Staff Sergeant J. Paul Dorrity was born on 12 May 1964 in Vicenza, Italy. He died on 22 February 2002 in an overwater helicopter crash while on a training mission in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

SSG Dorrity volunteered for service in the U.S. Army in 1986 as a Medium Helicopter Repairman (67U). He attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, followed by Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Virginia. His assignments include 243rd Aviation Regiment and Charlie Company, 214th Aviation Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington; Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea; Echo Company, 502nd Aviation Regiment in Italy; and Alpha Company, 7th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

SSG Dorrity was assigned to the Special Operations Aviation Training Company (SOATC), 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Fort Campbell in 1999. Upon completion of the Basic Mission Qualification Course (Green Platoon), he was assigned to 2nd Battalion at Fort Campbell. In July 2001, he was assigned to Echo Company, 160th SOAR(Abn) in Taegu, Republic of Korea as a Flight Engineer. SSG Dorrity deployed with his unit to multiple locations across the Pacific Command in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

SSG Dorrity was a graduate of the 160th SOAR(Abn) Enlisted Green Platoon Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Course.

SSG Dorrity's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (w/4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (w/5 OLC), NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (w/Numeral 2), Senior Aviation Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. SSG Dorrity was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal.

SSG Dorrity is survived by his wife, Kecia; their sons, Calin and Gavin; mother, Francesca; and his brother, David. He is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 69, Site 4690.