WE RIDE SO THEY FLY - 2025 REGISTRATION COMING SOON

Paul Holmes graduated from Keith Academy in Lowell, MA, in 1942. Shortly after graduation, he was inducted into the U.S. Navy on December 12, 1942, in Boston, MA. He completed Boot Camp in Green Bay, WI, followed by Gunnery School in Biloxi, MS. Paul first served as a Navy gunner aboard the merchant ship Benito Juarez before being assigned to the destroyer Lyman K. Swenson in the 3rd Fleet under Admiral Halsey.

Aboard the Swenson, Paul participated in bombardments of enemy-occupied Pacific islands ahead of U.S. amphibious landings. His ship also carried out rescue missions, recovering downed fighter pilots near Japan. During his service, the 3rd Fleet endured a massive typhoon that sank three destroyers, but the Swenson prevailed and rescued survivors. After the war, Paul returned to Boston in December 1945 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Seaman First Class (V-6 USNR).

His military honors include:

• WWII Victory Medal
• American Area Ribbon
• Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 5 Battle Stars
• Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Star
• Good Conduct Medal
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon

In 1950, Paul joined the Billerica Police Department as a patrolman, beginning a distinguished 38-year career in law enforcement. Rising through the ranks, he retired as a Captain. In 1976, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from what is now UMass Lowell. Among his many contributions, he served as the department’s Safety Officer, conducting traffic assessments throughout the town and working with the State DPW and Registry of Motor Vehicles to determine the placement of speed limit signs, crosswalks, and traffic signals. In his final years with the BPD, Paul served as a Police Prosecutor at Lowell District Court, assisting with legal proceedings and providing critical police information during trials.

Paul was a lifelong parishioner of St. Theresa’s Church in Billerica (now St. Matthew the Evangelist – St. Theresa’s), where he played an active role in the parish community. He was part of the committee that oversaw the construction of the current church, volunteered at fundraising events—including the well-known BBQ Chicken fundraisers—and helped secure funding for the new church hall. He was also deeply involved in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, delivering food donations and providing rent assistance to those in need. As an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, he assisted in church services and brought communion to homebound parishioners.

Beyond his service to the parish, Paul was dedicated to the broader Billerica community. He led local Red Cross Blood Drives and taught First Aid and CPR classes for the Red Cross. He also served on the Executive Board of the Town of Billerica Retirees Association, advocating for retired town employees.