Paul Edward Rivers
Staff Sergeant Paul E. Rivers was a Marine radioman who flew with VMSB-141 out of Henderson Field during the Guadalcanal campaign.
He failed to return from a combat mission on 15 October 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve (Aviation)
Service Number 416821
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
History
Paul Rivers was born in Alvarado, California on 12 January 1920. He grew up in Alameda County and attended Washington High School, where he was a notable presence on the school’s football team. Rivers was also well-regarded socially, and was elected as president of his 1939 graduating class.
Rivers was anxious to get into uniform – so much so that joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940, hoping for a fast track to active duty.
While Rivers trained with the Canadians, he saw no combat with the RCAF. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was permitted to resign and transfer to the Marine Corps. Rivers entered the USMC at Halifax, Nova Scotia on 7 May 1942. His RCAF experience helped him rise quickly through the enlisted ranks, and by July he wore the three stripes of a sergeant.
Rivers trained on American equipment at the Quantico Radio School, and in the late summer of 1942 was assigned to combat duty. He deployed overseas with the scout-bomber squadron VMSB-141 and saw action in the Guadalcanal campaign while flying out of Henderson Field. On 10 October 1942, Rivers advanced in rank to staff sergeant – a remarkable achievement for his young age.
On 15 October 1942, Rivers and 2Lt. Dante “Big Dandy” Benedetti took off from Henderson Field to perform a search mission. Their objective is no longer known – they might have been on a routine patrol, scouting for Japanese ships, or possibly looking for Corporal George F. Priest whose plane was lost on 10 October. Nor is their exact fate known for sure, for their plane never returned to base.
Benedetti and Rivers were reported as missing in action on the day of this mission, along with 2Lt. Robert C. LeBlanc and Cpl. Elbert R. Priest (brother of George Priest).
Paul Rivers was officially declared dead on 19 February 1945.
CENOTAPHS
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
Namesake of the Paul E. Rivers VFW Post, Fremont, CA
Decorations
Purple Heart
For wounds or injuries resulting in his presumed death in action.
Next Of Kin Address
Mrs. Mary Rivers lived at 144 V Street, Alvarado, California.
This address no longer exists.
Location Of Loss
They were last seen departing from Henderson Field, Guadalcanal
