Paul Gourdon, Jr. served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant with the Field Artillery, 793rd Field Artillery Battalion during World War II. He was killed on July 11, 1944 when his plane was shot down while on a reconnaissance mission. He was awarded the Purple Heart and a Silver Star. His citation reads as follows: "For gallantry in action while serving as an Air Observer from the 793rd Field Artillery Battalion, in action against the enemy in Normandy, France on 11 July, 1944. First Lieutenant Gourdon, being unable to observe the location of an enemy battery due to poor visibility, flew dangerously close to the enemy lines in order to accomplish his mission. His plane was hit by an 88-mm. shell, which destroyed the plane and killed First Lieutenant Gourdon. The last sending received from First Lieutenant Gourdon was 'Range correct. Fire for effect.' First Lieutenant Gourdon's aggressiveness and determination to silence the enemy battery reflect great credit upon himself and the Military Service."
