Frank Norton

Dear Carol and Family,
I would like to extende my deepest sympothy for your loss. LTC Norton was my very first Commander where I served at Fort Ord from 1985-1988. I will always remember him and the times we had in that unit. I am still serving to this day proudly. Again best wishes to you and your family.
1SG Marshall

Dear Mrs. Norton and family,
From my family please accept our condolences. I served under the "Boss" in the Buffalo Battalion many moons ago. It was a privledge to do so. May God give you the strength to assuage your loss. I am truly sorry.

Dear Carol & Lee,
Upon reporting to 7th ID, there was a large sign entering the Post.... it said something about "Light Fighters".... in my absence from the military since Vietnam, I honestly thought that referred to saving energy .... turn out the lights (I can still see the half smile, and outright laugh on COL Norton's face when he heard this). I was offered a real world position in the "Buffalo Battalion"... largely to the leadership and larger-than-life commander, LTC Frank Norton....

Carol, I was deeply saddened when I got the word of Frank passing,he and I were friends in Waycross attending both grammar & high school together and always paling around.Frank was my best man in Carolyn & my wedding in '65. We were in St. Simons memorial day visiting my niece and called Frank but evidently you and Frank were out of town, wanted to see my friend of 60 years. I have had him on my mind ever since I received the call. Carol you are on in our prayers and Frank is in a joyful...

I'll never forget the morning I said to Uncle Frank, "I don't believe in the military". He didn't say a word. He just looked at me, with infinite patience and understanding in his eyes. That look changed the course of a 15 year old kid toward greater maturity and responsibility. I regard Uncle Frank as a father, because of the influence he had on me by trying to follow his example. I regret not being able to tell him this. I can only show you, Aunt Carol and Cousin Lee, his leadership in...

Carol,
Please accept the Harners deepest sympathy for your loss. His smile, laugh, style and leadership were truly one of a kind. We were so blessed to have him in our lives at Fort Ord as our commander and friend. He was always right there for all of us when needed. I will never forget that he was the first to welcome my son into the world early one morning with a "Hello Billy, Uncle Frank is here." Frank will be greatly missed because of his big and loving heart that made a huge...

My Condolences goes to the Norton Family from an old Buffalo COHORT soldier, you made my infantry life endurable with your leadership skills and the joy you always took in our training. You will be amiss. May God Grant you Peace and Place in his Kingdom.

Condolences from Maine. LTC Norton left the 4/17IN(L) about the time my COHORT joined the BN. His influence and impact was always apparent though, through my leaders' recollections and fond memories of him. He was clearly a very mighty Infantryman and a leader earning the highest respect from his soldiers. And that's more than what most men will ever be. Our sympathies for your loss.

Carol and Lee, it is with sadness that I write. Meeting Frank was such a delite and of course you and Lee as well. We only knew of each other for a short week, and yet we felt we were friends for years. Frank was a walking historian, he made everything come to life, as if you were actually seeing things at the time it was happening. He loved his family, Saint Simons, and his country. May God give you strength through this. Frank will be trully missed.