| George Paccrelli |
|---|
 |
Born: 6 June, 1936 Colonel Paccrelli was a extraordinary soldier who lived the Ranger Creed daily with his deeds and actions. Enlisted in the Army in 1952, rising to the rank of Sergeant E-7, earning his jump wings and Special Forces Tab, served his first of 3 tours in Southeast Asia as a SF Advisor in Laos. After completion of that deployment, he attended OCS, Graduating on the Commander's List, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Infantry. After completing Ranger Training in 1966, he returned back to Vietnam, assigned to the Special Forces MACV SOG. He suffered 4 wounds during this tour, and was decorated for valor. After returning to the States for assignment, he was again returned to Vietnam for his third and final tour in Southeast Asia. Upon Assignment to the 1st Air Calvary Division, he was given Command of Company E(LRP), 52nd Inf. (ABN) in October, 1968. After assuming command of this unit, he over saw the transition of the Lurps into the 75th Ranger Regiment, taking command of Hotel Company (Ranger) 1 January, 1969. Under then Captain Paccrelli's command, the unit was held in the highest esteem, being assigned operations by MACV Command. He served as Company Commander until 4 September, 1969. He returned to the Army stateside, serving several duty assignments to complete his 26-year enlistment. While in Military, Colonel Paccrelli earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees, and his Doctorate Degree in History. He taught at college after his retirement from the Army. His civilian accomplishments are too many to be listed. He was active with the Boy Scouts, having a stone placed in the Collville, WA. City Park honoring his service in that group. The world is a better place for his role in it. He influenced all those he commanded in the Military. His motto, which hung on his wall, "You haven't lived until you've almost died; for life has a special flavor that only a recon man will only know." We, who served under him, know what that means. He commanded the most decorated Ranger Company in Vietnam. Inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame, 1993 Awards: Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valor, Purple Heart (3), Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, with Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Palm, plus others. Respectfully submitted by: |
