America's Fallen Hero's

PFC. Paul O. Cuzzupe

Paul Orazio Cuzzupe II was the oldest of 4 children. His interests were music and history. Paul's love of music started at a young age, but he learned to play the clarinet first in middle school. He went on to play the cello, bass, bass guitar, acoustic and electric guitar. He helped form many bands in the local Tampa Bay Area.

Paul graduated from Armwood High School in Seffner, FL in 2005 and attended St. Leo University in Pasco County up until Spring 2009, leaving just a few credits shy of a Bachelors degree in History. At the age of 22, he enlisted in the United States Army as a Combat Medic.

Paul was assigned as a medic to 3rd Platoon, Ghostrider Co., 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment based out of Vilseck, Germany. He was affectionally called "Care Bear" by the rest of the medics he served with and respectfully earned the name "Doc" by his fellow Ghostriders. 

PFC Paul O Cuzzupe II was killed in action on August 8, 2010 in Akhtar-Mohammed- Khan, Afghanistan, by an IED that his Stryker ran over. 

His awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct and an Army Commendation Medal for a mass casualty event that occurred during mid tour, in which he tried to save the life of an Afghan child. Paul's family was also presented his Degree in Bachelor of Arts in Memoriam posthumously. 

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