Paulson, Richard E. 1911-1994

PAULSON, CHRISTIANSEN, MCNALLY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 3/11/2018 at 15:30:30

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Jan. 12, 1995

RICHARD E. PAULSON

Richard E. Paulson, 83, of Ames, whose wife, Mary, is a native of Grinnell, died Tuesday June 10, at his home.

A memorial service will be conducted Friday at the First Baptist Church in Ames, with the Rev. S. James Boardman officiating. Burial will be in Story City Cemetery, Story City.

He was born Dec. 14, 1911, in Lorimor, the son of Christian Nelson, and Anna Christiansen Paulson. He was a graduate of Ames High School and received his law degree from the University of Georgia at Athens in 1935. Mr. Paulson was one of the last to receive a cavalry commission from the university and served with the U.S. Army during World War II, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He served in the China, Burma and India theaters.

He was the recipient of the Order of the British Empire, receiving the award from King George VI at Buckingham Palace in June 1946; the Croix de Guerre, presented at the French Embassy in Washington in July 1946; and honorary membership in the Household Cavalry and Guards Club, presented by Prince Charles in October 1976.

He held American Embassy assignments from 1946 to 1976. During his diplomatic career, he served in Shanghai, Rangoon, Djakarta, Bangkok, Beirut, New Delhi and Kabul. In 1971 he helped organize President Richard Nixon's mission to China and accompanied Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to Beijing in 1972.

He was married to Mary E. McNally Nov. 24, 1984, in Fox Point, Wis. She survives. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard E. Paulson Memorial Scholarship Fund.