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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Oct'48
Paul Joseph Quinn No.15474 Class of
1946 Killed August 26, 1947, in an airplane accident,
at Muroc, California, aged 24 years. |
Paul loved the fighter plane--his
best love, the P80. They went down together. He knew he was living
dangerously, but he loved it. He adored his plane as he adored
flying. He was never happier than when he was flying the skyways,
and the higher and faster he flew the more he loved it.
On the Sunday before his plane exploded at Muroc Bombing
Range he was at home. When a neighbor remarked to him, "I
guess you will be glad when you can lay aside that uniform, Paul?"
his quick reply was, "Oh, no, I like it". And he truly
did. From the time he entered West Point, on July 1, 1943, he
eagerly awaited the day when he might be selected for Air Corps
training. I think he was the happiest cadet at the Point when
he "made it". He was happier yet when he was
one of seven out of twenty-one in his company who started air
corps training, to stay in and receive their Silver Wings.
Paul Joseph Quinn was born in Kelso, Washington on
May 14, 1923--the second in a family of four boys. When he was
three years of age, he moved with his parents and his brothers
to Pasadena, California, where he made his home for the rest
of his life. He received his education in the Pasadena schools,
with the exception of ten weeks spent at the Cochran-Bryan School
in Annapolis prior to taking the competitive examination for
the Military Academy. Paul always maintained a good scholarship
record in school, a record attained largely through untiring
effort and industry, and a determined will to succeed. In the
Congressional competitive examination, in which thirty-five
competed, he placed first on the list. Since our Congressman,
Mr. Carl Hinshaw, had no appointment to West Point at the time,
Paul was given an appointment to the Naval Academy. This he accepted,
but with a definite disappointment that it could not be West
Point. Later in the season the three-year course was introduced
at West Point, and Mr. Hinshaw was allowed an appointment. Paul
requested the privilege of taking the competitive examination
for this appointment, which would be given in December. Again
competing with about thirty-five candidates, he stood first and
won his coveted appointment to West Point. This was, without
doubt, the happiest day of his life, unless it was that day in
June 1946, when he received his Silver Wings.
His next wish was realized when he was assigned
to training in the P-51; then to his adored P-80 and March Field--the
field only fifty miles from home. This is where he was stationed
on the day of his last flight.
Paul was captain of the gym
team during his last year at the Point. His characteristic humility
was demonstrated when, upon being made captain of the team, he
wrote home that there were at least two other "guys"
who should have had that honor. We are sure, however, that he
was fully worthy, since during that year he made more individual
points for his team than had ever been made before. Also, upon
graduation he was awarded the Pierce Currier Foster Memorial
Trophy for the best all-round gymnast. His work on the high bar
was his outstanding event, in which we can say "there was
none better".
He was taken from us when, during dive-bombing
practice, his jet plane exploded at Muroc Bombing Range, Muroc,
California, on August 26, 1947. His life, though short, was an
example to many of right living, industry, unselfishness, humility
and self-effacement. Although Paul placed high in whatever
endeavor he undertook, he always discounted his achievements,
feeling that he should have done better. We, his family,
have lost a devoted son and brother; many have lost a true friend;
our Country, a loyal soldier.
With thankful hearts
for the precious years we were allowed to have him, we bow our
heads in humble submission to God's Holy Will.
"God lent him for a little while-
His years were twenty-four;
And though we sadly
miss him now.
We would not ask for more.
He brought his
charms to gladden us-
His stay with us was brief;
But we have his lovely
memories
As solace for our grief.
'Tis true the angels
called for him
-
Much sooner than we planned,
But we'll brave
the bitter grief that came.
And try to understand."
John S. Quinn, his brother
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