Lt. Mazal's Recovered Wings
      

On August 27, 2005 the remains of First Lieutenant Paul W. Mazal were recovered in Germany. His body was found in his P-47 near a town called Werl. He was listed as MIA or buried at sea. It was unclear what his fate was until he was finally found by Danny Keay and his team last year. His name is listed on the Tablets Of The Missing at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium. 7,992 American servicemen are interred there. There are 94 headstones of unknown soldiers. Now, thanks to Danny and his team, there are 93 unknown headstones.

1st Lt. Mazal entered the service from California. He was in the 513 Fighter Squadron which was part of the 406th Fighter Group and fought in the ETO. He died March 19, 1945. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with 11 Gold Stars, and the Purple Heart. His service number was 0-763693.

Mazal's a/c was buried at a depth of 17-20 feet in the ground. The tail rudder had the unit colors on it when found. One of his dog tags was found, the plane's serial number was on the fuselage, and his name was on the back of his jacket. His remains were taken to Mortuary Affairs in Landstuhl and have now been officially identified and the family was officially notified on January 10, 2006.

Lt. Mazal's Recovered Dog Tags

Danny contacted a cousin of Lt. Mazal who said she had been waiting for over 50 years for an answer to exactly what happened to Paul. She told Danny Paul's name was on the Wall Of The Missing. Danny told her a flower will be engraved beside Paul's name to show he is no longer missing. The family wants him to come home to California where he will be cremated and his ashes spread over the Sierra Highs. It is a family tradition.

Lt. Mazal has one brother who is now 88 years old and living in a nursing home. Howard Parks was apparently a friend of Paul's and was in touch with his brother within the past five years.

Danny is looking for photographs of Lt. Mazal and information on the plane he was flying the day he went down. Paul's family has only one photograph of him in the service which was given to them by Mr. Parks. Danny is trying to find photos for the family as well as the local museum which is making a display in Lt. Mazal's honor. It would also be helpful if anyone knows the individual plane identifier on the day he went down and if the plane had a name (nose art.) If you have any photos or information please contact us by email. (See below.)

Lt. Mazal was raised with two cousins and both of them are 85 years old and have finally been given closure after 60 long years. This never would have happened if it had not been for Danny Keay and his crew.