Lt. Col. Paul Adams, (Retired) was born on August 10, 1920 in Greenville, S.C. to the late Reverend Daniel and Dicey Madison Adams. He was married to Alda Virginia Thompson Adams for 67 years and to this union three children were born: Gloria, Doris and Michael. Paul passed away on June 30, 2013. He is preceded in death by his loving parents and 11 siblings.

At an early age Paul accepted Christ at Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greenville, S.C. He graduated from South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, S.C. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps as one of the Tuskegee Airmen. He flew with the 332nd Fighter Group, an African-American unit, also known as the "Red Tail" group for their distinctive aircraft paint scheme. The group established the unprecedented record of flying more than 1,500 missions in Europe and North Africa. Col. Adams' career saw nine major campaigns and he received the Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters. He retired from active military duty in 1963 and began teaching at Lincoln High School in 1964.

After retiring from Lincoln Public Schools in 1982, he continued to be active in the community. He was active in Quinn Chapel AME Church serving as Sunday School superintendent, teacher, steward and choir member. He was past president of the Lincoln Chapter of the NAACP and a member of Capital City Kiwanis, the Retired Officers Association, MAD DADS and the Lt. Col Paul Adams chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. He was a member of the American Legion Post #3, Lebanon Lodge #3, Omega Psi Phi fraternity and a former Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America. Through Kiwanis, he organized a Builders Club at East High School and served as a "Grandpa" at Elliott Elementary School.

Lt. Col. Paul Adams is the recipient of many awards and commendations including the Congressional Gold Medal awarded in April 2007 for his contribution as a "guardian angel" in World War II. The name "Guardian Angel" was a term of respect given by the white airmen who were escorted by the African-American pilots. Doane College recognized him with the President's Honor of Distinction Award in 2007. Lt. Col. Paul Adams was especially proud that the Paul Adams Elementary School was named in his honor.

However with all of his accomplishments and historical contributions, Lt. Col. Paul Adams believed that his most important position is his relationship with God, church and family. He was a devoted husband, a dedicated father and a fabulous grandfather.

Paul Adams is survived by his wife, Alda; and three children: Gloria (Sandy) Middlebrooks, Boston; Doris (David) Gearrings, Sturgis, Mich.; Dr. Michael (Dr. Sondra Braggs) Adams, Oklahoma City. Grandchildren: Khari Middlebrooks, Palo Alta, Calif.; David Gearring, Jr, Atlanta; Dr. Michael Adams II, Las Vegas; William Gearring, Grand Rapids, Mich. Great grandchild, Madilyn Middlebrooks, Palo Alto, Calif.; and a host of nieces and nephews.

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