Alfred Dobson Norton

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on August 21, 2004:

Alfred Dobson Norton Born April 11, 1927 - Died July 6, 1978 Alfred Dobson "Al" Norton was born in Greenville, Tennessee on 11 April 1927 and was appointed to West Point from the First Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "Shut off for four years from Mountain moonshine and square dances, Al explored all interests offered by the Academy and early hit upon his favorite, afternoon sack. Proving that the bed is a wonderful educator, Al quickly learned to make a three no-trump bid, efficiently stag the Cullum hops, and rank high in academics - all with the object in mind of saving his eyes for the Air Force." During his cadet days Al was on the Handball and Spanish Clubs, the Dialectic Society, the Pointer Staff, the Chapel Choir, and was a Hop Manager. He was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. On graduation Al went in the Air Force and after pilot training reported to the 134th Flight Squadron where he served from 1952 to 1954. His next assignment was to Headquarters, North American Air Defense, Ent AFB, Colorado where he served from 1958 to 1961. Al then returned to school and earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in 1963. On completion Al was selected to teach Chemistry at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado and later was appointed to head the Department of Chemistry in 1968. Next Al was appointed Professor of Aerospace Science at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1970 Al earned a PhD from New York University, and on completion retired from the United States Air Force in rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After retiring Al became a Teaching Consultant for the Navajo Reservation in 1975 and served in that capacity until his death in Albuquerque, New Mexico on 6 July 1978. Click to find out what makes Fly Boys tick Air Force Values ufa

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