Obituary of Captain Norman H Olson

Captain Norman H. Olson, SEAL, U.S. Navy (Ret), 89, passed away on October 29, 2020 at Cornerstone Hospice, The Villages, from blunt force head trauma caused by an accidental fall at his home.  He was born March 14, 1931 to Hugo and Elsa Olson and raised in Providence, RI.  He graduated from Hope High School and was appointed to the US Merchant Marine Academy, graduating in 1953 with a BS Degree in Marine engineering.  After sailing on merchant ships, he joined the US Naval Reserve in 1954 to begin his 30 year Naval Career, most of which was in the Naval Special Warfare Community.  He founded what is now the U.S. Navy parachute team, the LEAP FROGS.  He made his 4,000 jump on his 80^th birthday.  He also co-authored a book, AIR Capabilities of the U.S. NAVY SEALS, A HISTORY OF INOVATION.  He was the first Special Warfare officer to command a major Navy shore installation, the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, VA.

The accomplishment that Captain Olson was most proud of was his founding of what is now the National Naval UDT-SEAL Museum Fort Peirce, FL.  He completed it in 9 months and presided over the opening on Veteran’s Day, 1985. 

He has received many decorations over his career, including: US SOCOM Commando Hall of Fame Honor Medal and the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame (Class of 2019).

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara (Bobbie) Saunders, children: Chris Mabe (Jeff), Craig Olson, Caren Whitson (Joe), and Carole Brennan (Vincent), and grandchildren: Cody Olson (Liz), Molly Brennan and Liam Brennan.  He was predeceased by his parents and a younger brother, Bruce.

A celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Little Creek, VA.  Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.  Memorial Donations in his name may be made to:  Navy SEAL Foundation, 1619 D Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23459 or National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, 3300 N. Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949.