: [[Douglas MacArthur]] (1903), [[Joseph Stilwell]] (1904), [[Henry "Hap" Arnold]] (1907), [[George S. Patton]] (1909), [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], and [[Omar Bradley]] (both 1915). The class of 1915 is known as "[[the class the stars fell on]]" for the exceptionally high percentage of general officers that rose from that class (59 of 164).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://americanhistory.si.edu/westpoint/history_6b.html|title=The Class the Stars Fell On|publisher=Smithsonian National American History Museum|access-date=16 December 2008}}</ref>{{sfnp|Simpson|1982|p=178}}
The demand for junior officers during the [[Spanish–American War]] caused the class of 1899 to graduate early, and the [[Philippine–American War]] did the same for the class of 1901. This increased demand for officers led Congress to increase the Corps of Cadets' size to 481&nbsp;cadets in 1900.<ref name="ww1">{{cite web|url=http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1890.asp|title=Supporting an Emerging Global Power|work=USMA Bicentennial|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=2 January 2009|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012134740/http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1890.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The period between 1900 and 1915 saw a construction boom as much of West Point's old infrastructure was rebuilt.<ref name="ww1"/> Many of the academy's most famous graduates graduated during the 15-year period between 1900 and 1915: [[Douglas MacArthur]] (1903), [[Joseph Stilwell]] (1904), [[Henry "Hap" Arnold]] (1907), [[George S. Patton]] (1909), Dwight D. Eisenhower, and [[Omar Bradley]] (both 1915). The class of 1915 is known as "[[the class the stars fell on]]" for the exceptionally high percentage of general officers that rose from that class (59 of 164).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://americanhistory.si.edu/westpoint/history_6b.html|title=The Class the Stars Fell On|publisher=Smithsonian National American History Museum|access-date=16 December 2008}}</ref>{{sfnp|Simpson|1982|p=178}}


[[File:Haldane a West Point.jpg|thumb|left|Haldane at [[West Point]] sometime before the Great War.]]
[[File:Haldane a West Point.jpg|thumb|left|Haldane at [[West Point]] sometime before the Great War.]]
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In 1985, cadets were formally authorized to declare an academic major; all previous graduates had been awarded a general bachelor of science degree. Five years later there was a major revision of the ''Fourth Class System'', as the Cadet Leader Development System (CLDS) became the guidance for the development of all four classes.<ref name="changeform"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1980.asp|title=Years of Continuity and Progress|work=USMA Bicentennial|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=16 December 2008|archive-date=7 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107212939/http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1980.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The class of 1990 was the first one to be issued a standard and mandatory computer to every member of the class at the beginning of Plebe year, the [[Zenith 248 SX]]. The academy was also an early adopter of the Internet in the mid-1990s, and was recognized in 2006 as one of the nation's "most wired" campuses.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2075080,00.asp|title=Top 20 Most Wired Campuses|work=PC Magazine|access-date=20 December 2008|first=Susie|last=Parker-Perry|date=20 December 2006}}</ref>
In 1985, cadets were formally authorized to declare an academic major; all previous graduates had been awarded a general bachelor of science degree. Five years later there was a major revision of the ''Fourth Class System'', as the Cadet Leader Development System (CLDS) became the guidance for the development of all four classes.<ref name="changeform"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1980.asp|title=Years of Continuity and Progress|work=USMA Bicentennial|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=16 December 2008|archive-date=7 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107212939/http://www.usma.edu/Bicentennial/history/1980.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The class of 1990 was the first one to be issued a standard and mandatory computer to every member of the class at the beginning of Plebe year, the [[Zenith 248 SX]]. The academy was also an early adopter of the Internet in the mid-1990s, and was recognized in 2006 as one of the nation's "most wired" campuses.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2075080,00.asp|title=Top 20 Most Wired Campuses|work=PC Magazine|access-date=20 December 2008|first=Susie|last=Parker-Perry|date=20 December 2006}}</ref>


