Norman Dean Jorstad – Colonel, United States Army

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Norman D. Jorstad, Colonel 
Born June 8, 1928-Died November 14, 2007

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Norman Dean Jorstad was born in Morris, Illinois on 8 June 1928 and was appointed to West Point from the 12th Congressional District.

His West Point classmates recall: “Norman – a hard working boy with a big heart from Illinois. His club activities were almost as big as his academics. His ready smile and magnetic personality made everyone happy. Cross country and track occupied his weekends as he was no draggoid. Spanish Department gave him a hard time but West Point can always be proud of his activities and accomplishments and the Army will have a good man.”

During his cadet days Norman went out for Cross Country, was a Sunday School Teacher, was on the Howitzer staff as Managing Editor, with the Ski and Radio Clubs all four years; went out for Track, was with the Debate Council, with the Model Railroad Club plebe and yearling years; with Bugle Notes and the Skeet Club plebe, yearling and cow years; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year.

Upon graduation Norman went in the Signal Corps and after attending the Signal Corps Training Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia reported to the 141st Airborne Signal Company in 1951, then from 1952 to 1955 served with the 142nd Airborne Signal Company, 2nd Armored Division in Europe. Next Norman was appointed Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of the Army Security Agency where he served from 1957 to 1958 and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service.

In 1961 Norman earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona and on completion was assigned to Headquarters, Army Air Defense Command where he served from 1961 to 1964.

Norman’s next duty was at Headquarters, 51st Signal Battalion in Korea where he served until 1965 and was awarded two additional Commendation Medals for distinguished service. In 1966 Norman attended the Navy War College and on completion was assigned to Defense Communications Agency where he served until 1968.

Next Norman was appointed Commander of the 69th Signal Battalion, Republic of Vietnam where he served until 1969.

He was decorated with two Legion of Merit Medals for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services, the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy, and a fourth Commendation Medal for distinguished service.

In 1970 Norman attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania and on completion was assigned to Weapons System Evaluation Group, Office Secretary of Defense where he served until 1970 and was awarded a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Then from 1972 to 1974 Norman served as Commander of the Signal Service Group in Germany and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation.

From 1974 to 1975 Norman served with the Office Assistant Chief of Staff for Communications and Electronics, Department of the Army and then accepted his last military assignment as Director of the Joint Technology Support Agency where he served from 1975 to 1976 and was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal for superior meritorious service on joint staffs and other joint activities of the Department of Defense.

Norman retired from the United States Army in 1977 after a distinguished career in the grade of Colonel.

On retirement Norman was named Executive Vice President of Ag Technologies and held that position until 1978 when he established his own company JORAD Associates and served as President from 1978 to 1996 while serving as President of TRIAD Electro-systems from 1980 to 1991.

From 1985 to 1990 Norman also served as Director of Critical Technologies with the Institute for Defense Analysis and from 1991 to 1996 was Director of the Technology Identification and Analysis Center.

Norman and his wife Edye made their home in Fairfax Station,Virginia.

He died on November 14, 2007.

José Andrés Chacón
Cullum 18250

JORSTAD, NORMAN DEAN
COL   US ARMY
KOREA, VIETNAM
DATE OF BIRTH: 06/08/1928
DATE OF DEATH: 11/14/2007
BURIED AT: SECTION 60  SITE 133
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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