**WWII US Army Air Corp Command Pilot Leo F Paul ("Pat" to his friends) flew Combat Missions in the Pacific Theatre. He engaged in seven Campaigns while serving in the Pacific. *** Col. Paul's Decorations include THREE Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star with the "V", Valor device, the Air Medal, TWO Purple Hearts. *

What makes great men great? Sometimes it is good timing…he was there when he was needed? Yes, but it has to be way more than that. Col Pat Paul had heart, dediation, will-power and courage. Not just any Courage but 'Courage under fire'. "Courage with Honor" A Bronze Star with "V" for Valor. One of a kind. An honest and true Hero. You can't make men like Col. Pat. Oh, if we could? He was born that way… with a gift. The gift of love of man, love of country, HIS men, HIS Country, selfless and courageous beyond the normal, beyond amazing.

Feared by the enemy, admired by all. In the USAF article about Col Paul (Writtin by Col Henderson) Henderson said it like it was … more than the loss of a life, more than the loss of a leader… it was the loss of a great man, a friend, husband and father. Col Paul had amazing dedication and vision for the future…and guts.

Guts, grit and glory but not for himself, he had that for his fellow airman, soldier and human being. A tragic accident and more… THREE honorable men in one place. A sad loss indeed. The newspapers said "Highly decorated WWII Vet"… that barely scratches the surface. America was priviledged to have had him and his family and friends were proud to call him "theirs". Sometimes he looked stern (a lot), it was his focus, his desire to "Get it done" … "Do it right" … and do it NOW. His men's lives were at stake.

Then his smile, Col Paul's eyes smiled too. True leadership has more than power. Col Pat had tenderness and hope inside, no doubt he must have loved his family and friends as much as his God and Country. We thank the Lord for such men, we are sad he was called Home too soon. Col Pat Paul will be remembered for many-many accomplishments. God Bless our Brave Men. Barbi Ennis Connolly Oct.2011

Air Force Magazine, 1957 Article titled "Death of a Colonel" by J.F. Loosbrock. AND

"What is the Lead Time?" by Lt. Col. F. D. Henderson, USAF Pat's Friend.

Colonel F. D. Henderson (USMA; M.A., George Washington University) is Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, Studies and Analysis, Hq USAF. His overseas tours have been with fighter units in the Philippines and Okinawa in World War II, Japan, Korea, AirCent (Europe), and Vietnam. A graduate of the Air War College, Colonel Henderson has been Aide to the Chief of Staff, USAF, and Vice Commandant, Air Force Academy.

Leo Francis Paul