Paul Andrew Avolese

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Riverside, CA

Branch of Service: U.S. Air Force

Rank: Major

Major Paul Avolese was a Bombardier Navigator for the US Air Force. He was motivated to fly the B-52 after a friend was KIA in Korea. He was stationed TDY at Anderson AFB in Guam with the 4133. He served two tours in Vietnam and flew over 100 sorties. He was listed as MIA after a mid-air collision with another B-52 while lining up for a bomb run over Vietnam.

Avolese was the son of Sicilian immigrant parents, first generation born in America, with a great sense of patriotism and pride in being an American. He was a dedicated husband and father of four. He struggled sometimes with being the one dropping the bombs but came to terms with it when he looked at the big picture. He had a great sense of humor and a love of life.

As with many of our fallen heroes, he was selfless. He understood that his missions were dangerous and every single one meant the possibility of leaving his wife and four children without a husband, a father, a provider, and a role model. Yet, he continued on this path because he believed it was the right thing to do for his family and for the country.

Age: 35

Date of Death: July 07, 1967