Paul P. Douglas, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Paul P. Douglas, Jr., Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 396th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 14 March 1945, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date, for the second time in less than six months, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas shot down THREE enemy aircraft in a single engagement. Lieutenant Colonel Douglas’ unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Paul P. Douglas, Jr. (0-432187), Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 396th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 20 October 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date, Lieutenant 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, Lieutenant 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 Lieutenant Colonel Douglas on this occasion are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.