Norwich University

Earle Kelly came to Norwich University as a freshman in the fall of 1936. His past history of service to the school over the past 60 years is marched by few, if any, people. 
Kelly was a two-sport man during his four years as an undergraduate. He spent three seasons with the football team and two as a member of the tennis squad. 
Earle was selected as the captain of the 1939 football team. That squad posted a 5-2-1 record teh school's first winning record in 13 years. Earle was an All-State selection at tight end, the first Norwich player to receive the honor in more than 10 years. In addition to his work on the athletic fields, Earle also served on the staffs of the Guidon and the Warwhoop. 
After graduating in 1940, Earle went off to serve his country an as Air Force pilot in World Awr II. A member of the 450th Bomb Group, he was shot down while flying a mission over Vienna in 1944 and held at Satalg Luft III, a German prison campi. Earle was freed in April, 1945, and honored with the Purple Heart and POW medal. He earned more honors, including the United Nations Ribbon, while serving in the Korean conflict.
In all, Earle served 27 years in the Air Force, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. Upon leaving the service, he returned to Norwich as the Assistant Registrar in the fall of 1966. A year later, he took over as the Alumni Director and held that post for seven years until 1974. He worked one final tear as the Assistant Commandant before retiring in 1975.
Just as in his military service, Earle's service to Norwich earned him many honors including the Distinguished Alumnus Award, Board of Fellows Award, and the Alumni Director's Award. Since his retirement, Earle has remained a dedicated and loyal supporter of Norwich University. 
Earle is a widower His wife, Mary Gamble Kelly, passed away last August. They have five children; Earle Jr., John, Mary Anne, Colleen, and Maureen.