Grave marker for Paul W. Hamblin (Col, Ret.) in the Arlington National Cemetery.

Colonel Paul W. Hamblin, US Army (Ret), a member of The Great Generation, died on January 4, 2009. Colonel Hamblin was born on May 23, 1922 in Millsboro, Delaware where he grew up. His parents were Joshua and Flossie Hamblin. Colonel Hamblin and his wife Sylvia have been residents of Dunwoody, Georgia since June 1972.

Paul graduated from the University of Delaware in 1943 and in September of that same year he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He served his country with great distinction as a member of the U.S. Army for the next 28 years. Of particular note was his success in establishing standards par excellence in the area of military/civilian relationships.

His service included tours as an infantry officer during WW II in Europe, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Colonel Hamblin was a highly decorated officer. His military decorations include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit (2d Award), the Bronze Star with "V" Device (2d Award), the Joint Services Commendation Medal, The Army Commendation Medal, The Air Medal, The Purple Heart with 4 Clusters, The Combat Infantryman's Badge, The Aircraft Crewman's Badge, The Master Parachutist's Badge, The Presidential Unit Citation and 7 Overseas bars, The American Campaign Medal, The European African- Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, The World War II Victory Medal, The Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Medal, The Korean Service Medal, The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/20 years Device and The United Nations Service Medal.

His decorations from foreign governments include The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Badge. The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm Unit Citation Badge, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and The Republic of Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Medal. In a letter accompanying this latter award, General Nguyen wrote" this medal is the highest medal after the National Order of RVNAF and Colonel Hamblin is the sole and first American to receive the Distinguished Honor".

Survivors include: loving wife; Sylvia Dutton Hamblin; son; Paul W. Hamblin II and his wife Kitty of Minneapolis, a grandson, Paul W. Hamblin III and a brother, John Lee Hamblin and his wife Josephine of Georgetown, Delaware.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday January 9, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. at H.M. Patterson and Son, Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, 4550 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta, GA 30319. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held on February 11, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

[source: Atlanta Journal.com]