Richmond, Virginia

Inducted in 2005, Paul E. Galanti began his flying career at the U.S. Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1962.  In 1963 he received his Naval wings and became a flight instructor in Pensacola.  In November 1964 Paul was assigned to the Navy Light Jet Attack Squadron 216 (VA-216), flying the A4-C Skyhawk with CAG-21 in USS Hancock (CVA-19).  In November of 1965 the USS Hancock departed for Southeast Asia.  On June 17, 1966 while conducting an attack on a railroad siding near Vinh, North Vietnam, Paul was shot down and taken prisoner on his 97th combat mission.  A leader in the POW “underground,” he received several high military awards for his service as a POW.  Following rehabilitation and return to flight status, he became executive officer then commanding officer of the Navy Recruiting District in Richmond which set new records under his tutelage. In 1982 Paul retired from the Navy and in 1983 became the first non-pharmacist Executive Director of the Virginia Pharmaceutical Association in its 100 year history.  He then became the deputy, then Executive Vice President of the Medical Society of Virginia in 1991. He became involved in several entrepreneurial ventures. He is author and webmaster of the NAM-POW webpage and holds many combat awards for his military service, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star for combat, nine Air Medals, and two Purple Hearts.  He has received many accolades for his work in the private sector and is an accomplished motivational speaker who has spoken to over 1300 groups, including school children and physicians.