THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Captain Paul Graffe,
Thank you for your service as a Fixed Wing Aviation Unit Commander (Pilot.) You are still MIA. Please come home. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

1LT Graffe, You are remembered. Pilot of OV-1C 61-2679 on that ill-fated flight. Waiting to learn you have been identified.

I flew with Paul Graffe many times including the last time he returned safely. I always liked to fly with him. I remember him going on R&R to see his wife not long before the tragedy. Glad he took that opportunity. Miss you my friend.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF THIS FINE YOUNG
UNITED STATES ARMY AVIATOR
WHOSE NAME SHALL LIVE FOREVER MORE


CAPTAIN

PAUL LEROY GRAFFE


served with the


225th AVIATION COMPANY

" PHANTOM HAWK "

223rd AVIATION BATTALION

" LEAN FORWARD "

17th AVIATION GROUP ( COMBAT )

" FREEDOM'S EAGLES "

1st AVIATION BRIGADE

" ABOVE THE BEST "


Captain Paul Leroy Graffe died at age 27 while piloting OV-1 Mohawk SN 61-02679 for the 225th Aviation Company on a surveillance mission out of Phu Hiep, Republic of Viet Nam, on 3 October 1969, which crashed at the 7,000 ft. level of a mountain peak north of Kontum, in inclement weather.

Captain Graffe was accompanied by his observer, Private First Class Kenneth Leroy Cunningham.

Graffe is still listed as Missing In Action as of the date of this entry.

The aircraft, call sign, Phantom Hawk 01, departed Phu Hiep during the early evening hours on a mission to gather intelligence in Military Region II in the Dak To-Dak Pek area which was believed to be heavily infested with enemy forces.

The last radio contact with the crew had been made by another OV-l crew who said that Graffe had advised them he was extending his mission for 30 minutes before returning to base.

The aircraft was located on 5 October.

Search teams could not reach the area on the 5th and 6th of October due to extremely bad weather.

A search aircraft and crew reached the area on the 7th.

However, because of enemy activity and evidence the wreckage had been moved about since the last aerial sighting, the search was aborted.

Captain Graffe had served a previous tour in RVN in 1966 with the 281st Assault Helicopter Company when he was a Warrant Officer.

During his tour with the 225th OV-1 CO he received a direct commission to First Lieutenant on 18 July 1969.

He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Captain.

His date of birth is 19 August 1946.

His home of record is Shelton, WA.

For further details from the 225th Aviation Company's daily log go to The Virtual Wall web site and follow the instructions to Captain Paul Leroy Graffe.

The name of Captain Graffe will be found on Panel 17W, Row 34 on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall.

Paul was a born-again Christian, Eagle Scout and a very fine young man.

He graduated from Shelton High School in the Class of 1964.

Paul and Cynthia Pedeferri were married on 23 December 1965, in Shelton, Washington.

While stationed in Alabama, their son, Paul, was born in 1967.

The report of Paul being Missing in Action was terrible news to his family who wore the VIVA MIA bracelets in his memory for many years -- always expecting the miracle of his return to us.

We mourned the loss of his presence in our lives, and trusted God to care for Paul -- his wife Cindi; son Paul; parents Ray & Gen Graffe, sister Darlene Graffe Messer and family; brother David Graffe; dozens of loving cousins, aunts, uncles, nephew and nieces; and many friends.

Paul R. Graffe was just 3 years old in 1969, when men in uniform came to his house in Lacey, Washington, with news about his father.

After the short visit by the men in uniform, Graffe remembers being dressed in a suit, perhaps the first he ever owned, for his father’s service.

His memories include watching the 21-gun salute and shaking hands with people.

Throughout his life, he’s heard many stories about what a great man his father was, as well as heard the gratitude for what he and others have given through their service

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=67916335



Captain Graffe was a
posthumous recipient
of the following
military decorations
and service medals


DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

AIR MEDAL

PURPLE HEART

NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL

VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN SERVICE MEDAL


and was entitled to wear


ARMY AVIATOR WINGS




YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER




R E M E M B R A N C E




====================

Paul was my tutor at Shelton High School. He taught me the bassoon. He was a very nice person and I remember him fondly. I think of him often and he is always in my prayers.