Born: October 24, 1924
Died: November 14, 1987
Campaigns Served: Namur, Saipan (wounded), Iwo Jima (wounded)
Highest Rank Attained: Corporal
Decorations: Purple Heart with Gold Star
Paul Bloor was an original member of Baker Company, 24th Marines. He served as a gunner with one of the 60mm mortars of the weapons company.
Bloor fought through the battle of Namur, where the mortars of his section were instrumental in breaking up a determined Japanese counterattack in the early morning hours of February 2, 1944. He returned to Camp Maui with the company, and spent the next few months resting and training for their next assignment - Saipan.
PFC Bloor did not see much of Saipan; he was wounded within hours of landing on June 15, 1944, and was evacuated to a Navy hospital. For being wounded in the service of his country, Bloor was awarded the Purple Heart.
Paul Bloor with his Purple Heart medal, 1944. Photo from Ancestry.com
After recovering from his wound, Paul Bloor returned to Baker Company. He was promoted to corporal and remained with the mortar section as they trained for Iwo Jima.
Corporal Bloor was wounded a second time on February 22, 1945, and was again evacuated from combat. This time, he would not return to the fighting.
Paul Bloor died in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1987.