“A Lifetime of Keeping My Word — Now I Need Your Help.

Help a Vietnam Combat Veteran Continue His Fight for Justice

My name is Paul Tidwell. I am 78 years old, a decorated Vietnam combat veteran, and the deep-sea explorer who discovered the Japanese WWII submarine I-52 nearly three miles beneath the Atlantic Ocean.

Throughout my life, I have faced challenges that seemed impossible. But today, I am facing one of the most difficult battles of my life—and for the first time, I am asking the public for financial help.

I need assistance paying the mounting legal expenses of defending myself in an ongoing civil lawsuit.

A Promise Made on a Battlefield

In October 1967, I was wounded during the Battle of Lộc Ninh in Vietnam, another soldier, Norman Plemmons was also wounded beside me.

Lying together in our fighting position, uncertain whether we would survive, we made a promise: If one of us didn't make it home, the other would visit his grave.

We survived that day, but Norman was later killed in Vietnam.

Years afterward, I traveled to South Carolina, stood beside his grave, and placed a soldier's helmet there.

I kept my promise.

That experience taught me something I have carried throughout my life: Your word is your bond.

A Lifetime of Exploration

After Vietnam, I became involved in deep-sea exploration, eventually locating the wreck of the Japanese submarine I-52 in 1995.

The discovery attracted international attention and was featured by National Geographic and in television documentaries.

My career has taken me to some of the deepest and most challenging places on Earth. I have always believed that determination, integrity, and perseverance can overcome extraordinary obstacles.

The Battle I Face Today

In April 2023, I entered into a written agreement to sell 12.5 million shares of stock that I owned.

The buyer paid me, and I undertook the process of delivering the shares. Unfortunately, the designated brokerage would not accept the stock.

I made repeated attempts to complete the transfer, followed alternative instructions, and proposed other solutions.

Ultimately, the shares were transferred into the buyer's name through the transfer agent in March 2025.

Despite those efforts, I became the defendant in a civil lawsuit arising from the transaction.

I strongly dispute the allegations against me. I believe I acted in good faith and made every reasonable effort to honor the agreement.

I have retained experienced attorneys to defend me, but the financial burden has become overwhelming.

I have already paid approximately $70,000 in legal fees, and I face approximately $100,000 or more in additional outstanding and anticipated expenses.

At 78 years old, I do not have the financial resources to continue paying these costs on my own.

Why I Am Asking for Your Help

I am raising $100,000 to help cover attorney fees and necessary legal-defense expenses.

I am not asking anyone to take sides or determine who is right in this lawsuit. That is for the court to decide.

I am simply asking for the opportunity to continue defending myself and have my case decided on its merits.

If you can contribute, whether $10, $25, $50, or any amount, I would be deeply grateful.

If you cannot donate, please share my story with your friends, fellow veterans, and anyone who might be willing to help.

I have spent my life keeping my promises, honoring my commitments, and refusing to give up when the odds seemed impossible.

I never imagined that, at 78 years old, I would be asking strangers to help me continue a legal fight.

I've faced enemy fire in Vietnam. I've searched the ocean floor nearly three miles beneath the Atlantic. But today, I face a challenge I cannot overcome alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer.

With sincere gratitude,

Paul Tidwell