Paul F. Braim – Colonel, United States Army

On August 25, 2001, Dr. Paul Braim, a retired Colonel of the U.S. Army and professor emeritus of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, died at his home in Pennsylvania. He is survived by his sister, Ann Austin of Winter Springs, Florida; his brother, Joseph Braim of Abington, Pennsylvania; two nieces and two nephews.

He will be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, September 25, 2001 at 9 a.m.

Born May 31, 1926, Paul F. Braim volunteered for service in the U.S. Army at the age of 17, serving as an infantryman in Germany. In the Korean War he was an infantry company commander. His four combat tours as Colonel in Vietnam included service as commander of the 1st Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division and a senior adviser to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. He was commander of the U.S. Support Command for Southeast Asia from 1974 to 1975.

He retired in 1977 after serving as chief of the training division of the United States Readiness Command.

Among his many decorations are three Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, three Legions of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He began teaching during his military career.

He was associate professor in military art at the U.S. Military Academy from 1970 – 1983, and lecturer and panelist at the U.S. Army War College from 1970 – 1991. In 1983 he was awarded a Ph.D. in American history by the University of Delaware. In 1987 he joined the social sciences faculty at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where he founded programs based on a global perspective. His disciplined scholarship and exemplary service were recognized when he was awarded professor emeritus status upon his retirement in 1999. He was a founder, faculty member and trustee of American Military University.

He is author of ”The Test of Battle,” the annually published ”Global Assesment” and co-author of ”Military Heritage of America.” ”The Will to Win,” a biography of James A. Van Fleet, is now in its second printing. At the time of his death, he was writing a novel set during the war in Vietman. Dr. Braim witnessed a number of the decisive events of the 20th century. He was a combatant in the Battle of the Bulge; he was among the ”Magnificent Bastards” who survived the march from Chosan; he was present at the fall of Saigon. When he was commander of the 1st Division in Vietnam, his military adversaries referred to him as ”The Tiger.”

Tireless in action, he enjoyed attacking the difficult. Firm in his convictions, he was also attentive to the positions of others. Generous in all senses, he was unafraid to apologize and quick to forgive. He delighted in stories and told them well. Above all, he was a leader; in his presence, everyone grew braver. Memorial contributions may be made to US Soldiers’ and Airmens’ Home, Attn: The Residents’ Fund, 3700 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20317.

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard