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Navy Federal Credit Union
Wilbur
Lyman
Creech
March 30, 1927

–

August 26, 2003

Wilbur Creech enlisted as a Private in 1944 after graduating from high school. He flew combat missions during the Korean War, and earned the Silver Star in aerial action during the Vietnam War. He retired in 1985 as a U.S. Air Force 4-Star General.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Regiment:

    Electronic Systems Division

    Division:

    Air Force Systems Command

    Action Date:

    October 9, 1974 – April 30, 1977

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Wilbur Lyman Creech (AFSN: 19867A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Creech distinguished himself as Commander of the Electronic Systems Division, Air Force Systems Command, from 9 October 1974 to 30 April 1977. During this period, General Creech’s outstanding achievements and his dynamic leadership and initiative resulted in the development and acquisition of command, control and communications systems essential to national defense and the global requirements of the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Creech reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Wilbur Lyman Creech (AFSN: 19867A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    November 16, 1968 – November 7, 1969
    Headquarters, Pacific Air Force, Special Order G-346 (December 1, 1969)

    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 Colonel Wilbur Lyman Creech (AFSN: 19867A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander for Operations, 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, Phu Cat Air Base, Assistant to the Deputy, Tactical Air Control Center, and as Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Headquarters, SEVENTH Air Force, Republic of Vietnam, from 16 November 1968 to 7 November 1969. In these important positions, Colonel Creech’s leadership qualities, unexcelled tactical expertise, coupled with superb mastery in writing and speaking, resulted in the optimum solution of highly complex problems which contributed significantly to the success of the Free World Forces mission in Southeast Asia. Through his exceptional executive talent, Colonel Creech provided outstanding direction and guidance to the operational staff. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Creech reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant [then Second Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Regiment:

    51st Fighter-Interceptor Group

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1950
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 124 (February 14, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant [then Second Lieutenant] Wilbur Lyman Creech (AFSN: 19867A), United States Air Force, for heroism extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 8 November 1950, while serving with the 25th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group. Lieutenant Creech led his flight of four F-80’s on a very successful fighter sweep in the area of Sinuiju, Korea. He exhibited conspicuous skill and leadership in maneuvering his flight on successful rocketing and strafing attacks destroying four anti-aircraft gun positions. Despite accurate and very intense enemy ground fire and although his aircraft sustained major battle damage during the maneuver, First Lieutenant Creech continued pressing his attack until his flight was attacked by eight enemy aircraft. While the remainder of his flight successfully fought off the enemy attack, First Lieutenant Creech skillfully maneuvered his crippled aircraft back to his home base. First Lieutenant Creech’s heroism, skill, and devotion to duty and daring disregard for personal safety resulted in this outstanding strike against the hostile forces which reflects great credit and distinction upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    March 19, 1969

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Colonel Wilbur Lyman Creech (AFSN: 19867A), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia on 19 March 1969. On that date, Colonel Creech led an element of fighter aircraft against numerous hostile anti-aircraft gun positions. Despite intense ground fire, Colonel Creech, with complete disregard for his own safety, made repeated attacks on the positions and placed his ordnance on target under the most hazardous of conditions. His actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and greatly enhanced the safety of the other aircraft involved in the attack. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Creech reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    August 1956 – May 1959
    Headquarters, Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 61 (November 17, 1959)

    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 Captain Wilbur Lyman Creech (AFSN: 19867A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the United States Air Forces in Europe Aerial Demonstration Team from August 1956 to May 1959. The exceptionally high degree of flying skill, leadership, diplomacy, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Creech greatly enhanced the prestige and good will of the United States and contributed immeasurably to the solidarity of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Creech reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    37th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Phu Cat Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    January 14, 1969
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1129 (March 22, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Wilbur Lyman Creech (AFSN: 19867A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-100 Aircraft of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, Phu Cat Air Base, Vietnam, PACIFIC Air Forces, in action in Southeast Asia on 14 January 1969. On that date, while leading a flight of four F-100 aircraft, Colonel Creech’s wingman lost sight of him near the target area due to weather conditions that restricted visibility from one and one-half to one-half nautical miles. Unable to join his flight together for a concentrated attack on an anti-aircraft artillery complex which contained large caliber guns and supporting automatic weapons, Colonel Creech single-handedly attacked the anti-aircraft artillery complex against formidable odds, and dealt a severe blow to the anti-aircraft defenses protecting high priority targets in the area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Creech has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    General

    Regiment:

    Tactical Air Command

    Division:

    Langley Air Force Base, Virginia

    Action Date:

    May 1, 1978 – October 31, 1984

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to General Wilbur Lyman Creech (AFSN: 19867A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Creech distinguished himself as Commander, Tactical Air Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, from 1 May 1978 to 31 October 1984. In this vital position of responsibility, the dynamic leadership, exemplary foresight, and extraordinary initiative demonstrated by General Creech were key to the operational readiness and management effectiveness of the Tactical Air command. His professional skill, unsurpassed dedication, and ingenuity resulted in the continuing enhancement of the overall military preparedness posture of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Creech 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.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Wilbur Lyman Creech (AFSN: 19867A), United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Creech reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Creech and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    General

    Division:

    Air Forces Atlantic

    Action Date:

    May 1978 – September 1984

    Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Wilbur Lyman Creech (AFSN: 19867A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally distinguished service in concurrent positions as Commander, Tactical Air Command, and as Commander in Chief, Air Forces Atlantic, from May 1978 to September 1984. General Creech displayed dynamic leadership, rare political and military acumen, and superb planning expertise of the highest order in expanding the combat readiness of United States air forces to conduct joint operations with the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. His initiation of numerous important projects significantly enhanced the command and control capabilities of Air Forces Atlantic and ensured the capability to respond to contingencies in the increasingly important Caribbean area as well as other areas worldwide. The distinctive accomplishments of General Creech culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.