Paul was a U.S. Army Aviator (WOFWAC 69-3) with the rank of CW2. He served with the HHC, 123rd Aviation Battalion, 23rd Infantry Division (Americal Division) at Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam from June 1969 to June of 1970. He then served with the 3rd Armored Division in Frankfurt, FRG until his separation from the Army. He was Aircraft Commander in the U6A Beaver and U1A Otter, both fixed wing aircraft.