Paul Pavelka
Paul Pavelka | |
|---|---|
Pavelka, ca. 1917–1925 | |
| Birth name | Paul Pavelka |
| Nickname | "Skipper" |
| Born | October 26, 1890 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | November 12, 1917 (age 27) Monastir, North Macedonia |
| Buried | Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery, Paris, France |
| Allegiance | United States/France |
| Branch | Aviation/Infantry |
| Service years | 1914–1917 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Lafayette Escadrille |
| Conflicts | Second Battle of Champagne |
Paul Pavelka (October 26, 1890 – November 12, 1917) was an American aviator and a member of the Lafayette Escadrille. He joined the United States Navy as a sailor and served on the USS Maryland (ACR-8). In World War I, his regiment fought 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.