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Born April 8, 1923, in Canton, Ohio, Paul was inducted into the Army Air Corp on February 2, 1943 at Fort Hayes in Columbus, Ohio. Paul was sent to St. Petersburg, Florida for basic training, and then to Gulfport, Mississippi for C-46 and C-47 airplane mechanic school. After completing basic training, he went through aircraft mechanic school at the Boeing Aircraft Plant in Seattle, Washington. Paul was then based at Cheyenne, Wyoming, Harvard, Nebraska, Gowen Field at Boise, Idaho, Wendover, Utah, and Mt. Home, Idaho. At these locations Paul trained B-24 and B-29 bomber crews in the maintenance of the aircraft engines prior to their deployment for overseas duty. Paul was discharged February 17, 1946, at Fort Douglas, Utah and returned to Canton, Ohio for a few years. He moved to Fresno, California in 1956, where he met his future wife, Betty Barnett. They were married in 1963, giving Paul a family of two stepsons and four granddaughters. Paul went to work at Valley Foundry and Machine Works in Fresno as a draftsman. He retired in 1983, after 30 years. Paul was Commander of American Legion Post 4, in 1990 and 1991. He met Chuck Monges, Director of the Legion of Valor Museum at a Fresno Veteran’s Day Parade in 1992. Chuck invited Paul to visit the museum, and he was so impressed, he promptly volunteered his services in whatever capacity he could be of help. Paul volunteered as a docent for about 15 years when his health began to fail. He particularly enjoyed meeting other veterans who would come in from all over the world. He loved discussing and comparing their service in the military with his, and showing the visitors the historic artifacts of our nation’s heroes. After completely retiring, Paul would still come by for coffee and a visit until shortly before passing away. He is certainly missed. |
