Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Paul
Sarachon
Bechtel
March 4, 1917

–

March 3, 2003

Born:

Goodland

, 

Kansas

Home:

Goodland

, 

Kansas

Buried: 

Cashiers

, 

North Carolina

Cemetery:

Church of the Good Shepherd Cemetery

During World War II, Paul Bechtel became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After 4 victories with the U.S. Army Air Forces, on September 23, 1943 he netted his 5th while flying an F4U Corsair as a guest pilot with Marine Fighting Squadron 124, making him the only USAAF to become an ACE while flying a Corsair. He remained in service after World War II, and retired in 1963 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 124

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Paul Sarachon Bechtel (ASN: 0-376571), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the distinguished Flying Cross (Navy Award) for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 12th Pursuit Squadron, 18th Pursuit Group, on temporary duty with Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FOUR (VMF-124), in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    12th Pursuit Squadron

    Regiment:

    18th Pursuit Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Paul Sarachon Bechtel (ASN: 0-376571), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-39 Fighter Pilot of the 12th Pursuit Squadron, 18th Pursuit Group, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, 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.