Livingston's Newark Academy Students Honor Fallen War Hero on Veterans Day

The entire Newark Academy school community gathered on Monday for a special outdoor Veterans Day assembly honoring Korean War hero and Newark Academy alumnus Samuel S. Coursen.

Coursen, a resident of Madison, graduated from Newark Academy in 1945. He was killed in action in Korea in 1950, sacrificing his life to save a wounded soldier in his command.

The football field and athletic track at Newark Academy’s Livingston campus were dedicated to Coursen in 1966. The field underwent a significant renovation this past summer. 

Florham Park resident Blackie Parlin, a faculty member since 1959 and curator of Newark Academy’s archives, told the poignant story of Samuel Coursen’s heroism. After his death the young lieutenant’s wife and baby accepted his Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces.  

Head of School Donald Austin spoke with Coursen’s widow and son prior to the event. The family was touched to learn that Newark Academy would be re-dedicating Coursen Field to celebrate its renovation and to honor the memory of its namesake.