World War I Army officer. Subject of acclaimed documentary "The Return of Paul Jarrett." Moved to Nebraska with family. Worked on father's cattle ranch, attended local schools. Graduate, York Business College. Had run cattle ranch for a year when US entered World War I. Sold business, enlisted in Nebraska National Guard. Attended Officer Candidate School, commissioned Second Lieutenant, 166th Infantry Regiment, 42nd "Rainbow" Division. Became trench raiding specialist, saw extensive action, including being wounded in Second Battle of the Marne and attacked by mustard gas in Argonne Forest. After difficult physical and emotional recovery following war, moved to California and enjoyed long career as movie set builder and served as City Clerk of Culver City. Was retired in Palm Springs when at age 93 grandsons persuaded him to return to France and relive wartime experiences. Trip was rousing success, and citizens of Neuviller, a town where he had fought 70 years previously, asked him to come back. Made trip to France a year later and was honored to find that Neuviller had named a street after him. In 1996, at 101 years old he received Legion of Honor, France's highest military award, as recognition of individual heroism. Trips to France, last by US First World War soldier, and recognition he received, both personally and as one of last surviving veterans of his generation, were memorialized in grandson Clark Jarrett's award winning documentary. Died shortly before film was released.
World War I Army officer. Subject of acclaimed documentary "The Return of Paul Jarrett." Moved to Nebraska with family. Worked on father's cattle ranch, attended local schools. Graduate, York Business College. Had run cattle ranch for a year when US entered World War I. Sold business, enlisted in Nebraska National Guard. Attended Officer Candidate School, commissioned Second Lieutenant, 166th Infantry Regiment, 42nd "Rainbow" Division. Became trench raiding specialist, saw extensive action, including being wounded in Second Battle of the Marne and attacked by mustard gas in Argonne Forest. After difficult physical and emotional recovery following war, moved to California and enjoyed long career as movie set builder and served as City Clerk of Culver City. Was retired in Palm Springs when at age 93 grandsons persuaded him to return to France and relive wartime experiences. Trip was rousing success, and citizens of Neuviller, a town where he had fought 70 years previously, asked him to come back. Made trip to France a year later and was honored to find that Neuviller had named a street after him. In 1996, at 101 years old he received Legion of Honor, France's highest military award, as recognition of individual heroism. Trips to France, last by US First World War soldier, and recognition he received, both personally and as one of last surviving veterans of his generation, were memorialized in grandson Clark Jarrett's award winning documentary. Died shortly before film was released.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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WORLD WAR I
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