John B. Norvell

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on September 4, 2004:

John Bernard Norvell, Jr. Born March 15, 1927 - Died September 25, 1985 John Bernard Norvell, Jr. was born in Towson, Maryland on 15 March 1927 and was appointed to West Point from the Army of the United States. His West Point classmates recall: "A Rebel at heart, John arrived at West Point after spending twenty-eight months in the Infantry which he plans to get back into after graduation. His main interests are photography and women, with photography in the lesser position. Believing that a tenth ahead is a tenth wasted, John has not earned any stars. He has however, earned many friends and should do well after he enters the Army." During his cadet days John was with the Debate Council and the Ski Club plebe and yearling years; went out for Tennis yearling year; was on the Public Information Detail yearling and cow years; went out for Soccer and Squash cow year; was with the Camera Club cow and first class years; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation John went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 27th Infantry, 40th Division in Korea in 1952, served until 1953 and was decorated with the Commendation Ribbon and the Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1952 John was named Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commanding General, 6th Army and served as such until 1954. In 1958 John earned a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M and was assigned to Office, Chief of Engineers where he served from 1959 to 1961. In 1962 John attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and on completion received orders to Military Assistance Advisory Group, Republic of Vietnam, served until 1963 and was decorated with a second Combat Infantryman Badge and the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy. John's next assignment was to Brigade Headquarters, 3rd Armored Division in Germany as Battalion Commander, where he served from 1964 to 1966. Then from 1966 to 1968 John served with the Limited War Laboratory from where he went to the Navy War College in 1969. In 1969 John was appointed Deputy Commanding Officer of the 1st Brigade, 1st Air Cavalry Division, Republic of Vietnam and he served until 1970. In 1970 John was assigned to The Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia. John died at Columbus, Ohio on 25 September 1985. Mrs. John B. Norvell (Jane) makes her home in Columbus. jac; 18433, wc 402

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