Cleveland Grays Armory Museum Celebrates Veteran Paul Wilcox

The Cleveland Grays Armory Museum will unveil a special exhibit on March 16, 2024, honoring the remarkable life of Air Force veteran and local media personality Paul Wilcox. The opening ceremony will take place from 17:30 to 19:30 at the museum located at 1234 Bolivar Road, and will feature live music, refreshments, and guided tours.

The exhibit pays tribute to Wilcox’s extensive contributions both as a veteran and as a beloved figure in Cleveland’s media landscape. Speaking to News 5 Cleveland, Wilcox’s daughter, Rory Davies, described her father as “Cleveland personified.” She noted, “He was proud, he was kind, he was tough—and you know in Cleveland, you gotta be tough.”

Wilcox’s military career began when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He later served in the Korean War, where he flew numerous missions as a first lieutenant and navigator. His service included being shot down on his last mission, which led to his capture as a prisoner of war. For months, he was presumed dead; however, he returned home alive, a fact that adds depth to his already remarkable story.

After returning to Cleveland, Wilcox found a new calling in broadcasting, becoming known for his work as a news and weather anchor, sportscaster, and the host of the popular program “Polka Varieties.” Davies emphasized her father’s impact on the local community, stating, “Everybody of a certain age knows my father in Cleveland, but they don’t know the back story.”

The exhibit will showcase Wilcox’s medals, diary, and other personal artifacts, providing a unique glimpse into his life. Jennifer Souers Chevraux, a curator involved in the project, expressed her excitement about the preservation of Wilcox’s legacy. “It’s really wonderful that it’s not being lost, that it’s going to be preserved because it’s a pretty incredible archive,” she remarked.

Davies graciously donated her father’s belongings to the Cleveland Grays Armory Museum, where they will become part of a permanent rotating display. Chevraux noted the significance of this exhibit, saying, “I think it’s very moving to see her dad’s history displayed this way. That’s, in large part, due to her passion to tell his story, really. And to keep that flame going.”

The community is invited to celebrate this important tribute to a local hero, with the opening event free and accessible to the public. For additional information, attendees can contact the museum at 216-621-5983. This exhibit not only honors Wilcox’s military service but also highlights his lasting influence in the realm of Cleveland broadcasting.