The three sons of Dr. Paul L. Garrett, second president of Western Teachers College (later, Western Kentucky University) each chose to follow their father’s example and serve their country in the military during WW2.
Harvey Thornton “Pete” Garrett entered the Army Air Forces in April 1943 and received his commission as lieutenant before going overseas in 1945, serving as a navigator with the 450th Bombing Group in Italy. Pete died in an accident only a few months after his return home from the service.
Youngest son Ryland Garrett also served in the Air Corp during WW2.
Oldest son Paul Ellis Garrett entered the Army Air Corp (renamed the US Air Force) as a pilot in 1943. He served during WW2, was discharged and later served in Korea and Vietnam.
The final mission of LTC Paul E. Garrett was March 8, 1969. A United States Air Force Lockheed C-130E Hercules (#64-0545) from the 314th Tactical Airlift Wing crashed due to poor weather at Ching Chuan Kang Airbase in Taichung, Taiwan, following a flight from Vietnam.
Twelve aviators lost their lives in this tragic accident. These airmen had their names added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. in May 1986.
LTC Garrett is survived by his daughter Lucy Garrett and son “Pete” Garrett who was living with his mother in Bowling Green and attending BGHS when his father was killed. Pete and his family live in Franklin, TN.
