Former 2nd Lt. Paul C. Grassey

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jasmonet Holmes | Former 2nd Lt. Paul Grassey, B-24 Pilot assigned to the 446th Bomb Group,holds his wife hand outside of the Mighty 8th Museum in Savannah, Ga., March 21, 2015. "Veterans In Blue" showcases Airmen who help support today's Air Force. Veterans old and new have helped shape our Air Force and we would like to chronicle their experiences and lessons learned. We proudly honor the devotion and service given by these brave men and women. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmonet Jackson)  

UNITED STATES

11.05.2015

Story by Senior Airman Jasmonet Holmes 

1st Combat Camera Squadron         

Former 2nd Lt. Paul C. Grassey started his military career in November of 1942, when he enlisted into the U.S. Army Air Corps. Once Grassey completed Basic Military Training in Keesler AFB, Miss., he was sent to Easton, Pa. to attend Lafayette College to begin his Air-Cadet training. Shortly after, Paul received his pilot wings at Stuttgart, Ark. and was assigned to B-24's. Grassey later received orders for the 446th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, Bungay, England and flew 13 combat missions.

After the war and serving six years in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Paul decided to return to school and graduated in 1948 from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. with a Bachelors of Arts degree. Once Paul received his degree, he went on to pursue his career in the civilian sector with Burroughs Corporation in New York City dedicating more than 20 years of faithful service with the company.

Once he retired from Burroughs Corporation, Grassey and his wife, Nancy, relocated to Savannah, Ga., in March of 1989. A few months after Paul and his wife, Nancy, moved to Savannah, he was asked to attend meetings at The Mighty Eighth Air Force Historical Society at Hunter Air Base, Ga. Grassey loved what the historical society stood for, so he decided to join The Mighty Eighth Air Force organization. Not only did Paul decide to join The Mighty Eighth Air Force Historical Society, but he also assumed the responsibility of watching the development of the Heritage Center Museum in Pooler, Ga. The Mighty Eighth Air Force opened their own museum on May 15, 1996, where Grassey served as a volunteer for 18 years and is now a board trustee.

• Date Taken: 11.05.2015
• Date Posted: 11.05.2015 15:41
• Story ID: 181051
• Location: US