"This is the earliest available picture of Ernie taken on 1 June 1943. His West Point Class graduated that morning. Due to WWII, all West Point classes were accelerated with Ernie's class being the first of the 3-year classes. Two classes actually graduated in 1943. The first graduation was in January after 3½ years of classes. Since cadets are not allowed to be married, graduation is typically followed by a rash of weddings. This picture is from the wedding on graduation day of Charles Arthur Gaignat and Patricia Kane. They are taking their wedding kiss with Ernie (the best man) looking on. The bridesmaid on the left is Myrna Gaignat, Chuck's younger sister. Chuck was a classmate and Ernie's best friend at West Point. They both served in the 370th Fighter Group in England. On July 23, 1944, Chuck was shot down and killed over France. Ernie's second son was given the middle name of Charles in his memory." Caption written by Ernest T Cragg's son, Edward: http://ernest.cragg.info/ETC_albums/1940s%20Pictures/album/