Colonel PAUL P. DOUGLAS, JR., was awarded his first Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 20 October 1944. On this date, Lt. Colonel Douglas was returning to base as leader of a squadron of fighter aircraft with his supply of gasoline almost exhausted, when a formation of more than 20 enemy aircraft carrying bombs was observed. Completely disregarding the odds against him, he ordered all but five of his aircraft to return to base, and with this small number unhesitatingly attacked the enemy formation with such ferocity that they were forced to jettison their bombs directly over the city of Coblenz and take evasive action. In the ensuing combat, Lt. Colonel Douglas relentlessly pursued the enemy, destroyed three of his aircraft and damaged a fourth. His own plane was continually under attack and sustained many hits. He was painfully wounded and his airplane’s right wing was set on fire, yet he managed to return to base. The extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Lt. Colonel Douglas on this occasion are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Col. Douglas joined the Legion of Valor in 1961 and resided in Southern California. View Col. Douglas’ Oak Leaf Cluster citation.