Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Paul
Bernard
Wurtsmith
DNB (1946)
1906-08-09

–

1946-09-13

Born:

Detroit

, 

Michigan

Home:

Detroit

, 

Michigan

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Paul Wurtsmith was commissioned in 1928. He was promoted to Brigadier General, and then Major General, during World War II. He was killed in a B-25 crash en route to MacDill Field, Pennsylvania, on September 13, 1946.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    V Fighter Command

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 261 (November 6, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Bernard Wurtsmith (ASN: 0-17423), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Warhawk Fighter airplane and as Commander of the V Fighter Command, FIFTH Air Force in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. Flying in a B-24 Liberator Bomber, Colonel Wurtsmith charted a route to Rabaul through bad weather and remained over the target area an hour in daylight, subject to both anti-aircraft and fighter attack, to direct a large formation of American fighter and bomber aircraft to the target by radio. He stay to direct the actual attack, which resulted in great damage to enemy installations while fifteen enemy interceptors were shot down. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Wurtsmith, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Bernard Wurtsmith (ASN: 0-17423), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the FIFTH Air Force in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. 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 Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Paul Bernard Wurtsmith (ASN: 0-17423), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Wurtsmith and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    January 1943 – February 1945
    War Department, General Orders No. 79 (September 14, 1945)

    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 Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Paul Bernard Wurtsmith (ASN: 0-17423), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander of the 5th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in the Pacific Theater of Operations from January 1943 to February 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Wurtsmith and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    March 1942 – January 1943
    War Department, General Orders No. 4 (January 23, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Bernard Wurtsmith (ASN: 0-17423), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility in the vicinity of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, from March 1942 to January 1943. As commander of a Fighter Group, Colonel Wurtsmith demonstrated outstanding ability in organizing and training his group while maintaining active operations against the enemy. By personal example, initiative and indefatigable effort, he overcame major difficulties of supply and communication in a remote section of Australia, and at the same time maintained a high morale and fighting spirit in his command. His able leadership was demonstrated by the large percentage of airplanes maintained in commission, by the excellent condition of airfields and camp areas and by the combat record of his unit which, although repeatedly outnumbered by hostile aircraft it intercepted and engaged, shot down 38 enemy bombers and 40 enemy fighters with a loss of only 17 planes and 12 pilots. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Wurtsmith and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.