We are selling the contents of the home where Paul and Judy have lived since 1987. Both are from San Francisco, but had not met when Paul joined the Marines during World War II. He was deployed to the Pacific Theater with the 5th Bomber Group, and ended up as a Ball Gunner on a PBJ - the Marine equivalent of a B-25, as part of a joint military force. He earned a Bronze Star with V for Valor in a Combat Zone during this campaign. Later, he received a Purple Heart when he was strafed by Japanese fire over the Solomon Islands in 1942, and took 3 bullets to his upper body. His wounds were serious, so he was sent back to the Hawaii to recover. After his recovery, he went back and flew more missions.
After the war, he returned to San Francisco where he met and married Judy, his wife of 67 years. He also earned his Bachelor Degree, in History, from USF, and enrolled in the ROTC during his time there. In 1948 he had completed ROTC and joined the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant.
He earned his second Purple Heart during the Korean War when he was hit by a North Korean sniper in the Massacre Valley in 1951. He was captured and held as a POW in North Korea and Red China for 938 days. The Army believed he had died in battle, and didn’t know he was held captive. When he was released, nobody was there to greet him. He was the last American to pass through the Freedom’s Gate. A few months later, he was awarded his second Bronze Star with V valor for meritorious conduct while a Prisoner of War.
Although traumatized and battered from his captivity, he returned to the US after his release, and decided to continue his US Army Career. For several years he gave speeches to many different groups on his experiences as a POW. He rose up through the ranks to Lt. Colonel. He also earned his First Master's Degree in History at University of Delaware and second Master's Degree in Education from Fresno State, published a book, and contributed to several US Army manuals, including the Code of Conduct.
One of his favorite duties was in command of the US Military Assistance Advisory Group in the Republic of China (Taiwan). He and Judy loved the people and government of Taiwan, and they developed deep ties. Paul knew Chaing Kai-sheck personally, and received a commendation from him for outstanding service, along with several other commendations from the Taiwanese government. Paul was not a big fan of the government of Communist China, or any communist country. After he retired from the US Army, they went back to live in Taiwan for almost 20 years, where Paul and Judy operated a school to prepare Taiwanese Students for graduate study in the U.S. Paul was active in both the VFW and Foreign Legions and past commander of the American legion Pacific Region. Judy was active in the Ladies Auxiliaries and other groups. They left for Rancho Murieta in 1987 to be closer to their family on the US Mainland.
Paul passed away in 2015 and is buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Judy passed away in 2019 and is buried alongside him. We are working with their son, who retired from a 27 year career with the US Army Special Forces. There is a lot of Military Pride in this family!
Many of the items in this sale were acquired when they lived in Taiwan. There is quality jewelry, some unique Chinese decor, a huge book collection with some antique, a clean 1985 Cadillac, and much more. Look closely, there are some treasures.
Everybody must wear a mask to the pickup. We will be following CDC Guidelines for social distancing and will have plenty of hand sanitizer available.
The Security Gate will have the name of all buyers, and will let them in between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1st.
Please don't bid unless you can make it to the pickup!
10% Buyer's Premium on All Lots
7.75% California Sales Tax - Rancho Murieta
3% Discount if Paid by Cash or Check
Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.