From the Jefferson County Veteran's Service Office

Norris Gold was born and raised on a farm near Table Rock, Nebraska. He was drafted into the United States Army in January 1952. He completed 16 weeks of basic training at Camp Roberts, California. Upon completing basic training, his unit was split in half. Half were sent to Korea and half were sent to Germany. Norris was in the group that was sent to Munich, Germany in July 1952. He served through January 1954 and was discharged at Fort Sheridan, Illinois with the rank of Corporal.

After six months in Germany, Norris performed the duties of Sergeant in the 60-millimeter mortar section, in the 43rd Division, 172nd Regiment, Company C. Norris was an accomplished athlete on the company and regimental track team where he competed in the long jump and 400-meter run. He saw much of Europe while serving there. Returning home to the United States, he saw Switzerland, Italy, the Strait of Gibraltar and the English Channel. He maintained a life-long friendship with fellow service comrades from South Carolina and Wichita, Kansas.

He scored a perfect 500 on the Army Physical Fitness test and was a guest of the Commanding General. In 1954, upon returning home to Pawnee County from the service, he resumed farming with his father. In 1964, he accepted a position as a mail carrier in Diller and moved to Diller shortly thereafter as it was over 100 miles roundtrip from Table Rock to Diller. He has been an active resident of Diller ever since, involved in many community activities. He retired as a mail carrier in 1995. His first wife Carole passed away after more than 40 years of marriage. He met Jan at a dance in Lincoln and they were married in June 1992. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. Norris has three children and Jan has four

children, with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family accompanied him when he was recently honored at the Jefferson County fair with a quilt of valor. He now keeps busy in his garden and yard with many memories of his years of service to our country and to our county.