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15676 Ward, Paul Shelby
May 18, 1923 - June 17, 1949

usma1946

 

 

 MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jul '50

Paul Shelby Ward    No. 15676  Class of 1946  Died June 17, 1949, at Hot Springs, AR, aged 25 years.

 WITHOUT having gone through the experience one can hardly realize the feeling of sadness and emptiness that comes with the loss of a son. That feeling is intensified where the son happens to be a young man of high ideals, a lovable character, and a Buddie--that's what we called him.

 Paul Shelby Ward, son of Judge J. Paul Ward, was born April 21, 1924 in the little city of Batesville, Arkansas. Here he attended the public schools and graduated with honors, from the High School in June 1942, with plans to enter the State University that fall. Subsequent events illustrate traits of character that endeared him to his family and friends and portended a successful future. Having caught the spirit of the times, he announced just one week before the opening of school that he wanted either to join the army or go to West Point. When he learned that the only appointment available was a third alternate effective the following June, it was with misgivings and impatience that he consented to remain in the University where he became a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Being the only one to pass the examinations for the Military Academy, he learned just thirty days before he was to report that be had to meet certain physical and athletic requirements which he could not make. However, by consistently and faithfully exercising on improvised bars and with the help and encouragement of the entire family, he came through with flying colors. This self imposed discipline and careful living together with the training at the Academy helped him to develop physically to his great delight and satisfaction. Ironically, on the 27th of December 1948, it was found that he was affected with cancer, and he was operated on in Frankfurt, Germany the following January. Then, he was sent to Walter Reed Hospital and operated on twice more, and died the 17th of June while at the Army-Navy Hospital at Hot Springs, AR.

 It was known to us in February that he had no chance to live, and the doctors made a heroic effort to get him in shape to spend thirty days at home, but fate decreed that he have only seven days with his family.

 Although Paul Shelby had no opportunity to display great valor on the field of battle or to achieve distinction in his chosen profession, yet, he accomplished both in facing the certainty of death after he realized that he could not live. So calmly and serenely did he face the eternal issues that the attending chaplain remarked that in his twenty years experience he had never seen surpassed the calm demeanor and valiant spirit of Paul Shelby.

 Even though he had spent only his school days in his home town, his life and his courageous passing made such an impression that the response was unusual. In his memory, friends and relatives gave many books, a table and a complete set of chairs to the local library, and a fund was set up in the local high school providing for a character award of $25.00 each year for the member of the graduating class showing most devotion to clean living, high ideals and Christian citizenship.

 Since his passing, letters from two of his fellow officers in Germany give some indication of how Paul Shelby impressed his associates in service. Captain Michael C. Homa said, "He was one of the youngest and best officers we had the honor to serve with". Lt. Matthew R. Wallis said. "No one could want a better friend".

 Paul Shelby was a booster for the West Point Military Academy and always stoutly defended the high ideals of service and citizenship taught there which took deep root in his own short life.

 During twenty months before he was stricken, he served with the Tenth Constabulary Squadron in Berlin where his sterling character and frank, smiling countenance endeared him to his officers and men alike. Twice he was selected to accomplish important secret missions for General Clay, and on one occasion, he and another lieutenant successfully dispersed a crowd of approximately 250,000 demonstrating Germans for which they received compliments from their superiors. After he was hospitalized he was given an award for services with the Berlin Airlift.

 Though his life ended prematurely, it left a profound imprint on his friends and associates, and particularly on his young brother who is now following in his footsteps at West Point.
 
 
 
 
 

Personal Eulogy
deceased 

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