During the [[Gulf War]], alumnus General [[Norman Schwarzkopf|Schwarzkopf]] was the commander of Allied Forces, and the American senior generals in [[Iraq]], Generals [[David Petraeus|Petraeus]], [[Raymond T. Odierno|Odierno]] and [[Lloyd J. Austin|Austin]], and Afghanistan, retired General [[Stanley McChrystal]] and General [[David M. Rodriguez|David Rodriguez]], are also alumni. Following the [[September 11 attacks]], applications for admission to the academy increased dramatically, security on campus was increased, and the curriculum was revamped to include coursework on terrorism and military drills in civilian environments.<ref name="Sept11">{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B01E3DB1F39F935A25750C0A9649C8B63 |title=For a Bastion of Tradition, A New World; Events of Sept.&nbsp;11&nbsp;Altered West Point, Too |work=The New York Times |date=16 March 2002 |access-date=25 January 2009|last=Foderaro |first=Lisa}}</ref> One graduate was killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and ninety graduates have died during operations in [[Operation Enduring Freedom|Afghanistan]], [[Operation Iraqi Freedom|Iraq]], and the ongoing [[War on Terror|Global War on Terror]].<ref>{{cite web |title=In Memoriam |publisher=West Point Association of Graduates |url=http://www.westpointaog.org/page.aspx?pid=734 |access-date=20 January 2013 |archive-date=20 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320165606/http://www.westpointaog.org/page.aspx?pid=734 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hampson |first=Rick |title=West Point's Quiet Place of Honor, Lost Dreams |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |date=28 December 2011 |page=1}}</ref> The Class of 2005 has been referred to as [[Class of 9/11|The Class of 9/11]] as the attacks occurred during their first year at the academy, and they graduated 911 students. In 2008 gender-neutral lyrics were incorporated into West Point's "Alma Mater" and "The Corps" – replacing lines like "The men of the Corps" with "The ranks of the Corps."<ref>{{cite web|author=<!-- Byline --> The Associated Press |url=http://www.armytimes.com/article/20080604/NEWS/806040313/West-Point-adopts-gender-neutral-song-lyrics |title=West Point adopts gender-neutral song lyrics &#124; Army Times |publisher=armytimes.com |access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref> In December 2009, President [[Barack Obama]] delivered a major speech in Eisenhower Hall Theater outlining his policy for [[Military operations of the War in Afghanistan (2001–present)#2009|deploying 30,000 additional troops]] to [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] as well as setting a timetable for withdrawal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/arts/television/02watch.htm |first=Alessandra |last=Stanley |title=Before Audience of Cadets, a Sobering Message of War |work=The New York Times |date=1 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/world/asia/02prexy.html |title=Obama Adds Troops, but Maps Exit Plan |first1=Sheryl Gay |last1=Stolberg |first2=Helene |last2=Cooper |date=1 December 2009 |work=The New York Times }}</ref> President Obama also provided the commencement address in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/05/28/remarks-president-united-states-military-academy-commencement-ceremony|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|title=Remarks by the President at the United States Military Academy Commencement Ceremony|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|date=28 May 2014}}</ref>
During the [[Gulf War]], alumnus General [[Norman Schwarzkopf|Schwarzkopf]] was the commander of Allied Forces, and the American senior generals in [[Iraq]], Generals [[David Petraeus|Petraeus]], [[Raymond T. Odierno|Odierno]] and [[Lloyd J. Austin|Austin]], and Afghanistan, retired General [[Stanley McChrystal]] and General [[David M. Rodriguez|David Rodriguez]], are also alumni. Following the [[September 11 attacks]], applications for admission to the academy increased dramatically, security on campus was increased, and the curriculum was revamped to include coursework on terrorism and military drills in civilian environments.<ref name="Sept11">{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B01E3DB1F39F935A25750C0A9649C8B63 |title=For a Bastion of Tradition, A New World; Events of Sept.