Posted by Joe McCarville on December 14, 2006:

As John Lucas said, we think of Paul Sawtelle, as well as our other fallen Classmates constantly. I know that I think of him specifically at least every day or two. Sometimes I am just mentally going down the list of fallen classmates in my mind. Other times I think of him because he inspires me to be the very best person I can be. He can't be here any more. We need to carry on for him. Paul is the epitomy of someone whose life was cut short long before he had a chance to make his true mark in this world. If he had lived this last 36 years, we would probably all be dropping his name now. I was in the 1/506 Infantry of 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne while Paul was in L Co. 75th Rangers. Once, March '71, I had to go to Hue/Phu Bai on business. I did my business and looked Paul up. We spent most of the day together, extracting a couple of Ranger teams by STABO and eating in the chow hall and just having a great time. It was obvious to me how professional Paul was as a Ranger platoon leader and how well respected he was by those great soldiers. I have treasured that time Paul and I had together and had hoped to repeat it, but we lost him the next month. I know that all of us in the Class of '69 are very proud that Paul is our classmate.

admin