Paul P. Douglas Jr.
Paul Page Douglas Jr (April 23, 1919 – December 26, 2002) was a flag officer in the United States Air Force, and an ace.
Paul Page Douglas Jr | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | April 23, 1919 Paragould, Arkansas |
| Died | December 26, 2002 (aged 83) Bertram, Texas |
| Place of burial | Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939–1970 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Unit | 368th Fighter Group 388th Tactical Fighter Wing |
| Commands held | 321st Fighter Squadron 396th Fighter Squadron 368th Fighter Group 36th Fighter Group 48th Fighter Group 22d Fighter Squadron 21st Fighter-Bomber Group 1400th Operations Group 474th Tactical Fighter Wing 41st Air Division 388th Tactical Fighter Wing 836th Air Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards |  Distinguished Service Cross (2) Silver Star (3) Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Purple Heart (2) Air Medal (38) |
| Relations | Sarah Chandler (Wife) |
During World War II, he flew the P-47 Thunderbolt in the European Theater of Operations and became one of the most highly decorated combat aces of the war.
Douglas served as Commander of the 36th Fighter Group in Germany from April to June 1945. After V-E Day, he served as Commander of the 48th Fighter Group in Germany and France from June to September 1945.[1]
In 1968, Douglas served as the commander of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, and flew a full tour of bombing and fighter missions over North Vietnam.[2] He retired from Air Force on 1970.
He was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure (3rd Class) from the Government of Japan, for his efforts as the commander of 41st Air Division at Yokota.[3]
Vietnam War
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During the Vietnam War, Douglas took the command of 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand, after the previous commander, Colonel Neil J. Graham died of a heart attack.
During his tour in Vietnam, Douglas flew Republic F-105D Thunderchief 59-1743, which he also named "The Arkansas Traveler". His F-105D crew chief was SSgt Frank B. Vargo.[4]
Douglas died on December 26, 2002. He is buried in the Central Texas State Veteran’s Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.[5]
Awards and Decorations
He was a command pilot with more than 6,000 flying hours. His military decorations include 2 Distinguished Service Crosses, 3 Silver Stars, 2 Legions of Merit, 3 Distinguished Flying Cross, 2 Purple Hearts, 38 Air Medals, 4 Air Force Commendation Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, 3 Air Force Presidential Unit Citations, the French Croix de Guerre with Etoile de Vermeil, the Belgian Fourragere, the British Distinguished Flying Cross, and the third Order of the Sacred Treasure from Japan.[6]
Other Decorations
 |
Belgian Fourragère |
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Order of the Sacred Treasure (3rd Class) |
References
- http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=1554
- http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=3526#
- http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107197/brigadier-general-paul-p-douglas-jr/
- http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107197/brigadier-general-paul-p-douglas-jr/
- http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=3526
- http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=3526