14 Facts About Paul Carlson

Paul E Carlson was an American physician and medical missionary who served in Wasolo, a town in what is the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Paul Carlson originated from Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Southern California, which is a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church denomination.

Paul Carlson was killed in 1964 by rebel insurgents after being falsely accused of being an American spy.

Paul Carlson graduated from North Park University in 1948, and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Stanford in 1951, and finished medical school at George Washington University in 1956.

In 1961, Paul Carlson decided to serve as a missionary doctor.

Paul Carlson arrived in Congo and began working as a medical missionary for six months in Ubangi Province.

Paul Carlson remained committed to his hospital and work in Wasolo, and he returned.

Paul Carlson's home was looted, the hospital and other buildings were damaged and two of his staff members were shot.

Under the unstable leadership of Christophe Gbenye, the rebels accused Paul Carlson of being an American spy and took him as a hostage to Stanleyville.

Paul Carlson was held there and was mentally and physically tortured.

In November 1964, Gbenye announced he would execute Paul Carlson, prompting the US government to begin negotiations for his release.

In Stanleyville, Paul Carlson joined the American consul as a captive of the rebels.

Paul Carlson became known as the "Congo Martyr" and was featured on the covers of both Time and Life magazines.

The Paul Carlson Partnership is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization with a mission that focuses on investing in health care, economic development, and education in Central Africa.