Paluch first enlisted in the
United States Army Reserve in 1944 and was later called to active duty during the final months of
World War II. Later he transferred to the Air Force and was commissioned an officer in 1949. After being stationed at
Connally Air Force Base and
Craig Air Force Base he was stationed overseas for eight months. Following his return to the
United States he was assigned to
Cannon Air Force Base before going overseas once again, this time to
Toul-Rosières Air Base in
France. In 1960 he entered the
Air Command and Staff College. After graduating he was assigned to the
55th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He was given command of the squadron in 1963. In 1964 he was assigned to the officer of the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He graduated from the
National War College in 1968 and the following year served a tour of duty in the
Vietnam War. Following his service in the war he was given command of the
4th Tactical Fighter Wing. In 1971 he was named Deputy Chief of Staff for Requirements of
Tactical Air Command. From there he was named Vice Commander of the
Twelfth Air Force before being given command of the
314th Air Division. Other positions he held during his career include acting as an adviser to the
United Nations. His retirement was effective as of September 1, 1975. Awards he received during his career include the
Legion of Merit, the
Distinguished Flying Cross, the
Meritorious Service Medal, the
Air Medal with two silver
oak leaf clusters and two bronze oak leaf clusters, the
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the
Outstanding Unit Award. ==References==