Paul Pavelka | |
---|---|
Birth name | Paul Pavelka |
Nickname(s) | "Skipper"[1] |
Born | October 26, 1890[2] New York City, U.S. |
Died | November 12, 1917 (age 27)[3] Monastir, North Macedonia[4] |
Buried | Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery, Paris, France |
Allegiance | United States/France |
Service/ | Aviation/Infantry |
Years of service | 1914–1917 |
Rank | Sergeant |
Unit | Lafayette Escadrille |
Battles/wars | Second 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.