Grave marker for Edward A. Napier in Resurrection Cemetery, Newtown (Fairfield county), Connecticut.

He enlisted in the National Guard at Ansonia, CT on 3 January 1938 with the surname of Napierkowski.

Sgt Napierkowski re-enlisted on 24 February 1941 and two years later, 23 February 1943, was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant.

1st Lt Napierkowski transferred from Field Force Replacement Depot No. 8 to Hq 1st, 508th PIR on 2 April 1944.  He was slightly wounded in action in Belgium on 7 January 1945 and was able to return to duty on 8 February.

On 31 May 1945 he was transferred to the 101st Airborne Division, perhaps to facilitate his placement on a troop ship returning to the U.S.

Edward remained in the National Guard and was promoted to Captain on 29 October 1946 and was discharged on 18 June 1952.  It was during this period that he shortened his surname to just "Napier."

Edward's military decorations include the Purple Heart and the Bronze Service Arrowhead device awarded for participation in Normandy assault.