WWII Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient Celebrates 100-years

Ellwood Paul was hailed as a local hero on March 15 at Mariposa at Ellwood Shores Senior Living community. Representatives from Vandenberg Air Force Base presented him with a folded United States Flag and named him an honorary member of the U.S. Space Force. Paul fully enjoyed the day and told a local television station that recognition was overwhelming. The celebration included Paul’s family and friends. Paul was a tool and die maker by trade. When the war came he chose to serve his country even though his occupation was deferred from military service. After completing the Army Air Forces Flying Training Command he transferred into the regular Army and served with Company E, 324th infantry regiment, 44th infantry division. He was wounded by enemy artillery fire in Northern France on Nov. 18, 1944. Though some of his injuries didn’t fully heal, he lived a full and active life. After the war, he moved his family to Los Angeles to work for Hughes Aircraft but left that job to work in sales for Guaranteed Homes. After being named top salesperson, Paul became a general building contractor and moved to Santa Barbara in 1964. Paul built many homes in and around Santa Barbara as he loved the natural beauty of the coast and mountains. Sixty years after being wounded a large amount of shrapnel worked its way out of his leg. This enabled him to completely straighten his leg and was free of pain. For more information about Mariposa at Ellwood Shores call (805) 845-4921.