Gordon Mansfield Obituary

Gordon H. Mansfield

VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICIAL ST. MICHAELS, MD Gordon H. Mansfield, 71, former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs from 2004 to 2008 and Assistant Secretary of Congressional and Legislative Affairs from 2001 to 2004, died of aortic disease at the Washington DC VA Medical Center on January 29, 2013. Formerly of Alexandria, Va., he lived in St. Michaels, Md., and Naples, Fla.

Prior to joining VA, he served as Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1989 to 1993 and Executive Director of Paralyzed Veterans of America from 1993 to 2000.

Mr. Mansfield enlisted in the Army in 1964 and commissioned at Fort Benning; he served two tours of duty in Vietnam. While serving as company commander with the 101st Airborne Division during his second tour, he was wounded in the 1968 Tet Offensive, resulting in a spinal cord injury. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroic actions while his unit was under fire. His combat decorations include the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Presidential Unity Citation. Mr. Mansfield was medically retired at the grade of Captain.

His record of awards includes Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service in 2008, the Robert Dole Service to Our Nation Award in 2008, DAV Disabled Veteran of the Year Award in 2006. He is also the recipient of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award and the Villanova University Alumni Medal.

Most recently, Mr. Mansfield served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled for Life Memorial. His service and advocacy for veterans is exemplified by the Soldier On housing communities for formerly homeless veterans that are named in his honor. Beyond being an advocate for the Nation's veterans, Mr. Mansfield was a champion for the rights and opportunities for all people with disabilities. During his career, he led the fight for passage of the "Air Carrier Access Act" and helped draft the legislation that became the "Americans with Disabilities Act."

Gordon Hall Mansfield was born in Pittsfield, MA. He received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University and law degree from the University of Miami.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Linda K.C. Mansfield; his two sons, Gordon of Leesburg, Va., and Leon of Ashburn, Va.; four siblings and four grandchildren. His previous marriage to Suzanne P. Mansfield ended in divorce.

FUNERAL NOTICE: The wake will be at Everly-Wheatly at 1500 West Braddock Road, Alexandria, Va., on Monday, February 11, 2013, from 4 to 8 p.m. with Mass at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at 11 a.m.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.

Contributions in Mr. Mansfield's honor may be made to the Fisher House, Wounded Warrior Project or Paralyzed Veterans of America.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Feb. 5, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Mansfield

9 Entries

Orville Hooks

April 3, 2017

I was his other radio operator ( a company commander had two operators working different frequencies, Harold worked the other). Captain Mansfield was wounded rescuing a wounded soldier. Harold and I pulled him and other wounded to the medics. He was a true hero. I am deeply saddened hearing he has passed.

December 31, 2013

I was Capt.Mansfield's RTO in Vietnam when he was wounded.Ihelped pull him out.Ihate we never got together again.I am Harold{sweetpee}Davis

Cheryl McDonald

February 12, 2013

My sincere condolences to Gordon's family. Gordon led his life in an exceptional way. He proudly served our country and faced the many challenges that paralyzed veterans face every day. He not only dealt with the pain and hardship, he triumphed over it. He dedicated his life to help veterans and he became a true hero and role model. He was admired, respected, and a friend to many. He will be greatly missed. We at PVA are very proud of him and all his accomplishments.

February 10, 2013

Linda- so very sorry to learn this. A very special man. I feel honored to have known him and am thinking of you and your family at this time.

Lisa Gorove

Kascha Piotrzkowski

February 9, 2013

Gordon served with my father in Vietnam, and after my father's death many years later, Mr. Mansfield was a friend and support for my mother. I recall a dinner with the two of them in D.C. in the 1980s, many memories and much laughter. I am sending my condolences to his family and friends, the world has lost a light.

February 6, 2013

Mike and I were so much looking forward to future opportunities with The Honorable Hero and Mrs. Mansfield.
Profoundly saddened by this loss.
Mike and Donna Hager

Dan Dillon

February 5, 2013

A veteran's best friend and a courageous man, set an example of how to lead in spite of apparent obstacles. I met Gordon through Jack Downing. The finest home for disabled veterans bears his name here; a well deserved honor. God bless his soul and his family.

Sara & Robert Friedman

February 4, 2013

May your many wonderful memories and the love and prayers of family and friends be of comfort to you all.
We and the country are better for having known him.
Hugs of comfort

Patricia Covington

February 3, 2013

I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Mansfield and the entire Mansfield family. Mr. Mansfield was my boss, a supportive mentor and, most importantly, my brother in Christ. He broke with tradition when he selected me to serve as Director of the VA Congressional Liaison Service, making me the first woman and first African American to hold that position. We often discussed our Christian faith and I take comfort in believing that his salvation is secure and he is now resting in the arms of our Lord.

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