&nbsp;11&nbsp;Altered West Point, Too |work=The New York Times |date=16 March 2002 |access-date=25 January 2009|last=Foderaro |first=Lisa}}</ref> One graduate was killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and ninety graduates have died during operations in [[Operation Enduring Freedom|Afghanistan]], [[Operation Iraqi Freedom|Iraq]], and the ongoing [[War on Terror|Global War on Terror]].<ref>{{cite web |title=In Memoriam |publisher=West Point Association of Graduates |url=http://www.westpointaog.org/page.aspx?pid=734 |access-date=20 January 2013 |archive-date=20 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320165606/http://www.westpointaog.org/page.aspx?pid=734 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hampson |first=Rick |title=West Point's Quiet Place of Honor, Lost Dreams |newspaper=USA Today |date=28 December 2011 |page=1}}</ref> The Class of 2005 has been referred to as [[Class of 9/11|The Class of 9/11]] as the attacks occurred during their first year at the academy, and they graduated 911 students. In 2008 gender-neutral lyrics were incorporated into West Point's "Alma Mater" and "The Corps" – replacing lines like "The men of the Corps" with "The ranks of the Corps."<ref>{{cite web|author=<!-- Byline --> The Associated Press |url=http://www.armytimes.com/article/20080604/NEWS/806040313/West-Point-adopts-gender-neutral-song-lyrics |title=West Point adopts gender-neutral song lyrics &#124; Army Times |publisher=armytimes.com |access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref> In December 2009, President [[Barack Obama]] delivered a major speech in Eisenhower Hall Theater outlining his policy for [[Military operations of the War in Afghanistan (2001–present)#2009|deploying 30,000 additional troops]] to [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] as well as setting a timetable for withdrawal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/arts/television/02watch.htm |first=Alessandra |last=Stanley |title=Before Audience of Cadets, a Sobering Message of War |work=The New York Times |date=1 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/world/asia/02prexy.html |title=Obama Adds Troops, but Maps Exit Plan |first1=Sheryl Gay |last1=Stolberg |first2=Helene |last2=Cooper |date=1 December 2009 |work=The New York Times }}</ref> President Obama also provided the commencement address in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/05/28/remarks-president-united-states-military-academy-commencement-ceremony|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|title=Remarks by the President at the United States Military Academy Commencement Ceremony|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|date=28 May 2014}}</ref>


After the [[Don't ask, don't tell|Don't Ask, Don't Tell]] policy [[Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010|was lifted]] 20 September 2011, the academy began admitting and retaining openly gay cadets. By March 2012, cadets were forming a gay-straight alliance group called Spectrum.<ref>{{cite news|title = Gay pride groups appear at U.S. military academies - CNN.com|url = http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/31/us/military-academies-gay-pride/index.html|website = CNN|access-date = 2015-09-27}}</ref> By March 2015, Spectrum had two faculty and 40 cadet members, a mixture of gay, straight, bi, and undecided. According to a Vanity Fair essay, the LGBT cadets were well accepted.<ref>{{cite web |title = So What's It Like to Be a Gay Cadet at West Point These Days?|url = https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/06/being-gay-west-point-after-dont-ask-dont-tell|access-date = 2015-09-27|first = Dave|last = Cullen |website = [[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]|date = 30 June 2015}}</ref> After the ban on transgender service members was lifted in 2016, the Class of 2017 saw the first openly transgender graduate. However, she was denied a commission and was honorably discharged.<ref>{{cite news |title = Loophole in Rules on Transgender Troops Denies 2 Their Commissions|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/26/us/loophole-in-rules-on-transgender-troops-denies-2-their-commissions.html |access-date = 2017-10-20|first = Sheryl|last = Stolberg |newspaper = The New York Times|date = 26 May 2017 }}</ref>
