On February 7, 2024, WPAOG joined Academy leaders and distinguished guests in dedicating the Magness Wing of the United States Military Academy Library in memory of John M. Magness, USMA Class of 1986.

Located on the fourth floor of the Jefferson Hall Library and Learning Center, the Magness Wing was named to honor the legacy and remarkable life of service of Captain John Magness and in recognition of a generous gift from the Sarah and Ross Perot Jr. Foundation in support of the West Point Press. 

The West Point Press is the publishing arm of the United States Military Academy, disseminating knowledge via peer reviewed monographs and journals, digital textbooks, white papers, articles, reports, proceedings, and podcasts. Content published under the West Point crest reflects a commitment to the highest standards of scholarship.

Magness worked with the Perot family and their company, Hillwood Development Company, beginning in 1997 and played a pivotal role in managing the company’s California operations. Prior to joining Hillwood, he served as a consultant to the United Arab Emirates government following his retirement from the Army in 1995. 

A decorated Desert Storm veteran, Magness served nine years in the Army with four years of deployments and combat missions. His military career as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot included commanding an attack helicopter troop during the Gulf War, leading combat missions in the liberation of Kuwait and in the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, as part of Task Force Ranger. For his service in two combat zones, he earned a Bronze Star and Air Medal, among other commendations. Magness was also an author, publishing Pilot Vision in 1998.

The dedication and plaque unveiling at Jefferson Hall featured remarks by Hill Perot, representing the Sarah and Ross Perot Foundation; Magness’s brother, COL (R) Thomas H. Magness IV ’85; his son, LT John Michael Magness USN; the Dean of the Academic Board, BG Shane Reeves ’96; President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, COL (R) Mark Bieger ’91; and West Point Association of Graduates Vice President of Development, Kristin Sorenson.

Also in attendance were Magness’s wife Angie, their daughter, Chelsea, and other members of the Magness family, as well as 61st Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, LTG Steven Gilland ’90; Deputy Commandant, COL Michael Kelly ’94; and Vice Chairman of Hillwood Management, Darcy Anderson ’78.

Magness’s legacy and the gift in his memory to the West Point Press will support the advancement of knowledge, learning, and literature at the Academy, and will serve as a catalyst for intellectual excellence and inspire generations of cadets and scholars for years to come.