First Sergeant Carson G. Davidson Known far and wide as "Mr. National Guard," 1SG Carson Glenn Davidson distinguished himself and his community in helping establish and lead the local Guard to be recognized in the state and nationally as one of very best.
Born in 1913 in Rosiclare, Illinois, Carson was the son of Charles and Florence Davidson. After graduating as Salem, Kentucky High School valedictorian in 1933, he attended college at Murray State but had to withdraw when he returned home to help care for his father who had been seriously injured. Later, he moved to Marion, and in 1942 was drafted into the Army, serving as a Medical Operating Specialist at Letterman Hospital in California until his discharge in August 1943.
In June 1955, while employed in Marion as the Kroger store manager, Carson was contacted by Calvert Small and Ed Runyan concerning the establishment of a local Guard unit. Through the untiring efforts of these men, Marion was awarded a Guard unit, and Carson served as its Administrative & Supply Technician (AST) and First Sergeant.
In the winter of 1961-62, the unit was mobilized and sent to Ft. Knox in support of what would become known as the Berlin Crisis. Under the leadership of men like 1SG Davidson, the Marion unit received numerous recognitions. For his outstanding service during the Berlin Crisis, 1SG Davidson was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Kentucky Merit Ribbon and the Berlin Crisis Ribbon.
Upon returning to Marion, 1SG Davidson continued to help build the rich tradition of the unit. But, his legacy as "Mr. National Guard" was established with his success in keeping the unit in Marion and in leading the efforts to build the organization's current home in 1964.
Upon his retirement in 1974, 1SG Davidson was recognized as one of Kentucky's most honored guardsmen having received the National Defense Medal, two Kentucky Distinguished Service Medals, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the 20 Years "Faithful Service" Award, the Certificate of Federal Service Award, and the Certificate of Retirement Award.
After his retirement, Carson directed his attention to family, church, and community. He became a licensed real estate broker, auctioneer, and property appraiser, and was an active member of the American Legion, the Rotary Club, and the National Association of Federal Retired Employees. He also helped organize and coach the Little League and American Legion baseball programs. And, in July 2001, the local Little League field was named in his honor and memory - "Carson Davidson Field."
For his untiring community involvement Carson was commissioned twice as a Kentucky Colonel and was given special recognition for "Community and Family Devotion" by the Kentucky General Assembly. He was also honored locally as the Crittenden County Christmas Parade Marshal in 1999.
Carson died on January 17, 2001, and was buried with full military honors at Maple View Cemetery in Marion. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Helen Daniel, a son, Steve and his wife, Carlin, two grandchildren, Janean and Grant, and a great grandchild, Daniel.
The legacy of Carson G. Davidson lives on in the memories of the many citizens of Crittenden County who he touched. Now, with the naming in his honor of the Marion National Guard Armory, future generations will know of the man known as "Mr. National Guard."
NOTE: The Marion National Guard Armory was named in honor of 1SG Davidson on September 14, 2002.
[Information submitted by John Trowbridge April 28, 2003]