Posted by Charles B. Welch on October 17, 2015:

Danny Christman and I met at Ouachita Parish High School in Monroe, Louisiana, in 1944, when we were both entering high school. At that time, Louisiana had not initiated the 12 year curriculum and 7th to 11th grades were High School. I had already been participating in some high school activities as I was tapped by Miss Velma Nichols, OPHS Choir Director, as a boy soprano (while I was still in the 6th grade of Grammar School. I think I was the only male to have sung and performed in all the various sections of the high school choir, from 1st soprano to 2nd bass.), Danny and I were singing partners in the second bass section and kept the lower range of the scale in some sort of balance over the years at OPHS. Danny had a very quick wit and loved a good story. He was noted for pulling some of the funniest tricks on teachers in high school. No one could resist Danny's infectious laughter and bright eyes. Needless to say, the teachers all loved Danny and he returned that love with great respect and appreciation. Being the tallest kid in school didn't hurt his reputation much at all. Growing up with Danny was a lot of fun. A number of us would get together anytime Danny returned home from West Point to visit his family and that was always a party time. All the the Class of 1947 still miss Danny Paul and are so happy to have known him as friend.

admin