George was born December 22, 1919, Palmeston North, New Zealand. His family moved to the United States when he was 3. He had a keen intellect with an early interest in nature. George developed early values for service to others and success seemed to follow whatever path he attempted—as a youth, he became an Eagle Scout, as a young man, he discovered a butterfly that was named after him. He received a bachelor's degree in zoological sciences from San Jose State University. He was on a field trip, working on a Master's degree in entomology at the University of Hawaii, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
The university closed the next day and George returned to the mainland and enlisted in the Marine Corps early in 1942. He was a decorated veteran of the Pacific and China theaters during WWII. He stayed in the Marine Corps for 20 years retiring in 1964 at a Major. During this time he acquired knowledge of seven different languages serving in various Communication and Intelligence positions. He later served in Korea and Vietnam wars as a reserve officer. He established residence in Arlington, Virginia in 1957 after travels with the Marines.
His background and travels developed an early interest in stamp collecting especially the Asian countries. He was a member of the American Philatelic Society, International Society of Japanese Philately, and the China Stamp Society. After retirement, he became a part time stamp dealer naming his business after his middle name, Selwyn Stamps. Around 1982 George joined NAPEX as a Director and stayed with us until 1997. He was our Secretary from 1985 to 1995. He served in other capacities to include working on several Award banquets and handling our cover and card sales from his home for many years. For social functions, George always served as our Chaplain. He was awarded the NAPEX President's Award on the completion of his service.
George was a life member of the American Legion, Marine Corps League, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was a charter member of the National Republican Committee. He was very active with the John Lyon VFW Post #3150 and was a former Commander for them. He requested that he be remembered by contributions to the Relief Fund of this post. NAPEX has made a donation and others may do so in his name at any time. Monies from this fund are used to support veterans and their families, active military forces, patriotic youth education, and veteran remembrances. Samples of these benefits can be viewed on their website at www.vfw3150.org. Mail to the Relief Fund, John Lyon VFW Post #3150, 2116 North 19th Street, Arlington, VA 22201.
George died October 19, 2001 as a result of complications of a stroke suffered on September 11, 2001. His internment followed a full Marine honors funeral at Arlington National Cemetery on November 15, 2001. George was a member of the Greatest Generation that preserved freedom for the United States in the most crucial war of the 20th Century. President Franklin D. Roosevelt said of his generation that, "This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny." They did, George did, and we all are the beneficiaries. NAPEX is proud to dedicate our theme for NAPEX 2002 to George S. Mansfield. Let Freedom ring!
