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Paul W. Mc Collum graduated from Wenthworth High School and from State College. He was assistant superintendant of one of the Canman Mill plants in Concord before he in 1940. He was sent overseas in February 1944.

He awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in July 1944 and the Purple Heart Medal for wounds sustained in action on 22 July 1944.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously. The citation cited: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 19 July 1944, in France. When the leading elements of his battalion were pinned to the ground by intense direct fire from three dug-in tanks, machine guns and small arms, Lt Col McCollum, spurning a suggestion to withdraw, immediately issued orders for a frontal assault upon the stubbornly held enemy hill. Assuming a position among the foremost troops, he courageously led the company across an open field subjected to devastating mortar, artillery and rifle fire. Shells falling in the proximity of this valiant officer killed his radio operator at his side and inflicted heavy losses upon the assaulting force. Although he suffered a shell fragment wound, Lt Col McCollum unflinchingly continued forward and personally led a furious assault upon the strongly fortified positions, forcing the defenders to withdraw. The extraordinary heroism, tenacity and aggressive personal leadership displayed by Lt Col McCollum exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 30th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

He was also awarded the Legion of Merit posthumously. The citation cited: for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, from 14 June to 6 October 1944.

Lt Col McCollum, who had led the 3rd Battalion since its landing in Normandy, crossed the Wurm River from his command post in Rimburg to check the companies' positions and to direct the movement of supplies and ammunition to the front. After making certain that the battalion's position was secure, he started to return to his command post. At this time the enemy was still directing heavy artillery fire on the crossing site and, a s Lt Col McCollum approached the bridge, a particularly heavy concentration fell in the area, killing him and so stunning the members of his party that his death was not immediately known. Late that night several search parties were sent to the area before his body could be found.