After the [[Don't ask, don't tell|Don't Ask, Don't Tell]] policy [[Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010|was lifted]] 20 September 2011, the academy began admitting and retaining openly gay cadets. By March 2012, cadets were forming a gay-straight alliance group called Spectrum.<ref>{{cite news|title = Gay pride groups appear at U.S. military academies - CNN.com|url = http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/31/us/military-academies-gay-pride/index.html|website = CNN|access-date = 2015-09-27}}</ref> By March 2015, Spectrum had two faculty and 40 cadet members, a mixture of gay, straight, bi, and undecided. According to a Vanity Fair essay, the LGBT cadets were well accepted.<ref>{{cite web |title = So What's It Like to Be a Gay Cadet at West Point These Days?|url = https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/06/being-gay-west-point-after-dont-ask-dont-tell|access-date = 2015-09-27|first = Dave|last = Cullen |website = [[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]|date = 30 June 2015}}</ref> After the ban on transgender service members was lifted in 2016, the Class of 2017 saw the first openly transgender graduate. However, she was denied a commission and was honorably discharged.<ref>{{cite news |title = Loophole in Rules on Transgender Troops Denies 2 Their Commissions|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/26/us/loophole-in-rules-on-transgender-troops-denies-2-their-commissions.html |access-date = 2017-10-20|first = Sheryl|last = Stolberg |newspaper = The New York Times|date = 26 May 2017 }}</ref>
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Brig. Gen. Diana Holland became West Point's first woman Commandant of Cadets in January 2016.<ref>"Pentagon names 1st female commandant of West Point's cadets" [http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/12/15/pentagon-names-1st-female-commandant-west-points-cadets/77359008/ ''Army Times'' 15 December 2015]</ref>
Brig. Gen. Diana Holland became West Point's first woman Commandant of Cadets in January 2016.<ref>"Pentagon names 1st female commandant of West Point's cadets" [http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2015/12/15/pentagon-names-1st-female-commandant-west-points-cadets/77359008/ ''Army Times'' 15 December 2015]</ref>


In 2020, the campus confronted its first major pandemic in a century, with the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] causing limitations on classes, and the relocation of the traditional [[Army–Navy Game|Army-Navy football game]] to ensure [[social distancing]]. For the first time in many years, the 121st iteration of the game was held at West Point rather than the traditional [[Lincoln Financial Field]] in [[Philadelphia]]. Ultimately, West Point beat Navy 15–0.<ref>{{Citation|last=Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff|title=201212-D-WD757-2874|date=2020-12-12|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/thejointstaff/50721292907/|access-date=2021-08-19}}</ref>
In 2020, the campus confronted its first major pandemic in a century, with the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] causing limitations on classes, and the relocation of the traditional [[Army–Navy Game|Army-Navy football game]] to ensure [[social distancing]]. For the first time in many years, the 121st iteration of the game was held at West Point rather than the traditional [[Lincoln Financial Field]] in Philadelphia. Ultimately, West Point beat Navy 15–0.<ref>{{Citation|last=Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff|title=201212-D-WD757-2874|date=2020-12-12|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/thejointstaff/50721292907/|access-date=2021-08-19}}</ref>


== Campus ==
== Campus ==
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[[File:West Point Cemetery.JPG|right|thumb|[[West Point Cemetery]]]]
[[File:West Point Cemetery.JPG|right|thumb|[[West Point Cemetery]]]]


The [[West Point Cemetery]] is the final resting place of many notable graduates and faculty, including [[George Armstrong Custer]], [[Winfield Scott]], [[William Westmoreland]], [[Earl Blaik]], [[Margaret Corbin]], and eighteen [[Medal of Honor]] recipients.{{sfnp|Poughkeepsie Journal|2003|p=16}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usma.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/ABOUT/Cemetery%20Brochure.pdf |title=West Point Cemetery|publisher=USMA Memorial Affairs|access-date=31 December 2019}}</ref> The cemetery is also the burial place of several recent graduates who have died during the [[War on Terror|ongoing conflict]] in Iraq and [[Afghanistan]]. Many of the older grave sites have large and ornate grave markers, the largest belonging to [[Egbert Viele]] (class of 1847), chief engineer of [[Brooklyn]]'s [[Prospect Park (Brooklyn)|Prospect Park]].{{sfnp|Poughkeepsie Journal|2003|p=16}} The cemetery is also home to a monument to [[American Revolution|Revolutionary War]] heroine [[Margaret Corbin]].<ref>{{cite web |title=West Point Cemetery |publisher=USMA Memorial Affairs |url=http://www.usma.edu/history/SiteAssets/SitePages/Cemetery/West%20Point%20Cemetery.pdf |access-date=15 February 2014 |archive-date=25 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225231003/http://www.usma.edu/history/SiteAssets/SitePages/Cemetery/West%20Point%20Cemetery.pdf}}</ref>
