Paul Page Douglas Jr (1919 - 2002)

Born 23 Apr 1919 in Paragould, Greene, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Died 26 Dec 2002 at age 83 in Bell, Texas, United States

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Biography

Paul Douglas Jr is Notable.

Paul Douglas Jr served in the United States Army Air Forces in World War II
Service started: 12 Dec 1941
Unit(s): 36th Fighter Group;368th Fighter Group
Service ended: 1945

Paul Douglas Jr served in the United States Air Force in the Vietnam War
Service started: 1968
Unit(s): 368th Fighter Group
Service ended: 1973

Brigadier General Paul Page Douglas Jr. is a notable figure in history due to his exceptional contributions as a decorated fighter pilot and military leader. His valorous actions during World War II, where he logged numerous combat hours and engagements, marked him as one of the most decorated flyers in Air Force history. Douglas's innovative tactical strategies for the P-47 Thunderbolt and his role in intercepting German V-1 rockets showcased his adaptability and strategic acumen. His career spanned various aircraft and leadership positions, leaving an indelible mark on the United States Air Force. Beyond his military achievements, his commitment to public service, including his role as purchasing agent and rancher in his post-military years, further exemplifies his dedication and impact on his community.^[1][2][3]

Paul Page Douglas Jr. was born on April 23, 1919, in Paragould, Greene County, Arkansas^[4], to his father Paul Page Douglas Sr., a dedicated conductor on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and his mother Besse "Bessie" Irene (Mueller) Douglas, a devoted homemaker.^[5] The family's early years saw them residing in Paragould, Arkansas, in 1920^[6], and then moving to 5th Street in Dupo, St. Clair County, Illinois, by 1930.^[7]

Returning to their roots in Arkansas, Paul graduated from Paragould High School in 1938. His thirst for knowledge led him to Arkansas State Teachers College (now University of Central Arkansas), located in Conway, Faulkner County, Arkansas. During his time at college, he enthusiastically embraced roles as a cheerleader and reporter for the college newspaper, the Echo. Additionally, he achieved the remarkable feat of earning his private pilot's license while in college.^[1][2]

In the spring of 1941, Paul joined the Arkansas National Guard, responding to the call of duty. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would define his life. Just a few weeks later, on April 28, 1941, he entered the aviation cadet program, which led him to Texas for rigorous training. It was during this time that he encountered his future wife, Sarah Lee Chandler of Corpus Christi, Texas, while on leave. As destiny would have it, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant merely five days after the infamous Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 12, 1941.^[1][2][3]

The world was embroiled in World War II, and Paul found himself piloting the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane, a role that would see him soar to remarkable heights. He served as commander of the 396th Fighter Squadron, vice commander of the 368th Fighter Group, and later with the Thirty-sixth Fighter Group in Belgium, France, and Germany. His military record bore the weight of 136 missions and 337 combat hours. During these harrowing times, Paul's prowess in aerial combat shone brightly; he downed seven enemy aircraft in the air and destroyed twenty-seven enemy planes on the ground.^[1][2][3]

An emblem of his valor was the recommendation for the Medal of Honor, in addition to twice receiving the Distinguished Service Cross and three Distinguished Flying Crosses. Notably, he shot down three enemy aircraft in one flight on two separate occasions. He played a crucial role in the development of tactical strategies for the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, transforming it into a versatile and successful fighter plane during the early days of air combat in Europe. His unit even intercepted German V-1 rockets aimed at England during this period.^[1][2][3]

Amidst the tumult of war, Paul married his love, Sarah Lee Chandler, on December 22, 1944, in Nueces County, Texas.^[8] The war's end did not mark the end of his journey, as he graduated from Texas Christian University in 1948. He then returned to his wartime 36th Fighter Wing, assuming command of one of its squadrons in occupied West Germany.^[1][2]

Paul's post-war career was nothing short of illustrious. From jet operations officer at the Tactical Air Command Headquarters to commanding various groups and divisions, his contributions to the United States Air Force were significant. He flew different airplanes, including the F-86 Sabre and the F-89 Scorpion, demonstrating his versatility as a pilot.^[1][2]

The apex of his career came when he assumed command of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing in Thailand, flying the F-105 Thunderchief in 101 missions over North Vietnam. Notably, his aircraft was affectionately known as the "Arkansas Traveler." He retired from the Air Force on January 31, 1970, as a brigadier general, leaving behind a legacy of valor and dedication. Over sixty decorations punctuated his distinguished career, encompassing numerous accolades from numerous countries.^[1][2][9]

Brigadier General Paul Page Douglas Jr. continued to lead a purposeful life even in retirement. He worked as a purchasing agent for the University of Central Arkansas and managed a cattle farm in Greenbrier, Faulkner County, until 1983. Eventually settling near Bertram, west of Austin, he continued ranching and farming. His indomitable spirit and vitality remained evident even in his later years, as he engaged in activities like driving a tractor at the age of 83.^[1][2]

Tragically, this remarkable life ended on December 26, 2002, when Paul Page Douglas Jr. passed away at Darnall Army Community Hospital at Fort Hood, Texas.^[1][10] His legacy lives on, etched in the annals of history as one of the most decorated flyers in Air Force history, a true hero whose bravery and contributions continue to inspire generations. He was laid to rest at Central Texas State Veteran's Cemetery in Killeen, Bell County, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of valor, dedication, and unwavering service to his country.^[11]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9} Hamblen, Mack, Germantown, Tennessee, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "Paul Page Douglas Jr. (1919–2002)." Accessed 27 Aug 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8} Wikipedia contributors, "Paul P. Douglas Jr.," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paul_P._Douglas_Jr.&oldid=1164443155 (accessed August 28, 2023).
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3} Newspaper Clipping, Austin American-Statesman, Austin, Texas, 29 Dec 2002, Sun. - Page 31. "World War II fighter ace was rancher favorite at air shows." Accessed 27 Aug 2023.
4. ↑ U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947: The National Archives at Fort Worth, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For Arkansas, 10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147 Ancestry Record 2238 #14892364
5. ↑ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007: Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007. Ancestry Record 60901 #15351826
6. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Paragould, Greene, Arkansas; Roll: T625_65; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 93 Ancestry Record 6061 #84053214
7. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Dupo, St. Clair, Illinois; Page: 21B; Enumeration District: 0109; FHL microfilm: 2340292 Ancestry Record 6224 #87822702
8. ↑ Texas, U.S., Select County Marriage Records, 1837-1965: Nueces County Clerk's Office; Corpus Christi, Texas; Nueces County, Texas, Marriage Records Ancestry Record 9168 #22332512
9. ↑ U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010: Ancestry.com. U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS) Death File. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Ancestry Record 2441 #7068571
10. ↑ U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014: Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File Ancestry Record 3693 #16277292
11. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/16008430/paul-page-douglas: accessed 27 August 2023), memorial page for BG Paul Page Douglas Jr. (23 Apr 1919–26 Dec 2002), Find A Grave: Memorial #16008430, citing Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Bell County, Texas, USA; Maintained by Mark Utley (contributor 47178748).

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q30230344