It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the death of Colonel (Retired) Paul Durbin. COL Durbin died on 31 March 2012. He was 94 years old.

COL (Ret) Durbin was born in Clarkson, Kentucky and received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Kentucky. Initially an Infantry Officer, COL Durbin served in France and Germany during World War II. After the war, he worked in private practice and was involved in politics until he joined the JAG Corps in 1948. During his distinguished career as a Judge Advocate, COL Durbin served with a variety of units; including, the 7th Infantry Division, Korea; 1st and 4th Armored Divisions, Fort Hood; 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg; 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell; and US Army Pacific, Fort Shafter. COL Durbin was also the first Judge Advocate to serve in Vietnam, which he did from 1959 to 1961. In 1967, COL Durbin returned to Vietnam as a military judge. One of the courts-martial he presided over became the basis of the movie, “Casualties of War.”

Following his retirement from the Army in 1968, COL Durbin settled in Hawaii where he was a solo practitioner. In 2004, he was awarded the Hawaii State Bar Association’s annual President’s Award for his representation of the disadvantaged.

COL Durbin will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Margaret, and daughter, Paula. He was predeceased by his son, James, and siblings, Walter, Clarice, and Virginia. Details on funeral and memorial services will be provided as they become available.

Please keep the Durbin family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

DANA K. CHIPMAN

LTG, USA

The Judge Advocate General