The [[West Point Cemetery]] is the final resting place of many notable graduates and faculty, including [[George Armstrong Custer]], [[Winfield Scott]], [[William Westmoreland]], [[Earl Blaik]], [[Margaret Corbin]], and eighteen Medal of Honor recipients.{{sfnp|Poughkeepsie Journal|2003|p=16}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usma.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/ABOUT/Cemetery%20Brochure.pdf |title=West Point Cemetery|publisher=USMA Memorial Affairs|access-date=31 December 2019}}</ref> The cemetery is also the burial place of several recent graduates who have died during the [[War on Terror|ongoing conflict]] in Iraq and [[Afghanistan]]. Many of the older grave sites have large and ornate grave markers, the largest belonging to [[Egbert Viele]] (class of 1847), chief engineer of [[Brooklyn]]'s [[Prospect Park (Brooklyn)|Prospect Park]].{{sfnp|Poughkeepsie Journal|2003|p=16}} The cemetery is also home to a monument to [[American Revolution|Revolutionary War]] heroine [[Margaret Corbin]].<ref>{{cite web |title=West Point Cemetery |publisher=USMA Memorial Affairs |url=http://www.usma.edu/history/SiteAssets/SitePages/Cemetery/West%20Point%20Cemetery.pdf |access-date=15 February 2014 |archive-date=25 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225231003/http://www.usma.edu/history/SiteAssets/SitePages/Cemetery/West%20Point%20Cemetery.pdf}}</ref>


=== Athletic facilities ===
=== Athletic facilities ===
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West Point's [[Cadet Honor Code]] reads simply that: "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://admissions.usma.edu/faq_about.html|title=FAQs – About West Point|publisher=USMA Office of Admissions|access-date=31 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101202604/http://admissions.usma.edu/faq_about.html|archive-date=1 January 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cadets accused of violating the Honor Code face an investigative and hearing process. If they are found guilty by a jury of their peers, they face severe consequences ranging from being "turned back" (repeating an academic year) to separation from the academy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usma.edu/Committees/Honor/index.htm|title=Cadet Honor Committee|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=19 December 2008|archive-date=8 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108051949/http://www.usma.edu/Committees/Honor/index.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cadets previously enforced collective censure by an unofficial sanction known as "silencing" by not speaking to cadets accused of violating the honor code, but the practice ended in 1973 after national scrutiny.<ref>{{cite news |title=Silent Agony Ends for Cadet at Point |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/06/07/archives/silent-agony-ends-for-cadet-at-point-on-graduation-dayatwest-point.html |last=Greenhouse |first=Linda |work=The New York Times |date=7 June 1973|page=93}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Cadet Committee at West Point Does Away with 'The Silence' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/09/12/archives/cadet-committee-at-west-point-does-away-with-the-silence-cadet.html |last=Feron |first=James |work=The New York Times |date=12 September 1973}}</ref>
West Point's [[Cadet Honor Code]] reads simply that: "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://admissions.usma.edu/faq_about.html|title=FAQs – About West Point|publisher=USMA Office of Admissions|access-date=31 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101202604/http://admissions.usma.edu/faq_about.html|archive-date=1 January 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cadets accused of violating the Honor Code face an investigative and hearing process. If they are found guilty by a jury of their peers, they face severe consequences ranging from being "turned back" (repeating an academic year) to separation from the academy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usma.edu/Committees/Honor/index.htm|title=Cadet Honor Committee|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=19 December 2008|archive-date=8 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108051949/http://www.usma.edu/Committees/Honor/index.