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| Vol. 17, No. 36 | July 9, 1998 |
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| Vol. 17, No. 36 | July 9, 1998 |
Lt. Col. Paul W. Thorson, BE '78, will end his military career in August when he retires from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service. A UD Army ROTC graduate, Thorson received his commission as a second lieutenant 20 years ago in the Quartermaster Corps at a ceremony in Clayton Hall that was part of spring Commencement activities.
He served in assignments in the United States as well as in Europe.
He also participated in Operation Desert Storm. Among Thorson's decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, South West Asia Service Medal with bronze star and Kuwait Liberation Medal.
Since June 1995, he has served as professor of military science, the first alumnus to return to UD to hold the position. He established a number of innovative programs on campus, including the Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf Leadership Community for cadets and the UD Army ROTC Hall of Heroes, which recognizes the military and professional accomplishments of Blue Hen ROTC alumni.
During his tenure, Army ROTC has maintained a high profile on campus and stressed individual leadership, teamwork and academic excellence. Thorson also was responsible for military training of cadets at Salisbury State and Delaware State universities.
At his official retirement ceremony, scheduled Aug. 31 in Clayton Hall, Thorson will receive the Legion of Merit award. His wife, the former Debra Redick of Newark, will be presented with the Department of the Army's "Commander's Award for Public Service" for her 20 years of service to the Army and soldier's families.
According to Thorson, "This assignment at UD ranks at the top of my favorite tours. It was a capstone experience to be able to start and finish my career here as a native Delawarean. The greatest job satisfaction came from being able to exert a positive influence on the development of the cadets' leadership abilities."
-Photo by Jack Buxbaum
