Donald James Norton

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

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

Donald James Norton Born October 6, 1926 - Died September 2, 2001 Donald James "Don" Norton was born in Long Island, New York on 6 October 1926 and was appointed to West Point from the Army of the United States. His West Point classmates recall: "When not engaged in athletics in the gymnasium or on the tennis courts, Don could usually be found reading. A native New Yorker, he had no complaints about the bitter cold winters. Having served three years in the Army Air Force, Don came to West Point with a maturity surpassing most of us. After graduation, he hopes to go back into the Air Force, where he cannot help being a great success." During his cadet days Don was on the Howitzer Staff yearling and cow years; on the Honor Committee and the Handball Club cow and first class years; with the Pistol and French Clubs first class years; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Don surprised his roommates and went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division as a Company Commander from 1952 to 1953 in Korea and was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Don's next assignment was to the 11th Airborne Division in 1953 and from there went with the 533rd Military Intelligence Battalion at the United States Forces, Austria where he served until 1955. Next Don was appointed a Company Commander with the 6th Infantry Regiment United States Army Reserve, Europe where he served until 1956. From 1959 to 1962 Don served with the Reserve Officers Training Corps in Providence, Connecticut and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. Don's next assignment was to the Republic of Korea with the 7th Infantry Division where he served from 1962 to 1963. Then from 1964 to 1965 Don was Commanding Officer of USA, 6th Army at Fort Meyer, Virginia. In 1966 Don attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and on completion was assigned to Headquarters, United States Army Reserve, Europe where he also served with the 7th Army from 1966 to 1967. In 1968, Don received orders to Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam; served until 1969 and was decorated with the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Don went on his last military assignment in 1970, back to Germany, to Headquarters, V Corps where he served until 1972 when he retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. Don and his wife Anna Maria made their home in Youngstown, Ohio. Don died on September 2, 2001 jac; 18322, wc 419

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