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cadets previously enforced collective censure by an unofficial sanction known as "silencing" by not speaking to cadets accused of violating the honor code, but the practice ended in 1973 after national scrutiny.<ref>{{cite news |title=Silent Agony Ends for Cadet at Point |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/06/07/archives/silent-agony-ends-for-cadet-at-point-on-graduation-dayatwest-point.html |last=Greenhouse |first=Linda |work=The New York Times |date=7 June 1973|page=93}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Cadet Committee at West Point Does Away with 'The Silence' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/09/12/archives/cadet-committee-at-west-point-does-away-with-the-silence-cadet.html |last=Feron |first=James |work=The New York Times |date=12 September 1973}}</ref>


Although the academy's honor code is well known and has been influential for many other colleges and universities, the academy has experienced several significant violations. For example, 151 junior cadets were found guilty of "violating the honor code" in their exams in 1976.<ref>From [[The Economist]] magazine, [https://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21610180-rise-ronald-reagan-meant-far-more-victory-republicans-purpose-and?fsrc=scn/tw/te/pe/ed/purposeandworth accessible here (see final paragraph marked '''correction''')]. The corrected article is dated 1 September 2014; accessed 8 September 2014.</ref> In 2020, more than 70 cadets were also accused of cheating on exams.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/12/21/west-point-catches-70-cadets-worst-cheating-scandal-50-years/5856130002/ |title=West Point accuses more than 70 cadets of cheating in worst academic scandal in nearly 45 years |first=Tom |last=Vanden Brook |website=[[USA Today]] |date=21 December 2020 |access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref>
Although the academy's honor code is well known and has been influential for many other colleges and universities, the academy has experienced several significant violations. For example, 151 junior cadets were found guilty of "violating the honor code" in their exams in 1976.<ref>From [[The Economist]] magazine, [https://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21610180-rise-ronald-reagan-meant-far-more-victory-republicans-purpose-and?fsrc=scn/tw/te/pe/ed/purposeandworth accessible here (see final paragraph marked '''correction''')]. The corrected article is dated 1 September 2014; accessed 8 September 2014.</ref> In 2020, more than 70 cadets were also accused of cheating on exams.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/12/21/west-point-catches-70-cadets-worst-cheating-scandal-50-years/5856130002/ |title=West Point accuses more than 70 cadets of cheating in worst academic scandal in nearly 45 years |first=Tom |last=Vanden Brook |website=USA Today |date=21 December 2020 |access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref>


== Cadet life ==
== Cadet life ==
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{{Main list|List of United States Military Academy alumni|List of United States Military Academy alumni (non-graduates)}}
{{Main list|List of United States Military Academy alumni|List of United States Military Academy alumni (non-graduates)}}


An unofficial motto of the academy's history department is "Much of the history we teach was made by people we taught."<ref name="Sept11"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.westpoint.edu/about/public-affairs/news/fact-sheets|title=Fact Sheets|publisher=USMA West Point|access-date=31 December 2019}}</ref> Graduates of the academy refer to themselves as "The Long Gray Line," a phrase taken from the academy's traditional hymn "[[The Corps (song)|The Corps]]."