Guestbook for Paul Alan Hamilton
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February 17, 2022 | Michael Derrig - Portland , Maine -- USA

I met Paul when we were together in boot camp at Ft Dix, New Jersey,1969. Paul and I were among only 10 men out of 100 who were assigned to Advanced Infantry Training. We didn’t know how we were selected but we were.
Paul and I hit it off immediately. I’m from Portland and I was familiar with the Portland boxing scene. I didn’t know Paul was a boxer but we had many friends in common through that connection.
Paul was a smart guy but I didn’t know how smart until I read his obituary today February 17, 2022. I only saw Paul twice after we were discharged. Once at togus and the last time at LL Bean’s over 25 years ago. We talked about the army, Vietnam and his daughter. We both were awarded the Purple Heart too. I Never got a phone number or address. I’ve tried on numerous occasions to reconnect with him but never had any luck. I knew he was from the Brunswick area but google wasn’t as advanced as it is today and I could never find him. Tonight he popped into my mind and I said to my wife I’m going to google Paul and see if I have any luck this time. Unfortunately the first name in google under Paul Hamilton was his obituary. His picture is his boot camp photo and that’s exactly how I remembered him.
Paul was quite a guy. I knew after we chatted at Bean’s that if I had to be with anybody in Vietnam it would be with Paul. I know he’d know how to read a map, call in artillery, and get his men out of a jam.
I’m so sorry. My condolences to his family, especially to his daughter. I hope the funeral director gets this message to his daughter. I’ll always, always remember him. Michael Derrig