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. 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. 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. 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. Vietnam War. 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. Douglas died on December 26, 2002. He is buried in the Central Texas State Veteran's Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. 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.