Paul Narson bravely joined the United States Army in September 1959, and underwent basic military training in New Jersey before going to South Carolina for his Advanced Infantry training. After graduation, Mr. Narson went to Brooklyn and boarded the USA S Buckner, arriving in Germany in February 1960. Stationed in Munich, Mr. Narson was there during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, and he and his fellow veterans had an extended tour of duty in order to protect the German borders in the event of war. In August 1965, after serving with courage and valor, Mr. Narson was honorably discharged from the United States Army.
Mr. Narson has been recognized for his noble courage with numerous medals and awards, including the United States Army Expeditionary Forces Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, the United States Army Reserve Medal, the Expert Infantry Badge, the Expert Rifle Badge, the Expert Pistol Badge and the New York State Medal for Merit.
While he never served in Vietnam, Mr. Narson was a staunch supporter of the troops fi ghting, and attended many parades and rallies in their honor. He joined the Jewish War Veterans in 1970, and the American Legion in 1971, but found his true home in a veterans’ organization some 18 years later – when he was invited to join Chapter 32 of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). Currently the President, Mr. Narson has been an active member ever since, has held every position in the chapter except treasurer, has been a state and national delegate for 16 years, and was the VVA New York State Council Membership Chairman for two years. Mr. Narson remains aware of the importance of staying involved for the good of his fellow veterans.
Beyond his work with the VVA, Mr. Narson has served his community in a wide variety of ways. He worked as a tutor for learning-disabled children, has been involved with efforts to distribute Valentine’s Day gifts at the St. Albans Veterans Hospital and has helped to provide Christmas gifts for sick children at the Ronald McDonald House. He has also been involved with the POW-MIA Memorial in Maspeth, assisted with barbeque picnics for the residents of the New York State Domiciliary and the New York State Veterans Nursing Home in St. Albans, and has worked selflessly on the committee that brought the Moving Vietnam Memorial to Queens.
Paul Narson and his wife, Marilyn, have two beloved children – David, who was adopted from Costa Rica, and Maria, who was adopted from Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Narson has never underestimated the importance of family and community and has dedicated his life to the betterment of others, both overseas and for our nation.
