Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Carroll
W.
McColpin
November 15, 1914

–

November 28, 2003

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

During World War II Carroll McColpin flew first with the British Eagle Squadrons, and then became a United States Army Air Forces ACE credited with destroying 11 enemy aircraft in aerial combat and damaging three others. He retired as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    404th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 274 (November 22, 1944)

    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 Colonel (Air Corps) Carroll W. McColpin (ASN: 0-885221), United States Army Air Forces, for heroic and outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight in the European Theater of Operations on 6 June 1944. Colonel McColpin distinguished himself by a particularly high degree of leadership, bravery, and flying skill while personally leading his group on three assault cover missions in the vicinity of Caen and Bayeux on D-Day. With enemy ground installations throwing up an intense concentration of anti-aircraft fire, Colonel McColpin bravely led his squadron to attack enemy artillery installations, armored columns, and heavily defended machine gun emplacements in the path of advancing Allied units. The heavy losses in men and material inflicted on the enemy under his able leadership were of single importance to the advance of friendly troops in the sector covered; the brilliant leadership and dauntless courage exhibited by Colonel McColpin are in keeping with the highest traditions of the service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    April 1, 1957 – June 23, 1958

    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 Carroll W. McColpin (ASN: 0-885221), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 64th Air Division (Defense) from 1 April 1957 to 23 June 1958. During this period, Colonel McColpin displayed superior leadership and organizational ability in reorganizing the 64th Air Division to more effectively meet changing defense responsibilities. His initiative, leadership ability, and tact in dealing with others, insured a continuation of amicable, harmonious, and effective relationships with an allied sovereign nation. The exemplary accomplishments of Colonel McColpin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    July 22, 1963 – October 22, 1964

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Carroll W. McColpin (ASN: 0-885221), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Portland Air Defense Sector, and Portland North American Air Defense Command Sector, Air Defense Command, from 22 July 1963 to 22 October 1964. In these important positions, General McColpin demonstrated outstanding leadership and managerial ability in molding personnel and units of the United States Air Force, Army, and Navy into a highly effective combat readiness team. Under his guidance, the required standards for number of intercepts, both alive and simulated, were steadily increased as proficiency increased, so that the Sector averaged approximately six times the number of intercepts required. His initiative and inspiration to the members of his command resulted in the Sector receiving the General Frederick H. Smith Award and the Air Defense Command “A” Award. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General McColpin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    April 1, 1965 – August 31, 1968

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Carroll W. McColpin (ASN: 0-885221), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, FOURTH Air Force, Aerospace Defense Command, from 1 April 1965 to 31 August 1968. During this period, General McColpin’s dynamic leadership and managerial ability welded a truly outstanding team devoted to the interests of air defense of the Western North American Continent. He insured that all units within his command quickly reached and maintained a high level of operational capability thereby contributing to the overall defense posture of the United States. The untiring leadership and high dedication of purpose displayed by General McColpin enabled the Aerospace Defense Command to provide full support to the national effort in Southeast Asia. His clearly superior guidance and highly motivated efforts in support of top priority tasks resulted in a high degree of preparedness for aircrew and non-aircrew personnel processing through activities of his command an en route to the Southeast Asia theater of operations. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General McColpin culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1958 – July 15, 1962
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order G-90 (October 5, 1962)

    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 Brigadier General Carroll W. McColpin (ASN: 0-885221), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of Operations, Headquarters North American Air Defense Command, Continental Air Defense Command, from 1 August 1958 to 15 July 1962. During this period, General McColpin displayed exceptional leadership and outstanding judgment in establishing and implementing operational procedures and concepts for the aerospace defense of the North American Continent. His intimate knowledge of the requirements and capabilities of the United States military forces and Royal Canadian Air Force enabled him to mold these forces into a highly effective integrated aerospace defense system. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General McColpin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.