<ref name="ellerson">{{cite web |title=Army names new football coach |work=Army Times |url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/army_ellerson_122708w/ |access-date=8 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Glossary |publisher=United States Military Academy|url=http://admissions.usma.edu/glossary.html|access-date=31 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214032549/http://admissions.usma.edu/glossary.html|archive-date=14 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Corps |publisher=West-Point.org |url=http://www.west-point.org/greimanj/west_point/songs/thecorps.htm |access-date=4 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612072233/http://www.west-point.org/greimanj/west_point/songs/thecorps.htm |archive-date=12 June 2008 }}</ref> The academy has produced just under 65,000&nbsp;alumni,<ref>{{cite book|publisher=The Association of Graduates|title=The Register of Graduates and Former Cadets of the United States Military Academy |location=West Point, NY|year=2007|page=865}}</ref> including two [[President of the United States|Presidents of the United States]]: [[Ulysses S. Grant]] and [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]]; the president of the [[Confederate States of America]], [[Jefferson Davis]]; and four foreign heads of state or government: Former [[President of Nicaragua|Nicaraguan President]] [[Anastasio Somoza Debayle]], Former [[Philippine President]] [[Fidel V. Ramos]], Former [[Costa Rican President]] [[José María Figueres]], and Current [[Prime Minister of Cambodia|Cambodian Prime Minister]] [[Hun Manet]]. Alumni currently serving in public office include [[United States Senate|Senator]] [[Jack Reed (Rhode Island politician)|Jack Reed]], [[Governor of Nebraska]] [[David Heineman]], [[Governor of Louisiana]] [[John Bel Edwards]], [[United States House of Representatives|Congressmen]] [[Warren Davidson]], [[Mark Green (Tennessee politician)|Mark Green]], [[Brett Guthrie]], [[John Shimkus]] and [[Steve Watkins]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usma.edu/about.asp|title=About the Academy|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=31 December 2008|archive-date=3 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503120921/http://www.usma.edu/about.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>
An unofficial motto of the academy's history department is "Much of the history we teach was made by people we taught."<ref name="Sept11"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.westpoint.edu/about/public-affairs/news/fact-sheets|title=Fact Sheets|publisher=USMA West Point|access-date=31 December 2019}}</ref> Graduates of the academy refer to themselves as "The Long Gray Line," a phrase taken from the academy's traditional hymn "[[The Corps (song)|The Corps]]."<ref name="ellerson">{{cite web |title=Army names new football coach |work=Army Times |url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/army_ellerson_122708w/ |access-date=8 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Glossary |publisher=United States Military Academy|url=http://admissions.usma.edu/glossary.html|access-date=31 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214032549/http://admissions.usma.edu/glossary.html|archive-date=14 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Corps |publisher=West-Point.org |url=http://www.west-point.org/greimanj/west_point/songs/thecorps.htm |access-date=4 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612072233/http://www.west-point.org/greimanj/west_point/songs/thecorps.htm |archive-date=12 June 2008 }}</ref> The academy has produced just under 65,000&nbsp;alumni,<ref>{{cite book|publisher=The Association of Graduates|title=The Register of Graduates and Former Cadets of the United States Military Academy |location=West Point, NY|year=2007|page=865}}</ref> including two [[President of the United States|Presidents of the United States]]: [[Ulysses S. Grant]] and Dwight D. Eisenhower; the president of the [[Confederate States of America]], [[Jefferson Davis]]; and four foreign heads of state or government: Former [[President of Nicaragua|Nicaraguan President]] [[Anastasio Somoza Debayle]], Former [[Philippine President]] [[Fidel V. Ramos]], Former [[Costa Rican President]] [[José María Figueres]], and Current [[Prime Minister of Cambodia|Cambodian Prime Minister]] [[Hun Manet]]. Alumni currently serving in public office include [[United States Senate|Senator]] [[Jack Reed (Rhode Island politician)|Jack Reed]], [[Governor of Nebraska]] [[David Heineman]], [[Governor of Louisiana]] [[John Bel Edwards]], [[United States House of Representatives|Congressmen]] [[Warren Davidson]], [[Mark Green (Tennessee politician)|Mark Green]], [[Brett Guthrie]], [[John Shimkus]] and [[Steve Watkins]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usma.edu/about.asp|title=About the Academy|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=31 December 2008|archive-date=3 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503120921/http://www.usma.edu/about.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Military leaders===
