Paul Pavelka

Paul Pavelka
An old, brown picture of a soldier named Paul Pavelka, who is wearing a military suit and cap.
Pavelka, ca. 1917–1925
Birth namePaul Pavelka
Nickname(s)"Skipper"[1]
BornOctober 26, 1890[2]
New York City, U.S.
DiedNovember 12, 1917 (age 27)[3]
Monastir, North Macedonia[4]
Buried
Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery, Paris, France
AllegianceUnited States/France
Service/branchAviation/Infantry
Years of service1914–1917
RankSergeant
UnitLafayette Escadrille
Battles/warsSecond Battle of Champagne

Paul Pavelka (October 26, 1890 – November 12, 1917)[2][5] was an American aviator who was a member of the Lafayette Escadrille. He first served as a sailor on the USS Maryland (ACR-8) after joining the United States Army, before serving in World War I, serving under his regiment in the Second Battle of Champagne. Pavelka then transferred to French aviation, later joining the Lafayette Escadrille in August 1916. He received the Croix de Guerre while part of the French Air Force unit, and was a member of the Army of the Orient along the Macedonian front. On November 12, 1917, while serving along the Macedonian front, Pavelka was killed by being thrown from a horse and trampled.

  1. ^ Parsons 2016, Chapter XII.
  2. ^ a b "Paul Pavelka". Honorstates.org. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  3. ^ Dounce, Harry Esty (December 30, 1917). "Paul Pavelka, a soldier of fortune". The Sun. New York City, New York. p. 45. Retrieved March 19, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "NOTED AMERICAN FLIER KILLED BY A HORSE; Paul Pavelka of Foreign Legion and Lafayette Squadron dies Near Monastir". The New York Times. New York City, New York. November 28, 1917. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  5. ^ Hall & Nordhoff 2016, Paul Pavelka.