Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Paul
Gregory
Atkinson
July 25, 1922

–

October 1, 2002

Cemetery:

Washington Memorial Chapel Cemetery

Paul Atkinson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of June 1943. He retired in 1971 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    Aero Research Laboratories

    Division:

    Wright Patterson Air Force Base

    Action Date:

    1965 – 1969
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Paul Gregory Atkinson (ASN: 0-25973), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commanding Officer and later as Commanding Officer, Aero Research Laboratories, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, from 1965 to 1969.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Division:

    Air Force Systems Command

    Action Date:

    1969 – 1971
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Paul Gregory Atkinson (ASN: 0-25973), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Air Force Systems Command, from 1969 to 1971.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    670th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    416th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Paul Gregory Atkinson (ASN: 0-25973), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of an A-26 Medium Bomber in the 670th Bombardment Squadron, 416th Bombardment Group, NINTH Air Force, during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Division:

    Air Research and Development Command

    Action Date:

    1953 – 1956
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Paul Gregory Atkinson (ASN: 0-25973), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Air Research and Development Command from 1953 to 1956.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    670th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    416th Bombardment Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 23, 1945
    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 55 (May 27, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Paul Gregory Atkinson (ASN: 0-25973), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of an A-26 Medium Bomber in the 670th Bombardment Squadron, 416th Bombardment Group, NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 23 January 1945, against enemy ground targets in Europe. Just prior to starting a bomb run, Captain Atkinson’s aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire. He was struck in the face and his bombardier’s leg was almost severed. Despite these tremendous obstacles, he made the bombing run with excellent results. Then, since the bombardier was not able to bail out, he successfully made a crash landing once he got over friendly territory. His extraordinary heroism saved the life of the bombardier. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Atkinson on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.