Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Navy Veteran Paul Newman. Paul served during World War II in the Pacific Theater.
Paul was born January 1925 in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He served in the Navy from 1943-1946. He initially enrolled in the Navy’s V-12 pilot training program but was found to be colorblind, and instead left for basic training. Aviation Radioman Third Class Paul was first stationed at Barber’s Point, Hawaii. He served in torpedo bomber squadrons designed to train replacement pilots. His unit was assigned to the USS Bunker Hill shortly before the Battle of Okinawa. Paul’s pilot developed an ear infection just before they were expected to leave for battle. As a result, Paul and his airman were held back from the battle, which ultimately saved their lives. Paul’s unit suffered major losses from a kamikaze attack.
Paul left the Navy in 1946.
After his service, Paul went on to have a successful movie career earning many accolades and achieving mainstream success. He is best known for his performances in The Color of Money and The Sting. Paul was also known to be a philanthropist, a political activist and an avid auto racing enthusiast.
Just before his death, Paul was scheduled to make his professional stage directing debut but stepped down due to health concerns. Paul died on Sept. 26, 2008 from lung cancer. This year is the tenth anniversary of his death.
We honor his service.
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Graphic by Bryttni Carpenter. Bryttni is a junior at DePauw University studying communications.
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We honor the service of Paul Newman who served during World War II.