The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Paul Norman Chase, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, from 4 January 1983 to 31 May 1984. During this period, his leadership, sound military judgment, and professional acumen contributed markedly to the success of the most complex and highly visible operational test and evaluation operations within the Department of Defense. Under his guidance a large number of weapon systems evaluation programs were planned, executed and completed in such a manner as to provide major improvement in the strength and operational readiness of the United States forces at an earlier date than was expected, thus contributing measurably to the nation’s security. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Chase culminate a distinguished career in the service elf his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
United States Military Academy Register of GraduatesThe President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Paul Norman Chase, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action with military operations against an opposing armed force as pilot of an A-1E aircraft, in action against the enemy over the Republic of Vietnam on 10 June 1965. Scrambled before dawn to the aid of the beleaguered Vietnamese force at Dong Xoai which was under heavy attack by the Viet Cong, Captain Chase bombed and strafed at night under an 800-foot ceiling and in the face of devastating hostile ground fire. Volunteering for a second mission into the area to show the next flight the best attack heading and tactics, he bombed hostile positions and strafed Viet Cong 50-caliber gun emplacements with great tenacity. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Chase has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 1, 1977 – July 13, 1979
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-612 (October 16, 1979)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Paul Norman Chase, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief, Fighter Division and as Chief, Tactical Support Division, Assistant Chief of Staff, Studies and Analyses, Headquarters United States Air Force from 1 July 1977 through 13 July 1979. His exemplary dedication to excellence in analysis, enabled with his outstanding professional skill, selfless efforts and his ability to perceive and articulate solutions to complex problems, enabled him to make direct, significant and positive contributions to the tactical force posture of the United States Air Force. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavors displayed by Colonel Chase reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Paul Norman Chase, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E pilot over Southeast Asia from 21 January 1965 to 27 January 1965. During this period, Captain Chase demonstrated outstanding professional skill, courage and devotion to duty. He aggressively pressed his attacks in the face of adverse weather and heavy ground fire from the Viet Cong. The superior skill, courage and selfless determination demonstrated by Captain Chase was directly responsible for turning the tide of battle, inflicting great damage on the hostile forces and preventing the loss of many friendly troops. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Chase reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.