Paul Douglas Carron, born September 15, 1977, grew up at Ft Bragg, NC, and was a graduate of Vilseck HS, Germany and of United States Military Academy., West Point.
"I was always utterly impressed with the knowledge, dedication, and seriousness with which Paul approached our profession. In my mind, I always held Paul up as the standard of competency, and tried to measure up to his professional abilities."
"Paul always amazed me. He seemed to have an understanding of the world around us that few of us at school could even hope to possess. His bravery was unquestionable, his abilities as a Soldier, father, and husband undeniable, but what will be missed most of all will be his spirit." Ryan
Paul was a consummate professional, even as a cadet. Waitman, USMA '99
He was the Squadron XO on his 5th combat deployment, this one beginning in June 2010. He graduated West Point in 1999 and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer.
Previous Assignments include:
Platoon Leader, 82nd Airborne Division
Platoon Leader, 3/75th Ranger Regiment
Executive Officer, 3/75th Ranger Regiment
Company Commander, 25th Infantry Division
Company Commander, 5th Ranger Training Brigade
S3, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment
"I was fascinated to watch the exchange between actor Richard Belzer and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ("Into the lion's den," Inside Politics, March 26, 2006). I have completed four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I participated in the initial invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and parachuted into Iraq three years ago this month. Most recently, I had the privilege of leading an infantry company in Mosul, Iraq. I use this as context, not authority, because, according to Mr. Belzer, participating in a conflict indicates a lack of understanding."
"I wish Bill Maher, Richard Belzer and the young adults of my generation who comment from campuses and talk shows all over the country and mistake knowledge for understanding could see what's really happening over there. I welcome their right to disagree, but I wish they would educate themselves well enough to disagree intelligently." CPT Paul Carron, 2006
2007: MacArther Leadership Award
2008: Aide de Camp, CG, US Army Europe
Survived by wife Susan Abernathy Carron, daughter Madeline, son Luke Douglas, parents CSM(ret) Douglas & Myong Carron, sister Michelle Taylor and husband Josh Taylor, nephew Scott, niece Grace, grandparents Paul & Virginia Carron, of St. Clair, MO.
A Memorial Service was held at JFKennedy Memorial Chapel, Ft Bragg on 24 Sep 2010, at Rose Barracks Cavalry Chapel on 29 Sep 2010. He was laid to rest 20 Oct 2010 at Arlington National Cemetary.
An educational trust fund has been set for Madeline & Luke through USAA, the Warrior Foundation.
If you personally knew MAJ Carron and have stories to share of his Honor, Valor, Acheivement, or Professionality, please contact us, so we can add to his article here.