===Military leaders===
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During World War I, academy alumni included [[General of the Armies]] [[John J. Pershing]], and Major Generals [[Charles T. Menoher]] and [[Mason Patrick]]. West Point was the alma mater of many notable World War II generals, [[Henry H. Arnold]], [[Omar Bradley]], [[Mark Wayne Clark]], [[Robert L. Eichelberger]], [[James M. Gavin]], [[Leslie Groves]], [[Douglas MacArthur]], [[George S. Patton]], [[Joseph Stilwell]], [[Maxwell D. Taylor]], [[James Van Fleet]], [[Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright IV]], and [[Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr.]] the highest ranking General to be killed in combat during World War II, with many of these graduates also serving in commanding roles in the Korean War. During the Vietnam War, notable graduates general officers included [[Creighton Abrams]], [[Hal Moore]], and [[William Westmoreland]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usma.edu/bicentennial/history/NotableGrads.asp|title=Notable USMA Graduates|work=USMA Bicentennial|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=4 January 2009|archive-date=18 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518095835/http://www.usma.edu/bicentennial/history/NotableGrads.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> West Point also produced some famous generals and statesmen of recent note including [[John Abizaid]], [[Stanley A. McChrystal]], [[Wesley Clark]], [[Alexander Haig]], [[Barry McCaffrey]], [[Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr.]], [[Brent Scowcroft]], [[Lloyd Austin]], and former [[Director of the Central Intelligence Agency]], retired General [[David Petraeus]].
During World War I, academy alumni included [[General of the Armies]] [[John J. Pershing]], and Major Generals [[Charles T. Menoher]] and [[Mason Patrick]]. West Point was the alma mater of many notable World War II generals, [[Henry H. Arnold]], [[Omar Bradley]], [[Mark Wayne Clark]], [[Robert L. Eichelberger]], [[James M. Gavin]], [[Leslie Groves]], [[Douglas MacArthur]], [[George S. Patton]], [[Joseph Stilwell]], [[Maxwell D. Taylor]], [[James Van Fleet]], [[Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright IV]], and [[Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr.]] the highest ranking General to be killed in combat during World War II, with many of these graduates also serving in commanding roles in the Korean War. During the Vietnam War, notable graduates general officers included [[Creighton Abrams]], [[Hal Moore]], and [[William Westmoreland]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usma.edu/bicentennial/history/NotableGrads.asp|title=Notable USMA Graduates|work=USMA Bicentennial|publisher=United States Military Academy|access-date=4 January 2009|archive-date=18 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518095835/http://www.usma.edu/bicentennial/history/NotableGrads.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> West Point also produced some famous generals and statesmen of recent note including [[John Abizaid]], [[Stanley A. McChrystal]], [[Wesley Clark]], [[Alexander Haig]], [[Barry McCaffrey]], [[Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr.]], [[Brent Scowcroft]], [[Lloyd Austin]], and former [[Director of the Central Intelligence Agency]], retired General [[David Petraeus]].


A total of 76&nbsp;graduates have been awarded the [[Medal of Honor]].<ref>{{cite web|title=West Point Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients|publisher=Medalofhonor.com |url=http://www.medalofhonor.com/WestPoint.htm|access-date=20 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630233102/http://www.medalofhonor.com/WestPoint.htm |archive-date=30 June 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
A total of 76&nbsp;graduates have been awarded the Medal of Honor.<ref>{{cite web|title=West Point Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients|publisher=Medalofhonor.com |url=http://www.medalofhonor.com/WestPoint.htm|access-date=20 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630233102/http://www.medalofhonor.com/WestPoint.htm |archive-date=30 June 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>


West Point has also graduated 18&nbsp;[[National Aeronautics and Space Administration|NASA]] astronauts, including five who went to the moon.
West Point has also graduated 18&nbsp;[[National Aeronautics and Space Administration|NASA]] astronauts, including five who went to the moon.
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