Paul Madsen was born May 21, 1943 to parents Major General Frank Madsen Jr and Mary Elizabeth Madsen in Harvey, Illinois. Paul joined the United States Army and served in the Air Cavalary Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment USARPAC. Paul was a helicopter pilot and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer Two (CWO2) after a tour during the Vietnam War. He also served in two tours of in Korea. Paul was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Distinguished Flying Cross medals for his outstanding service to his country and commitment to his fellow troops.
In the Vietnam War he endured a helicopter crash behind enemy lines with both lower legs almost completely shot off. He made it out and was send to live and rehabilitate his reconstructed legs for 3 years at Fort Sam Hospital. After overcoming all odds of being on permeant leg crutches and arm supports, he was proud to be able to serve along side more amazing servicemen as a Police Officer with the Universal City Police Department. He retired as a Police Lieutenant after 25 years of service in 1996.
Paul was an avid outdoorsman who greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as, campfire time with friends, shooting guns and fireworks, HAMM radio operator, playing weatherman, and always following his tastebuds to a good hamburger and coke. He will be remembered by most for his joy and constant desire to have fun with whoever and wherever! To laugh and have others laugh was a constant mission! And…...We can all agree…... that if the award existed for “The Man Who Dies with the Most Toys Wins” ……He WON!
Paul is preceded in death by his father, Major General Frank Madsen Jr and his mother, Elizabeth Madsen (Searle).
Paul is survived by his brother, Tom Madsen and wife Debbie Madsen and his children: Clint Madsen and his wife Michelle Madsen, Amy Purinton and her husband David Purinton, Charlotte Deason and her husband Mark Deason, and his 11 grandchildren, Jamie Madsen, Micheal Madsen, Shiloh Purinton, Micah Purinton, Allison Purinton, Davin Purinton, Tyler Mauri, Alexa Mello, Devyn Deason, Reagan Deason, Scotlyn Deason, 3 great grandchildren, 2 nieces and 2 nephews.
